Lisa Costa Joins Seekr: A New Chapter in AI Innovation for Government
Former Space Force Chief Technology and Innovation Officer Lisa Costa has taken a significant step in her post-retirement career by joining the advisory board of Seekr, an artificial intelligence startup focused on addressing the pressing needs of government agencies. This announcement marks a pivotal moment for Seekr, as Costa brings with her a wealth of experience and expertise in navigating the complexities of technology within the defense sector.
A Milestone Career in Tech Leadership
Lisa Costa served as the Space Force’s inaugural Chief Technology and Innovation Officer from 2021 until her retirement from federal service in June 2024. In this groundbreaking role, she was tasked with shaping strategies and policies that propelled the military branch into the forefront of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). Her leadership was crucial in transforming how the Space Force approached digital training environments and IT infrastructure, laying the groundwork for future innovations.
“I’m proud to join Seekr and collaborate with a team that shares my vision for trusted AI,” Costa expressed in her announcement regarding the new position. Her commitment to ensuring government agencies can implement AI solutions that prioritize explainability and data security is at the heart of Seekr’s mission, and she expressed excitement about leveraging her extensive knowledge to help meet these challenges.
A Legacy of Innovation
Costa’s illustrious career spans over 35 years, highlighting her dual focus on technological advancement and national security. Before her role with the Space Force, Costa amassed experience at several prestigious organizations, including U.S. Special Operations Command, MITRE, and Engility Corp. Each position allowed her to advocate for the integration of pioneering technologies in both government and commercial contexts.
At the Space Force, one of her landmark achievements was the development of the Unified Data Library, a cloud-based repository designed for space domain awareness data. This innovative platform was enhanced with AI and ML capabilities to facilitate more efficient access to vital sensor data from various government and commercial sources, illustrating her commitment to modernizing military operations through advanced technology.
Seekr’s Mission and Costa’s Role
As a member of Seekr’s advisory board, Costa will focus on fortifying the development of commercial-grade AI solutions thoroughly vetted for government application, with a keen emphasis on the defense sector. This objective aligns with Seekr’s dedication to addressing the challenges surrounding AI accuracy, bias, and transparency.
Seekr, which is based in Virginia, has launched its flagship platform, SeekrFlow, specifically designed for government agencies. This innovative tool provides users with capabilities to construct trustworthy large language models, while also offering essential tools for scanning and grading the information used in model training. The platform has garnered significant recognition, including passing assessments by the Pentagon’s Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO) and is available for procurement via the Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace.
Industry Response and Future Implications
The industry reception of Costa’s appointment has been overwhelmingly positive. Seekr President Rob Clark stated, “We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Lisa Costa, whose deep defense and national security expertise will accelerate our efforts to deliver advanced AI solutions for government.” His remarks highlight the vital role Costa is expected to play in solving intricate problems involving complex datasets, particularly those related to satellite and UAV imagery.
As governments increasingly rely on AI technologies to enhance operational efficiency and decision-making processes, Costa’s integration into Seekr offers a promising avenue for transformative advancements in governmental AI applications. With her strategic vision and deep-seated understanding of technology in national security, Costa is poised to make meaningful contributions to the field as Seekr continues to innovate and grow.
In this rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, Costa’s emergence on the advisory board of Seekr signifies not just a personal achievement, but also a critical juncture for the defense sector’s engagement with AI technologies. By addressing the complexities of trustworthy AI, Seekr is setting the stage for a new era of secure and effective applications within government agencies, ensuring that innovations not only meet the technical demands but also uphold the highest standards of accountability and security.
