Nicholas Rocha

Nick is the founder and CEO of Neptune SHIELD Innovation Tech Hub. With a mission to rapidly develop and quickly field defense applications of emerging dual-use technologies to enhance war fighting advantage and the lethality of U.S. joint forces, as well as support the maritime industry, streamline efficiencies, and protect the homeland ports and harbors. Neptune SHIELD is both flex co-working facility and center of excellence. Neptune SHIELD leverages operationally experienced students, defense-expert faculty, and partner ecosystem, located in Virginia Beach, VA to accelerate technology concepts and capabilities at greater speed and scale. Empowering Veterans thru education and work force training while developing innovative technologies to support the current war fighter, and harnessing the value of those recently retired. Neptune SHIELD brings together the trifecta of Academia, Government and Industry. Nick is a combat proven Senior Enlisted Navy SEAL who served 26 years as in various positions and commands. His tours within the US Special Operations community include nine combat deployments to Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He specialized in tactical comms, Air Ops, UAVs and AUVs. He graduated from Norwich University with a BS in Strategic Studies and Defense Analysis. He served as Operations of Naval Special Warfare Unit 2 in Stuttgart, Germany before he retired. He is married to his lovely wife Angela for 20+ years and they have three children.