The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science & Technology Directorate (S&T) recently launched two challenges that will advance software assurance for national security and driving innovation.
The challenges are part of the Genesis Mission, a national initiative aimed at strengthening the United States’ security, resilience, and global leadership in critical technology domains.
“America’s security and prosperity depend on our ability to understand and control the technologies that underpin our critical infrastructure and bioeconomy,” Pedro Allende, DHS under secretary for science and technology, said. “By launching these new challenges, DHS is taking decisive action to ensure our nation remains resilient against evolving threats and continues to lead in scientific innovation. Our investments in software assurance and biotechnology will provide lasting advantages for national security, public safety, and economic competitiveness.”
The first challenge, Software Understanding for National Security, addresses the risks posed by widespread reliance on third-party and legacy software in critical infrastructure and mission systems. Participants will develop advanced AI-driven tools that can autonomously analyze, verify, and assure the safety and security of software-controlled systems.
By leveraging agentic AI and formal methods, DHS said it aims to revolutionize software supply chain assurance.
The second challenge, Early Detection and Attribution of Biological Threats, aims to deploy AI-enabled platforms to rapidly detect, characterize, and attribute emerging biological threats with the goal of shrinking detection and response timelines.
That initiative leverages the United States’ biological data resources, national laboratory infrastructure, and cross-agency expertise to drive innovation and secure the nation’s technological future.