S&T Announces New Genesis Mission Challenges to Safeguard America’s Future

Washington, D.C. - The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science & Technology Directorate (S&T) today announced a bold set of new national challenges - part of the Genesis Mission - aimed at strengthening the United States' security, resilience, and global leadership in critical technology domains. These challenges focus on advancing software assurance for national security and driving innovation in biotechnology, including early detection of biological threats.

Software Understanding for National Security

DHS S&T is joining a national initiative to address the risks posed by widespread reliance on third-party and legacy software in critical infrastructure and mission systems. This challenge seeks to develop advanced AI-driven tools that can autonomously analyze, verify, and assure the safety and security of software-controlled systems. By leveraging agentic AI and formal methods, DHS aims to revolutionize software supply chain assurance and reduce mission risk across the nation's most vital assets.

Early Detection and Attribution of Biological Threats

DHS S&T is also collaborating across federal agencies to deploy AI-enabled platforms to rapidly detect, characterize, and attribute emerging biological threats, safeguarding public health and the bioeconomy. These capabilities will shrink detection and response timelines, deter adversaries, and protect Americans from misuse of biotechnology.

This initiative leverages the United States' unparalleled biological data resources, national laboratory infrastructure, and cross-agency expertise to drive innovation and secure America's technological future.

"America's security and prosperity depend on our ability to understand and control the technologies that underpin our critical infrastructure and bioeconomy," said DHS Under Secretary for Science and Technology Pedro Allende. "By launching these new challenges, DHS is taking decisive action to ensure our nation remains resilient against evolving threats and continues to lead in scientific innovation. Our investments in software assurance and biotechnology will provide lasting advantages for national security, public safety, and economic competitiveness."

For more information on these initiatives, funding opportunities, and ways to collaborate with DHS S&T, please visit https://www.dhs.gov/science-and-technology or explore the Genesis Mission at https://www.energy.gov/undersecretaryforscience/genesis-mission/genesis-mission.

###