NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Washington, DC, December 6, 2024: Shyam Sankar, a Mumbai-born technologist raised in Orlando, Florida, is reportedly being considered as former President Donald Trump’s nominee for the Pentagon’s chief research and engineering position. Currently serving as Chief Technology Officer and Executive Vice President of Palantir Technologies, Sankar is a seasoned expert with over two decades of experience in developing disruptive software and artificial intelligence solutions.
The position, which oversees the Department of Defense’s research, development, and prototyping efforts, plays a critical role in shaping the Pentagon’s technological priorities. Sankar’s candidacy comes at a time when his critiques of the department’s acquisition processes have gained traction. In a recent paper, he called for a major overhaul of the Pentagon’s procurement system, advocating for the adoption of commercially available technology to cut costs and speed up development. He has also criticized the widespread use of cost-plus contracts, which he argues contribute to inefficiencies in defense spending.
Sankar joined Palantir Technologies in its early days as employee number 13, helping the company evolve into a global leader in software and AI. He is credited with pioneering the role of the Forward Deployed Engineer, which has become a hallmark of Palantir’s approach to solving complex problems for government and private-sector clients.
An alumnus of Cornell University, where he earned a degree in electrical and computer engineering, and Stanford University, where he obtained a master’s in management science and engineering, Sankar has become a prominent figure in the tech world. In addition to his role at Palantir, he serves as Chairman of Ginkgo Bioworks, a biotechnology company.
Sankar is also recognized for his thought leadership. He has published extensively, testified before congressional committees, and launched the First Breakfast Initiative, a platform for his insights on defense and technology. In 2024, he was named one of the “Top 7 People in Defense Tech.”
Cover photo courtesy of TEDX.
