Suffolk Reporter

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 funding will support the advancement of RedShred's 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 aims to enhance 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 at the Office of Research and Innovation. He emphasized that this collaboration leverages university expertise to meet national defense needs alongside private sector efforts.

CEWIT Center Director Rong Zhao expressed enthusiasm about RedShred establishing its first New York office within CEWIT's Research & Development Park, noting that this development strengthens their partnership beyond the AIRMATE Phase II award.

Jim Kukla, co-founder of RedShred, remarked on the significance of this Phase II award in transforming digital operations across defense sectors. He highlighted that AIRMATE technology reduces time and resources required for updating legacy documentation into modern MBSE digital models, thereby enhancing mission readiness for military personnel.

The AIRMATE system addresses a critical need for efficient and cost-effective certification workflows within the Air Force. By utilizing generative AI and RedShred’s advanced document AI platform, it aims to accelerate certification timelines while reducing manual workloads and improving transparency in military aircraft certifications. Graduate students supported by CEWIT and Stony Brook University’s Strategic Partnership for Industrial Resurgence (SPIR) will participate in this research project.

Manoj D. Mahajan, senior research scientist at CEWIT, expressed pride in partnering with RedShred to bring advanced digital transformation capabilities to the U.S. Air Force. Mahajan serves as Principal Investigator on the STTR grant, working to align university research with industry innovation.

Co-Principal Investigator Pawel Polak from Stony Brook’s Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics brings expertise in machine learning to the project. Polak noted that their work combines advanced AI with practical applications by refining large language models to improve AIRMATE's performance.

Looking ahead, Kukla mentioned plans for scaling their solution during Phase III for broader deployment across defense platforms after validating technology through Phases I and II.

Zhao emphasized RedShred's active involvement with CEWIT through conference participation, sponsorships, and contributions to Stony Brook University while anticipating continued collaboration.