Blue Sky Innovators (BSI) CEO Tim Tkacz was selected to deliver the opening remarks at the National Artificial Intelligence Association’s (NAIA) inaugural AI and the Warfighter: Defense Innovation Dinner on June 11 — a historic convening of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, senior Department of War officials, and national security leaders focused on the future of AI-enabled defense. Tkacz, who serves on the NAIA Advisory Board, took the stage ahead of Secretary Hegseth to set the tone for an evening at the intersection of artificial intelligence and national security.
Secretary Hegseth then delivered the keynote address, articulating a clear vision: artificial intelligence must strengthen the American warfighter and preserve U.S. military and technological superiority — without ever replacing the judgment of commanders or those serving on the front lines. His remarks reinforced the importance of a Pentagon that actively welcomes industry innovation and the best capabilities the private sector can bring to bear on national security challenges.
NAIA CEO Caleb Max captured the significance of the evening: “We were incredibly honored that Secretary Hegseth joined our Defense Innovation Dinner. The industry is grateful to have a leader at the Pentagon that welcomes our industry and the best and brightest innovations that can help keep Americans safe. As we celebrate a historic 250th year of our great nation, we must remember that the ability to build and do great things is in the American DNA.”
Tkacz’s selection to open the evening reflects BSI’s growing standing at the forefront of defense AI. The company recently launched SkyLab, a 20,000-square-foot secure innovation facility in Reston, Virginia, and Tkacz was named Executive of the Year at the 18th Annual SECAF Government Contractor Awards. BSI’s portfolio — including SkyEye, SkyRide, and SkyWatch — embodies exactly what Secretary Hegseth called for: technology that empowers rather than supplants the warfighter.
As America marks its 250th year, Blue Sky Innovators stands ready to help the federal government harness AI to protect its people, project strength abroad, and maintain military and technological supremacy in an increasingly competitive world. A full replay of the Defense Innovation Dinner is available at www.thenaia.org.
