Dr. Christopher Kirchhoff is a renowned authority on emerging technologies and national security, with a career characterised by transformative leadership across government, defence, and technology. As the Founder of the Pentagon’s Defence Innovation Unit X (DIUx), he pioneered the Department of Defence’s first Silicon Valley office. His tenure saw the creation of an innovative acquisition pathway for start-ups, enabling over $70 billion in defence technology contracts and revolutionising the military’s adoption of cutting-edge innovations like flying cars and microsatellites.
During the Obama administration, Christopher served as Director for Strategic Planning at the National Security Council, where he spearheaded pivotal initiatives tackling global crises, including the U.S. response to the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. He also acted as Senior Civilian Aide to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, managing strategic projects focused on future military technologies, crisis response, and international security. His contributions earned him prestigious accolades, including the Secretary of Defence Medal for Outstanding Service and the Civilian Service Medal for Hazardous Duty in Iraq.
In the private sector, Christopher has demonstrated exceptional leadership. He played an instrumental role in expanding the philanthropic efforts of Google CEO Eric Schmidt, growing the initiative into a $1 billion programme. More recently, he has concentrated on advancing artificial intelligence innovation and safety through his work with Anthropic, a leading AI research organisation. His expertise has solidified his reputation as a trusted advisor on the future of warfare and digital transformation.
As an accomplished author and strategic thinker, Dr. Christopher Kirchhoff has penned influential works, including Hard Lessons: The Iraq Reconstruction Experience and Unit X: How the Pentagon and Silicon Valley Are Transforming the Future of War. These publications have garnered critical acclaim for their profound insights into the intersection of technology and global security. A graduate of Harvard University and a Gates Scholar at Cambridge University, Christopher is also a compelling speaker, whose career reflects a steadfast dedication to innovation, resilience, and addressing the complexities of the digital age.
