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The Brown University Master’s in Technology Leadership (MTL) program is designed to shape leaders in the tech space, but for three of its 2024 graduates, it did something even bigger – it helped build the foundation for a company.
Kognitiv Edge, a tech startup modernizing training, operations and talent management for elite teams was founded by husband-and-wife duo Tyler Van Hook and Colleen Thamm. Through the MTL program, they met Matt Ackerman, a seasoned software engineer, who later joined them in bringing their vision to life.
Identifying the problem
The idea for Kognitiv Edge emerged from Van Hook’s experience as a Marine Raider and instructor and later as a consultant for a major defense contractor. He saw firsthand how tough it was to recruit and keep specialized talent, leading to wasted time, resources and potential.
“When I was in the military, we looked at how much it costs to recruit, train and certify one individual for special operations,” Van Hook said. “It was costing more and more to train and the attrition rate was incredibly high.”
Determined to find a solution, Van Hook and Thamm started exploring ways to leverage technology to make training more efficient and data-driven, using data analytics to streamline the process. As they refined their concept, they realized they would benefit from specialized business education in the tech space. When they found the MTL program at Brown, they both took the leap and enrolled.
From classrooms to contracts
One of the standout aspects of the program is the capstone: the Critical Challenge Project (CCP), which allows students to work on real-world projects. For Thamm and Van Hook, this project became a launching pad for Kognitiv Edge. They developed a product for the U.S. Department of State, applying the same approaches they had used to reduce attrition in special operations training.
“The government says they want to and must innovate, but they want to accept minimum risk,” Van Hook said. “Our CCP helped bridge that gap. We built the minimum viable product and beta-tested it with the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security. That’s when we knew we were onto something.”
They also got invited to the Nelson Center for Entrepreneurship’s Breakthrough Lab (B-LAB) where Thamm spent two months refining their business. Their venture gained traction quickly, culminating in an invitation to pitch at the Special Operations Forces Week (SOF Week), one of the world’s top special forces conferences. Out of thousands of applicants, Kognitiv Edge was one of the 10 companies selected to present. “They loved the idea and funded us to research it further,” Van Hook said.
The power of the MTL program
For Thamm, the program’s blend of technology and leadership was invaluable in helping her navigate the evolving tech landscape. Van Hook, transitioning from a military background, found it essential in adapting his leadership style for the corporate world.
The program also introduced them to Ackerman, who had spent years leading technical teams at Delta Air Lines. While he wasn’t actively looking to join a startup, his time at Brown opened his eyes to new opportunities.
“I wanted to not only implement technology but also help guide strategy,” Ackerman said. “The program gave me that perspective.”
Shortly before graduating, he made a bold decision — leaving his corporate job and joining Van Hook and Thamm as Kognitiv Edge’s CTO.
Since then, Kognitiv Edge has grown from an idea into a company with numerous contracts, millions in revenue, an expanding team and a clear vision for the future.
“We started with just the three of us, and now we’re close to 10 employees,” Thamm said. “The impact is growing, and the more talented people we bring on, the more possibilities we see.”
Looking ahead, they’re working on even bigger projects, including modernizing Human Performance Data Management Systems.
Lessons from Brown
For all three graduates, the MTL program wasn’t just about coursework — it was about the people. They found themselves surrounded by ambitious peers from diverse backgrounds, including professionals from tech giants like Amazon, Google and Microsoft.