Empowering Minds, Enhancing Defense
AI4Defense
About Us
AI4Defense is an incubator program for high school and early undergraduate students to explore AI applications in national defense. Supported by leading defense agencies, it provides mentorship and culminates in a showcase at the AI4Defense Symposium.
Virtual Sessions
(June 22nd – July 19th)
Engage in virtual sessions where participants collaborate with mission partners, develop AI solutions, and receive mentorship from experts.
Saturday Morning Sessions
(TBD)
Attend optional Saturday morning sessions for additional learning and collaboration opportunities.
AI4Defense Symposium
(July 20th, Mason Square – Arlington)
Culminating event where participants showcase their AI innovations, receive feedback, and network with peers and industry experts.
Selection Notification
(By June 15th)
Participants will be notified of their selection status by June 15th via email.
Agenda
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 10:00 AM | Registration |
| 10:30 AM | Opening Remarks Dr. Richard Reiken (Program Officer, Air Force Office of Scientific Research) and Kedar Pavgi (National Capital Region Director & Acting Strategic Engagements Director at National Security Innovation Network, Department of Defense) |
| 10:45 AM | Introduction of Judges |
| 10:55 AM | Team FlightList Introductions |
| 10:57 AM | Team FlightList Presentation |
| 11:09 AM | Judges Feedback and Q&A for Team FlightList |
| 11:15 AM | Audience Q&A for Team FlightList |
| 11:18 AM | Team ReqFusion Introductions |
| 11:20 AM | Team ReqFusion Presentation |
| 11:32 AM | Judges Feedback and Q&A for Team ReqFusion |
| 11:38 AM | Audience Q&A for Team ReqFusion |
| 11:41 AM | Team TermTrack Introductions |
| 11:43 AM | Team TermTrack Presentation |
| 11:55 AM | Judges Feedback and Q&A for Team TermTrack |
| 12:01 PM | Audience Q&A for Team TermTrack |
| 12:04 PM | Team Wingman Introductions |
| 12:06 PM | Team Wingman Presentation |
| 12:18 PM | Judges Feedback and Q&A for Team Wingman |
| 12:24 PM | Audience Q&A for Team Wingman |
| 12:27 PM | Robotics for Defense by Dr. Xuesu Xiao, Assistant Professor of Computer Science, George Mason University |
| 12:41 PM | Awards Presentation |
| 12:45 PM | Networking and Lunch |
Guest Speakers
Kamaljeet Sanghera
Executive Director of the Institute for Digital Innovation at George Mason University, recognized for her leadership in advancing digital research and education initiatives.
Mihai Boicu
Associate Professor at George Mason University, specializes in AI and personalized education, recognized receiving the Innovative Application Award from AAAI.
Caitlin Bowers
A dynamic leader and dual-use technology advocate, with a strong background in training and development, customer relationship management, and lean innovation.
Kedar Pavgi
Kedar Pavgi is an experienced professional in the field of technology and innovation, particularly focused on national security and defense.
Xuesu Xiao
Assistant professor in the Department of Computer Science at George Mason University who also directs the RobotiXX lab.
Mission Partners
Michael Sabin (CTR)
Air Combat Command Air Force.
Omar Marrero
Government Contractor Air Operations Command Air Force.
Jeremy Grenfell
Space Systems Operations Specialist National Reconnaissance Office Space Force
Allen Vance
Acting Deputy Director Defense Digital Service Department of Defense
Event Judges
Max Weintraub
Senior Program Manager, NSIN
Tanveer Zaheer
OpenText President
David Gagliano
VP for Booz Allen
Daniel Zhu
X-Force Program Manager, NSIN
Student Participants Gallery
Fueling Ambition Through Teamwork and Innovation. Students join forces to create impactful AI solutions for a brighter tomorrow.
Sponsors
Air Force Office of Scientific Research
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National Security Innovation Network
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Children’s Science Center Lab
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Partnerships
The Air force Research Laboratory
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Institute for Digital Innovation, GMU
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Children’s Science Center
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Event Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to participate?
Early ninth graders through early undergraduate students are eligible to apply. Some classroom experience in Python or Java is expected.
What will I be doing?
In a month-long AI4Defense Scholars opportunity, you will work with a mission partner to develop an idea to solve a problem posed by one of our participating agencies. You will gain skills in AI, receive mentoring to flesh out your concept, and strengthen your communication and collaboration skills by working on a project.
Where will the program take place?
The AI4Defense Scholars will take place virtually. Some sessions might be offered on Saturday mornings. The Symposium will be at George Mason University, Arlington (Mason Square campus), on July 20th.
When will the program take place?
The program will occur virtually from June 20th to July 22nd, with an in-person Symposium on July 20th.
When will I find out if I have been selected?
You will find out if you’ve been selected by June 15th.
What if I have other questions?
Reach out to Kammy Sanghera at ksangher@gmu.edu
Let Us Know
Please RSVP at your earliest convenience to secure your spot at the upcoming symposium. We look forward to your participation!