News Release
CNA Innovation Incubator: Shaping the Future Through Research
CNA, a nonprofit research and analysis organization dedicated to the safety and security of the nation, announced the launch of the CNA Innovation Incubator (CNAi2) as a sign of its commitment to investing in creative, forward-thinking research focused on solving the government’s toughest challenges.
For over 80 years, CNA has fostered a culture of innovation. Beyond delivering thought leadership and ground-breaking solutions to our everyday work supporting government clients and sponsors, CNA continuously invests its own funds in independent research projects that explore new tools and approaches for addressing emerging challenges. CNAi2 showcases this self-funded innovative work, featuring both the projects and the people behind them.
From analyzing artificial intelligence and machine learning for public safety to developing a Navy force design lab or creating a custom internal large language model, CNAi2 demonstrates how creative thinkers are helping the government solve the nation’s toughest problems.
“The CNA Innovation Incubator is an embodiment of our belief — backed by our own resources — that every challenge the U.S. government faces is an opportunity for us to innovate and develop practical solutions,” explained CNA’s CEO Katherine McGrady. “We create breakthroughs that matter."
CNAi2 includes work from across the organization, including the Center for Naval Analyses, the federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) of the Department of the Navy, and the Institute for Public Research, which supports federal, state, and local civilian government agencies dedicated to public safety and health.
“CNA Innovation Incubator is not just a hub for ideas but where creative problem-solving meets actionable solutions, driving real impact for the federal government and our communities,” said CNA Vice President Halleh Seyson, founder and head of CNAi2. She emphasized that CNAi2 enhances sponsor and client engagement; drives collaborative partnerships; and furthers the development of new research, tools, and approaches to strengthen the nation's safety and security. “We work with our clients and sponsors every step of the way to ensure that we always align our efforts with their evolving needs.”
CNAi2 projects fall under several incubators, which currently include AI and Autonomy; Emerging Security Threats; Emerging Technologies; Modeling, Simulation, and Gaming; Predictive Analytics; and Data Visualization.
CNA is a nonprofit research and analysis organization dedicated to the safety and security of the nation. It operates the Center for Naval Analyses—the federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) of the Department of the Navy—as well as the Institute for Public Research. CNA develops actionable solutions to complex problems of national importance. With nearly 700 scientists, analysts, and professional staff, CNA takes a real-world approach to gathering data. Its unique Field Program places analysts on aircraft carriers and military bases, in squad rooms and crisis centers, working side by side with operators and decision-makers around the world. CNA supports naval operations, fleet readiness, and strategic competition. Its non-defense research portfolio includes criminal justice, homeland security, and data management.
Note to writers and editors: CNA is not an acronym and is correctly referenced as "CNA, a research organization in Arlington, VA."