WHITESPACE:

HOW ONE COMPANY IS HELPING THE NAVY MAKE FASTER DECISIONS

Every military decision depends on information—but information alone isn’t enough.

That’s the challenge Jackie Barbieri set out to solve when she founded

Whitespace. Through its AI-enabled platform, Iris, the company helps transform complex data into timely, actionable intelligence that supports faster, more informed decisions across defense and security missions.

In our latest NWTB Founder Spotlight, Barbieri shares the story behind Whitespace, the philosophy of “operating in the whitespace,” and what she’s learned building AI for one of the world’s most demanding customers. She also discusses the value of partnering with the Navy innovation ecosystem and offers practical advice for startups looking to break into the defense market.

DEFENSE TECH JAM

COMING TO SEATTLE

What happens when game developers, AI engineers, designers, entrepreneurs, and defense professionals spend 48 hours tackling real military challenges?

That’s the idea behind the inaugural Defense Tech Jam Seattle, bringing the successful Orlando event to the Pacific Northwest after three years of growth.

This 48-hour innovation challenge connects the region’s world-class gaming and technology communities with defense partners to rapidly prototype solutions that address real-world training, simulation, and operational needs. Whether you’re a developer, designer, founder, or defense innovator, it’s an opportunity to collaborate, build, and help shape the future of national defense.

September 18–20

225 Northeastern University, Seattle WA

UPCOMING EVENTS

JOIN US

• August 17-18 | CMMC-PNW 2026, Suquamish,WA

• August 18 | NNSA Innovation Day, Santa Clara, CA

• September 18-20 | Defense Tech Jam Seattle, Seattle, WA

• October 19-25 | Maritime Blue One Ocean Week, Greater Seattle Area

Interested in exploring defense applications for your technology?

The Northwest Tech Bridge helps Washington state companies

connect with Navy stakeholders, navigate funding opportunities, and identify pathways for technology transition.

Our focus is on supporting collaboration between small and medium-sized businesses, government agencies, academic partners and innovators who are new to working with the Department of the Navy.

Get one-on-one, no cost assistance from our advisors by filling out the Request Assistance form on our website.

THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST TECH BRIDGE IS A PROUD PARTNER OF: