Emerging Tech

DHS sets its research sights on 8 emerging technologies

The Department of Homeland Security’s Innovation, Research and Development Strategic Plan focuses its investment the next seven years on AI, cybersecurity, biotech and more. 

Artificial Intelligence

NASA is working to onboard AI tools

The space agency is testing a generative AI capability that officials expect to go live this summer with approvals to use sensitive internal data.

Emerging Tech

Space operations likely to be shaped by sustainable emerging tech, report says

Innovative capabilities that promote reusability, safety and longevity are likely to dictate the future of space exploration, according to a recent white paper from Forecast International.

Ideas

Driving innovation from the middle

COMMENTARY | NASA's Jennifer Elkins is an example of how senior civil servants can affect change in large organizations.

People

The White House’s tech team, 10 years after HealthCare.gov

Mina Hsiang, the administrator of the U.S. Digital Service, was on the team that saved the flawed website supporting Affordable Care Act enrollment 10 years ago. Now, she leads the tech team born from that crisis.

Digital Government

Civic hackers explore ways to streamline government operations

Lawmakers and technologists united for a day of civic hacking on Capitol Hill as part of an effort to modernize government services and make government operations more efficient.

Emerging Tech

Emerging tech is an SBA priority for both internal systems and external assistance

The Small Business Administration is leading the charge to democratize access to emerging technologies — particularly AI — across U.S. companies.

Emerging Tech

IARPA’s new pants will record your location

The intelligence research agency is crafting smart clothing technology equipped with audio, video and geolocation sensors.

Digital Government

DOD’s data integration experiments help to identify benefits and barriers to new tech 

“We want to fail,” the deputy chief of the Pentagon’s AI office said about a series of experiments supporting the Defense Department’s JADC2 efforts.

Artificial Intelligence

DOD experimenting with generative AI, even as ‘potential downsides’ give officials pause

The deputy chief of the agency’s AI office said the department is working with industry to address concerns about the emerging tech.

Emerging Tech

Citizens are helping government reach its ambitious scientific goals

The government is looking for everyday people to help collect, study or parse information related to various scientific projects.

Policy

Congress must use budget power to move tech firms out of Beijing’s orbit, former lawmaker says

Former congressman and Under Secretary of the Army Patrick Murphy said lawmakers need to be focused “like a bulldog on a bone” when ensuring the U.S. is positioned to compete with China’s tech ambitions.

Digital Government

Worried that your TV is listening to you? IARPA wants to safeguard your voice

The intelligence community’s research agency wants to develop technology to anonymize voices recorded by electronic devices and help safeguard privacy.

Emerging Tech

Military vehicle electrification continues to roll forward, but may face bumps in the road

The U.S. military operates more than 174,000 non-tactical vehicles, the second highest number in the federal government.

Policy

US deploys tech diplomacy to cultivate leadership in emerging fields

The Biden administration’s latest foreign policy pillar prioritizes uniform standards on critical technologies within ally nations.

Emerging Tech

Air Force Research Lab Tests Tech That Blasts Drones Down With Microwaves

The lab is testing this new technology to combat swarms of drones and to be able to do so from a greater distance than existing counter-drone technologies.

Emerging Tech

Energy Eyes Industry Partnerships to Further Biofuel Development

The Biden administration has placed emphasis on domestic biomanufacturing, and Energy engineers hope to spur cellulosic material-based biofuel development. 

Digital Government

First National Standards Strategy Aims to Keep U.S. Competitive in Emerging Tech

Unveiled Thursday, the strategy promotes private sector and international collaboration with federal officials as emerging technologies continue to advance. 

Emerging Tech

Launch of First 3D-Printed Rocket Included Innovative NASA Alloy

The alloy could be used in future missions to the moon and Mars and can withstand high temperatures while reducing the weight and cost of components.