
Innovation on a Mission
Visionary startups. Experienced VCs. Dedicated government professionals. In-Q-Tel leads from the center of this matrix, connecting cutting-edge technology, strategic investments, and purpose: to enhance and advance national security for the U.S. and its allies.
World-class, cutting-edge technologies for National Security
IQT’s mission is to invest in cutting-edge technologies to enhance the national security of the United States. IQT focuses on the 15,000+ early stage venture-backed startup companies in the U.S. and select other countries. IQT also identifies and analyzes technologies in all stages of development that are critical to national security. IQT welcomes the submission of business plans for products and technology that can contribute to national security and is available to meet with U.S. private equity firms interested in investing in areas of national security interest. Investment areas include:
Blog & Resources

Is your AI a “Clever Hans”?
“Clever Hans,” the horse mathematician, was a worldwide sensation in 1904, but his uncanny abilities were eventually debunked. As it turns out, Clever Hans had accidentally been trained to recognize his owners’ anticipation, and other subtle cues, rather than abstract mathematical concepts. Today, something similar is happening with many AI tools and products, which are capable of fooling us with specious performance. If you’re building — or looking to purchase — an AI system, how do you know if the technology does what you think it does? In this post we discuss two strategies: AI Audits and the creation of Evaluation Authorities for AI systems.

Harnessing the Power of the “Metaverse”

SpaceSec: Securing Space Systems through Innovation

IQT Labs releases audit report of RoBERTa, an open source large language model

Cyber Investing for National Security – Key Perspectives
Subscribe
IQT Explains: The Art of Investing for National Security
In 1999, a global technology revolution was underway and the U.S. government saw an opportunity to harness the power of startup technology to enhance national security. The outcome? IQT was founded to identify and match emerging technology developed by startups to address gaps in national security technological capabilities. Almost 25 years later, IQT continues to serve the national interest, connecting a diverse ecosystem comprising national security, venture capital, and startup communities.
How does IQT accomplish this? Listen in as host Vishal Sandesara is joined by IQT’s A.J. Bertone and Matt Kemph to provide insight into how IQT makes investments and the impact they have on national security.
Key Takeaways:
• Why IQT is a not-for-profit dedicated to mission impact
• How IQT sources and makes investments
• How IQT adapts startup tech for national security
Related Links
• IQT’s website: www.iqt.org
• IQT Explainer Video: www.short.iqt.org/expainer-video
• Harvard Business School Case Study: https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/item.aspx?num=30860
The Intersection: Exploring a Path Forward for America’s Technological Future
The United States is facing a significant challenge in competing with China on technological innovation, cybersecurity, and national security issues. With China’s rapid rise as a global technological superpower, the U.S. must take steps to ensure its own competitiveness and security. This includes addressing concerns such as intellectual property theft, cyber attacks, and the development of emerging technologies. The U.S. government must prioritize these issues in order to protect its economic and national interests.
In this episode of The Intersection on the IQT Podcast, Steve Bowsher is joined by Will Hurd, author of “American Reboot” and managing director at Allen & Company. Will has a lot of experience with national security issues, having worked as a CIA officer, member of Congress, and cybersecurity executive. Tune in to learn about the challenges and solutions that can help shape America’s technological future.
Key Takeaways:
– The problems and difficulties that must be tackled in relation to competing with China
– US government’s approach and collaboration with the private sectors on innovation and competitiveness
– Explaining pragmatic idealism and the inspiration behind it