USF and By Light Partner to Boost Trusted AI in Security

The collaboration aims to ensure emerging AI technologies are powerful and trustworthy.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 5:08am

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A highly detailed, glowing 3D illustration of a complex network of interconnected cybernetic hardware components in shades of neon blue, purple, and magenta, conceptually representing the advanced, futuristic technology at the heart of this partnership to develop more trustworthy AI systems.Emerging AI technologies must be both powerful and trustworthy, as they are increasingly used to make critical decisions in high-stakes environments.Today in Tampa

The University of South Florida and defense contractor By Light Professional IT Services LLC have formalized a strategic partnership to advance the development of safer, more reliable artificial intelligence systems for national security and beyond. The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration across areas like AI, aerospace, cybersecurity, and unmanned systems, with a shared goal of ensuring emerging AI technologies are not only powerful, but also trustworthy.

Why it matters

As AI systems are increasingly used to make complex decisions in high-stakes environments, there is a critical need to verify their reliability, transparency, and alignment with human expectations. This partnership aims to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world operational requirements to develop 'AI assurance' - methods that go beyond just training algorithms to mathematically evaluate and validate their behavior.

The details

Key focus areas include enhancing automated target recognition systems with formal safeguards, developing techniques to ensure autonomous systems can operate safely in GPS-denied environments, and using advanced simulations to model a wide range of scenarios and validate the underlying AI models. Researchers are applying rigorous mathematical techniques to establish clear boundaries around how AI systems operate and provide formal guarantees about their behavior.

  • The partnership was formalized in April 2026.

The players

University of South Florida

A premier research institution with world-class expertise in areas like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and national security.

By Light Professional IT Services LLC

A defense contractor that specializes in developing advanced simulation environments and AI-driven systems for defense applications.

Bob Donahue

CEO of By Light and a USF alumnus.

Ankur Mali

Assistant Professor at the USF Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing.

Anshuman Chhabra

Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Engineering at USF.

Seungbae Kim

Assistant Professor at the USF Bellini College.

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What they’re saying

“As a USF alumnus, I've seen firsthand the university's trajectory in becoming a premier research institution. Formalizing this partnership allows By Light to bridge the gap between academic rigor and operational necessity.”

— Bob Donahue, CEO of By Light

“AI systems are already being used to make complex decisions in high-stakes environments. Our role is to ensure those systems are reliable, transparent and aligned with human expectations.”

— Ankur Mali, Assistant Professor, USF Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing

What’s next

The partnership will continue to explore new areas of collaboration, with a focus on developing innovative AI-powered solutions for national security and beyond.

The takeaway

This partnership between USF and By Light highlights the critical importance of ensuring AI systems used in high-stakes environments are not only powerful, but also trustworthy. By combining academic rigor and real-world operational expertise, the collaboration aims to advance the development of 'AI assurance' methods that can have broader applications beyond just the defense sector.