CNXN Helix Wins U.S. Department of the Navy Prize Challenge

CNXN Helix Center for Applied AI and Robotics has been awarded a first-place prize as part of the Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Atlantic Palmetto Tech Bridge's Secure Commercially-Based Artificial Intelligence Environment for Real-World Naval Applications prize challenge. The NIWC Atlantic Palmetto Tech Bridge, in collaboration with the Program Executive Office for Manpower, Logistics and Business Solutions, issued the challenge, seeking generative AI and machine learning solutions that will enable Navy users to use secure AI capabilities in a practical, real-world way.

Jamal Khan, Head of the CNXN Helix Center for Applied AI and Robotics said, “Securing a first-place win in a Department of the Navy prize challenge is a testament to the innovativeness of the CNXN Helix team—and a validation of our expertise, technical capabilities, and deep understanding of the AI landscape and our clients’ challenges. We are proud to help the Department of the Navy develop a highly adaptable, secure environment to address their growing AI needs and we look forward to building on this success.”

The winning concept from CNXN Helix demonstrates a secure, pre-configured environment that supports both experimentation and operational use by non-AI/ML experts. Designed to operate as an air-gapped AI environment, the platform offers a flexible, scalable solution for mission-critical operations. The proposed concept features both custom and commercially available components that utilize industry-standard best practices to ensure data security, isolation, and confidential computing at every layer. The Secure Commercially-Based AI Environment for Real-World Naval Applications Challenge is part of the U.S. Government’s efforts to recognize outstanding achievements in basic, advanced, and applied research, technology development, and prototype development.