In an exciting leap that marks a new era for the defense technology industry, Applied Intuition announced on Thursday, February 6, 2025, the acquisition of EpiSci, a cutting-edge Silicon Valley-based autonomy firm. This strategic move dramatically expands Applied Intuition’s capabilities, positioning the company as a leader in the development of AI-powered autonomy software for military applications. The deal not only strengthens Applied’s current standing but also sets the stage for a broader focus, propelling the company into new frontiers such as the air, sea, and space domains.
A New Frontier for Applied Intuition
Applied Intuition, founded in 2017, has quickly risen as a prominent player in the field of autonomous technology, providing software solutions primarily focused on land-based systems. The company’s software has found widespread application across industries, from autonomous vehicles to agricultural machinery, and even in the defense sector. However, this acquisition of EpiSci, a company founded in 2012, represents a monumental expansion into the air, sea, and space sectors.
EpiSci, known for its AI-powered autonomy software, has become a key player in Pentagon initiatives, assisting with the integration of artificial intelligence into military platforms. From maritime tracking to surface warfare and space-based missile defense, the company has made significant contributions to national security, helping defense agencies modernize and automate operations. Its recent collaboration with the U.S. Air Force, where EpiSci’s software played a crucial role in the historic dogfight between the X-62A VISTA experimental fighter jet and a human-piloted F-16, underscores the high level of innovation within EpiSci’s technology.
“We’ve been doing a lot of work with ground autonomy,” said Qasar Younis, the CEO of Applied Intuition. “But when we look at the growing demand for autonomy in other domains—air, sea, and space—we saw a unique opportunity to further expand and diversify our portfolio.”
This acquisition is poised to open new doors for Applied Intuition, providing it with the tools to address the increasing demand for all-domain autonomy systems in the military. With defense budgets on the rise and the focus on uncrewed systems becoming a central priority for the Pentagon, Applied is ready to play a pivotal role in meeting this demand.
EpiSci’s Groundbreaking Contributions to Military AI
EpiSci’s technology is no stranger to high-profile military projects. The company’s expertise lies in developing tactical AI software for various defense applications, particularly in the areas of unmanned systems and advanced warfare techniques. One of EpiSci’s most notable achievements was its involvement in the first-ever AI-piloted dogfight, a historic event that captured global attention.
In 2023, the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, in collaboration with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), staged a series of experimental dogfights between the X-62A VISTA—an AI-controlled fighter jet—and a human-piloted F-16. EpiSci’s software powered the X-62A, marking a significant milestone in AI-driven autonomous systems. The technology demonstrated the ability to adapt and outmaneuver human pilots, showcasing the incredible potential for AI in future aerial combat scenarios.
Beyond the skies, EpiSci has worked on numerous other projects, including swarm drone simulations under the Air Force’s AFWERX programs, live maritime demonstrations with the Naval Information Warfare Center, and space-based missile tracking systems. The company’s AI systems have proven to be robust, reliable, and capable of working across a wide range of operational environments, making them a valuable asset for national defense.
What This Acquisition Means for the Future of Defense Technology
So why is this acquisition such a big deal? To understand this, we need to look at the bigger picture.
The defense industry is undergoing a massive transformation. With advancements in autonomous technology, militaries around the world are moving away from traditional manned systems and increasingly relying on uncrewed systems, like drones and autonomous vehicles. The Pentagon, under its Replicator initiative, is focused on scaling up the use of low-cost, expendable drones that could potentially change the way wars are fought.
Applied Intuition, with the support of EpiSci’s technology, is poised to play a leading role in this shift. The company’s suite of simulation, validation, and data management software has already been used to develop autonomous systems for the Army’s Robotic Combat Vehicle program, and last month, Applied Intuition won a significant contract worth up to $171 million from the Pentagon’s Chief Digital and AI Office to develop and test autonomy software for military platforms.
The acquisition of EpiSci means that Applied Intuition will now have the ability to integrate advanced AI software not just for ground-based systems but also for aircraft, ships, and even space missions. As the world moves toward fully autonomous military operations, this expanded portfolio positions Applied as a one-stop shop for all-domain autonomy solutions.
The Growing Demand for Autonomy in Military Operations
The increasing focus on autonomous systems is driving tremendous growth in the defense sector. Uncrewed platforms—whether aerial, maritime, or land-based—offer several advantages over traditional systems. They are cheaper to produce, easier to deploy, and can operate in hazardous environments without risking human lives. As a result, governments around the world are pouring resources into developing and deploying autonomous systems across all domains.
For Applied Intuition, the opportunity to tap into this rapidly growing market is too significant to ignore. The company’s partnership with EpiSci aligns with its long-term strategy to expand its reach and influence in the defense sector. As Jason Brown, Applied Intuition’s general manager of defense, aptly puts it, “This is potentially retrofitting a lot of existing legacy systems. This is a big market that is about to explode. We’re going to be able to take advantage of all of it.”
Indeed, the integration of autonomous technology into legacy systems could represent a goldmine for companies like Applied Intuition. Many military platforms, including older aircraft, ships, and ground vehicles, were never designed with autonomy in mind. The ability to retrofit these systems with AI-powered autonomy software could breathe new life into aging fleets, extending their service life and improving their operational capabilities.
What’s Next for Applied Intuition?
Now that the deal is done, the focus shifts to integration. Applied Intuition has made it clear that the acquisition of EpiSci is not about cutting costs or eliminating redundancies. In fact, the two companies complement each other perfectly—while Applied has built its reputation on land-based autonomy, EpiSci’s strength lies in air, sea, and space systems. Both companies bring different but equally important expertise to the table.
“This is not about reducing costs,” said Bo Ryu, EpiSci’s co-founder and CEO. “This is about accelerating the deployment of software-defined autonomy capabilities. Together, we can deliver advanced technologies at the pace needed to meet operational demands.”
The integration of EpiSci’s software with Applied Intuition’s existing portfolio will undoubtedly lead to the development of next-generation autonomous systems. These systems will be smarter, more capable, and more adaptable, with the potential to revolutionize everything from military combat to disaster relief and beyond.
Conclusion: A New Era in Autonomy
As the world moves toward a future where autonomous systems play an increasingly central role in military operations, the acquisition of EpiSci by Applied Intuition could prove to be a game-changer. By combining their expertise in AI and autonomy, both companies are positioned to lead the way in all-domain autonomy software development.
With new technological breakthroughs on the horizon and an ever-growing demand for uncrewed systems, the future of defense technology looks more exciting than ever. Applied Intuition, now armed with EpiSci’s cutting-edge software, is ready to tackle the challenges of the next generation of warfare—across land, sea, air, and even space.
Stay tuned as this dynamic partnership continues to unfold, bringing us one step closer to a fully autonomous military landscape.
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