CBD and DIU Strengthen National Security with AI-Driven Biosurveillance Initiative
DIU · DIU · DIU
Description
Washington, D.C. (March 25, 2025) - The Department of Defense’s (DoD) Chemical and Biological Defense (CBD) program is spearheading an initiative to enhance biosurveillance capabilities through cutting-edge artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced data analytics. This effort, led by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological Defense Programs, aims to modernize biosurveillance, enabling rapid detection and response to emerging biological threats. The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) is supporting this effort by leveraging its rapid prototyping capabilities to develop the necessary technology in partnership with CBD. The threat of biological hazards—whether natural, accidental, or deliberate—continues to evolve, demanding a more adaptive and responsive approach to biosurveillance. Current detection methods rely heavily on predefined pathogen lists and manual data processing, which limit the ability to detect novel or engineered threats. This Biosurveillance initiative aims to overcome these constraints by leveraging commercial technology to create a real-time, data-driven intelligence capability for biosurveillance analysts. “DoD must provide the Joint Force with revolutionary capabilities to deter or prevail against our adversary’s biological weapons,” said Ian Watson, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (DASD), Ian Watson for CBD. “Leveraging AI, machine learning, and big data analytics will transform biosurveillance into a predictive and responsive capability during competition, crisis, and conflict.” After a rigorous selection process that had 78 companies respond with different solutions, DIU awarded prototype contracts to multiple companies to develop and integrate biosurveillance capabilities: Bana Solutions: Delivers an advanced IT environment for data ingestion, organization, visualization, and dissemination of biosurveillance insights. Cyberhill Partners, data.world, and KUNGFU.AI: These companies provide secure software solutions, AI-powered analytics, and knowledge graph-based platforms to enhance real-time threat detection and intelligence insights. Booz Allen Hamilton: Supports the integration of biosurveillance technologies within the DoD’s operational infrastructure through its expertise in AI, analytics, and defense solutions. All performer groups have successfully completed proof-of-concept demonstrations, showcasing their capabilities and validating key functionalities. These companies are now advancing toward the development of a viable prototype, ensuring seamless integration and operational alignment with CBD and other key DoD stakeholders, including geographical combatant commands, Services, and OSD offices such as the Personnel and Readiness. The initiative launched with a 12- to 24-month prototyping phase, during which these companies will refine their solutions in operational environments. Testing includes simulated scenarios to assess the effectiveness of AI-driven biosurveillance in detecting, analyzing, and mitigating health threats from diverse data sources in answering key surveillance questions. “The ability to rapidly identify and assess biological threats is critical to national security,” said RDML Brandon Taylor, DHA Public Health Director. “By incorporating commercial innovation, we will strengthen our biosurveillance infrastructure and ensure we stay ahead of emerging threats.” This initiative represents a significant advancement in the integration of commercial innovation into national security operations. By strengthening biosurveillance capabilities, DIU ensures that the U.S. remains prepared to identify and mitigate emerging biological threats before they pose significant risks.