RedShred, a company specializing in AI-powered text analytics and document understanding, has secured a $1.8 million Phase II Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) contract from the U.S. Air Force. The contract is for the advancement of its AIRworthiness Model Automation for cerTification Evaluations (AIRMATE) system.
In collaboration with Stony Brook University’s Center of Excellence in Wireless and Information Technology (CEWIT), the project seeks to transform the Air Force’s certification processes by converting certification documents into digital models compatible with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE).
“This translational award is the latest achievement as Stony Brook University increases the breadth and depth of our innovation and entrepreneurship activities,” stated Michael Kinch, CIO, Office of Research and Innovation at Stony Brook University. “This particular collaboration is exciting as it allows University expertise and resources to address real-world needs for national defense in partnership with the private sector.”
Rong Zhao, CEWIT Center Director, remarked on RedShred's establishment of its first New York office within the CEWIT Building at Stony Brook's Research & Development Park: “Our partnership has grown significantly over the past two years, and with this move, we’re excited to expand our joint efforts beyond the AIRMATE Phase II award.”
Jim Kukla, co-founder of RedShred, emphasized that “this Phase II award marks a critical step forward in our mission to revolutionize digital transformation across defense operations.” He noted that their technology reduces time and resources required for converting legacy documentation into modern MBSE digital models.
The AIRMATE system aims to address efficiency needs within Air Force certification workflows using generative AI technology from RedShred’s platform. This approach is expected to accelerate timelines and improve transparency in military aircraft certifications. Graduate students will be involved in this Phase II research through CEWIT and Stony Brook University's Strategic Partnership for Industrial Resurgence (SPIR).
Manoj D. Mahajan from CEWIT expressed pride in partnering with RedShred: “After securing the Phase I STTR in August 2024, we were thrilled to advance to Phase II alongside RedShred.” As Principal Investigator on the STTR grant, Mahajan aligns university research with industry innovation.
Co-Principal Investigator Pawel Polak from Stony Brook’s Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics contributes his expertise in machine learning. Polak highlighted how advanced AI techniques are being utilized: “These techniques allow AIRMATE to extract and connect certification data from documents, decreasing manual effort.”
Looking towards future developments, Kukla added: “As we validate our technology & process with Phase I and II, we aim to deliver a commercially viable product in Phase III.” Zhao also acknowledged RedShred's support for CEWIT through various contributions including conferences sponsorships.