Acting Defense Innovation Unit Director Discusses Agency Priorities, Changes

Mike Madsen, the Defense Innovation Unit’s acting director, recently spoke to DefenseScoop about his organization’s mission and the changes that have occurred during his time in it. He said he is spending his final days working with Doug Beck, the newly appointed director, to “take DIU to the next level.”

Madsen said Beck, a former Apple executive, is “a fantastic choice” to lead the organization given its current focus on utilizing private sector capabilities and incorporating elements such as best practices and refresh cycles. According to Madsen, a previous Wash100 winner and Potomac Officers Club speaker, DIU is also considering what it can do to advocate for advanced technologies early in the Department of Defense’s acquisition planning.

Madsen noted that improvements have been made since his predecessor Michael Brown voiced concerns over DIU’s lack of support within the DOD, including a budgetary increase for fiscal year 2023 and realignment directly under the secretary of defense, DefenseScoop reported Friday.