aiqbench analysis

Despite a surge in venture capital and a proposed 40% defense budget increase, most new startups face a high risk of failing to transition from prototype contracts to scalable production. The key differentiator for survival in this sector will be the ability to navigate the "Valley of Death" between initial government funding and real-world deployment. Investors and founders must prioritize operational resilience over rapid valuation growth to withstand the intense competition for limited production contracts.