SUNY Poly-led research will leverage generative AI, advanced modeling, and university collaboration to strengthen U.S. Army strategic operations and readiness across complex, multi-domain environments

UTICA, NY– SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) has been awarded a landmark $61.9 million contract by the U.S. Department of Defense to equip the U.S. Army with advanced, data-driven analytical tools.  The award, one of the largest in SUNY Poly’s history, solidifies the institute’s position as a premier leader in applied artificial intelligence and defense-focused innovation.  The initiative aims to provide commanders with a decisive strategic advantage in an increasingly volatile global landscape by integrating high-velocity AI into the Army’s core decision-making frameworks.

“We are honored to receive this significant investment from the Department of Defense,” said SUNY Poly President Dr. Winston Soboyejo. “This award reflects SUNY Poly’s research excellence and our commitment to solving the nation’s most complex security challenges. By working closely with our partners, we will deliver transformative technologies that ensure the Army remains agile, informed, and ready for any multi-domain conflict.”

The first project under the contract – a $5 million FY25 Defense Appropriation that was championed by U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, and prioritized within the Appropriations Committee by Senator Gillibrand – will focus on synchronizing operations across land, air, space, and cyberspace. Led by SUNY Poly in collaboration with the University of South Florida and the University System of Maryland, the Foundational Models and Modeling Perseveration for AI research initiative will directly support the U.S. Army Transformation Decision Analysis Center (TDAC).  

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer said, “I fought for and delivered $5 million in last year’s federal budget to jumpstart this cutting-edge SUNY Poly initiative to enhance our national security and SUNY Poly’s place at the forefront of AI research. Today, I am proud to say that this $61.9 million federal contract – one of the largest in SUNY Poly history – is proof positive that the Department of Defense agrees with me. This award positions SUNY Poly as a national leader in the development of safe and reliable AI capabilities to give our soldiers the edge on strategy, decision-making, and success in challenging and dynamic environments.”

“The innovators at SUNY Poly represent the very best of New York’s ingenuity, and I am proud to have helped secure the initial $5 million appropriation to support their cutting-edge work under this $61.9 million contract,” said U.S. Senator Gillibrand, member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “Artificial intelligence will shape the future of our national security, and the United States should be leading the world in developing it responsibly. I will continue fighting to deliver the federal dollars needed to ensure SUNY Poly can keep leading the way developing next-generation technology right here in New York.”

Representative John W. Mannion (NY-22) said, “Congratulations to President Soboyejo and the entire SUNY Poly community on this major Department of Defense award. SUNY Poly is a regional priority and a national asset, and this $61.9 million contract reflects the talent, research, and innovation happening across the Mohawk Valley. I’ve been proud to support SUNY Poly’s growth and mission, and I’ll keep working to ensure the federal government recognizes what we already know – that Central New York and the Mohawk Valley are vital to America’s national defense, with world-class research and cutting-edge technology that helps keep our country safe.”

The research will emphasize the integration of generative artificial intelligence, foundation models, and advanced inference systems to simulate complex operational scenarios and provide predictive insights. These tools will enable the Army to better assess risks, evaluate strategies, and respond to evolving threats in both competitive and crisis environments.

The project will also explore a range of advanced capabilities, including synthetic data generation, anomaly detection, and the use of large language models and time-series foundation models to enhance situational awareness. Researchers will also focus on improving the reliability and security of AI systems operating in adversarial and resource-constrained environments, ensuring robust performance even under cyber threats or disrupted conditions.

SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said, “SUNY is at the forefront of advancing AI for the public good and helping protect our nation and strengthen our democracy. I applaud SUNY Poly and President Soboyejo for achieving this partnership and look forward to continuing our groundbreaking research at SUNY Poly and throughout the SUNY System.”

A key component of the initiative involves simulating battlefield environments and enabling spatial reasoning through the integration of generative AI and active inference models. These innovations will allow military planners to evaluate complex scenarios before they unfold, improving preparedness and reducing uncertainty in high-stakes decision-making.

“This work represents a major step forward in leveraging AI and machine learning to support resilient and adaptive decision-making for the Army,” said Dr. Michael Carpenter, Vice President for Research at SUNY Poly. “Our team is developing sophisticated models that can synthesize vast amounts of data, generate realistic scenarios, and provide actionable intelligence. These capabilities will be critical in helping the Army anticipate challenges and maintain a strategic edge.”

Through this effort, SUNY Poly and its partners will contribute to the Army’s broader modernization strategy, supporting the development of next-generation analytical tools that inform readiness, capability development, and operational planning.  For the past two years, SUNY Poly researchers (Principal Investigator Dr. Bill Thistleton and Co-Principal Investigators and contributors Dr. Arjun Singh, Dr. Amit Sangwan, Dr. Andrea Dziubek, Dr. Steve Schneider, Dr. Mahmoud Badr, and Dr. Emilio Cobanera) have been developing white papers; meeting with DoD program managers; actively aligning SUNY Poly’s research program with TDAC interests; and collaborating side-by-side with TDAC scientists to develop a faster, data-driven decision advantage for Army leadership to bolster U.S. national security.

“This landmark contract reinforces SUNY Poly’s role as a hub for impactful research and innovation,” said President Soboyejo. “We are proud to contribute to technologies that advance science and engineering, and strengthen national security and global stability.”