Meeting Minutes (DWG) – June 17, 2026

Updated Jul 4, 2026 Defense


MEETING MINUTES

Edge AI Foundation — Defense Working Group

Virtual Meeting  |  June 17, 2026  |  10:56 AM EDT

DateJune 17, 2026
FormatVirtual
AttendeesWorking group members:
Pete Bernard (Edge AI Foundation), Sek Chai (Latent AI), Ethan Wais (Syntiant), David Aronchick (Expanso), Chris Ritter (Dell Federal), Steve Harbor (Brain Chip)

Invited, not present: Tricia Fitzmaurice (Wind River X), Hans Salomonsson (Embedl)

Guest speaker: Casie Ocaña (AUVSI)   Program staff: Shelly Tzoumas (Latent AI), Ed Doran (Edge AI Foundation), Kimberly Eng (Latent AI), Rosina (Edge AI Foundation)
Prepared byShelly Tzoumas, Latent AI

Agenda Overview

  • Working Group Charter review and wiki walkthrough
  • State of Edge AI Survey — status, distribution strategy, and feedback window
  • September 18 Symposium logistics and agenda preview
  • Guest presentation: Casie Ocaña (AUVSI) on Blue UAS and Green UAS certification programs

1. Working Group Charter

Sek Chai walked the group through the DWG charter, now posted on the Edge AI Foundation wiki. The document covers the group’s core focus, membership structure, and strategic objectives. Pete Bernard noted that the wiki is publicly accessible and anyone can subscribe to receive updates, meeting minutes, and published reports. The charter is a living document; all members are encouraged to review and contribute.

Wiki link: https://wiki.edgeaifoundation.org/working-group/defense/

2. State of Edge AI Survey

Shelly Tzoumas presented the survey initiative, aimed at producing a definitive snapshot of edge AI readiness across the defense industry. The report will be unveiled at the September 18 symposium. The survey has two paths — Survey A for deployers/end users, Survey B for hardware and software suppliers. Results from either survey can be published independently based on response volume. Please submit any feedback by June 22, before go-live.

ACTION: Members were asked to: (1) take the survey themselves, (2) send feedback to Shelly before launch, and (3) distribute to their customers and partner communities.

Link to Defense WG Survey: https://2kpyqv8opxp.typeform.com/to/BtSD73jM

3. September 18 Symposium — Logistics & Agenda

Event Details

  • Symposium: September 18, 2026 — Johns Hopkins APL facility, Washington, D.C.
  • Pre-event DWG meeting: September 17, 3:30–5:00 PM — Wind River’s DC office at 2425 Wilson Boulevard, Suite #280, Arlington, VA 22201 (AUSA building).
  • VIP dinner: Evening of September 17, hosted by Pete Bernard. Sponsorship opportunities available to offset costs.
  • Format: Invitation-only, Chatham House rules, 80–100 curated attendees. No press. A website will be set up for prospective attendees to apply; the committee will vet and approve.

Members were asked to nominate panelists and invitees. Shelly will set a deadline for recommendations. Members should add September 18 to their calendars.

Current symposium abstract and agenda attached.

4. Guest Presentation — Blue UAS & Green UAS (AUVSI)

Casie Ocaña (VP Public Affairs, AUVSI) presented the Blue UAS and Green UAS certification programs as a reference model for the group’s Blue Edge AI initiative. Key points:

  • Green UAS (AUVSI-run) is the commercial on-ramp to Blue UAS (DoD’s NDAA-compliant procurement standard). Execution has moved from DIU to DCMA; DIU remains involved in policy.
  • Software certification exists today but is specific to UAS hardware. Defining a broader Blue Edge AI certification is the DWG’s work to lead.
  • Key lesson: Green UAS was built before it was required — when policy pressure came, the infrastructure was ready. The DWG should get ahead of AI policy similarly.

Casie will share her deck and certification protocol manuals. Chris Ritter requested the full Blue UAS testing standards.

5. Software Supply Chain Research

Shelly Tzoumas noted that a Latent AI intern has been tasked with researching the software supply chain in the edge AI context, with a focus on undocumented or under-elevated risks. Ethan Wais agreed to be interviewed. David Aronchick was also flagged as a potential interviewee. Findings will be shared with the group and may feed into the September symposium panel on supply chain.

Action Items

OwnerAction
All membersReview the DWG charter on the wiki and contribute feedback or additional content.
All membersReview and comment on the State of Edge AI survey by June 22, prior to launch. Distribute to your customers and communities.
All membersAssist with identifying speakers and invited guests for the September 18 symposium. Submit nominations to Shelly.

Next Meeting

DWG in-person meeting: September 17, 2026, 3:30–5:00 PM — 2425 Wilson Boulevard, Suite #280, Arlington, VA 22201 (AUSA building). Dinner to follow.

Edge AI Defense Symposium: September 18, 2026 — Johns Hopkins APL, Washington, D.C.