INSTAR Lab
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  • Jupiter and stars over deep space — exoplanet and interstellar research
    Deep-space observation / research domain

    Deep-space research

    DEEP SPACE EXPLORATION

    Exoplanetary characterization, interstellar medium mapping, and multi-spectrum signal intelligence for deep-space observation beyond our solar system.

    Our mission Review current programs

For federal research partners

Put frontier science behind the question that matters.

INSTAR combines advanced AI, quantum research, high-performance computing, and domain science to turn ambitious objectives into testable programs. From energy and space to health, agriculture, and fundamental physics, we define the question, engineer the method, measure uncertainty, and deliver evidence, models, prototypes, or data a sponsor can evaluate.

Review the methodSee how a program earns confidenceDiscuss a funding opportunity
A researcher checks cabling inside a server rack in a controlled computing facility.
Secure compute / make the method inspectable.
Research capacity

Capabilities at the research frontier.

Review the work by decision

Find the evidence a funding decision requires.

A researcher working through a complex question at a warm-lit desk
Research / review the program
Research

Active programs and proposed directions.

Review research questions, methods, and current areas where federal or institutional support can add capacity.

A high-performance computing room with illuminated racks and colorful cabling
Technology / make the mechanism inspectable
Technology

Advanced methods and infrastructure.

Examine AI, quantum, HPC, formal methods, and sensing capabilities that support ambitious science.

An eye, hand, and fingerprint rendered as biometric research signals
Sciences / follow the pattern across scales
Sciences

Applications across scientific domains.

See how advanced AI and quantitative methods are applied across life, physical, earth, space, and social sciences.

The research process

From scientific question to defensible result.

INSTAR connects scientific questions to advanced AI, quantum methods, computation, sensing, and domain science. Use the process map to review how a program is framed, tested, and translated into technical outputs.

The research loop

How a program earns confidence.

Text guide: a question is defined, a method is selected, the result is tested, and the outputs are documented for the next decision.

  1. Question

    Define the scientific or mission question and the decision it must inform.

    Scope

  2. Method

    Select the AI, quantum, computational, experimental, or domain method that fits the question.

    Design

  3. Validation

    Test assumptions, measure uncertainty, and document what holds up under review.

    Verify

  4. Deliverable

    Translate validated work into data, models, reports, prototypes, or other usable outputs.

    Transfer
Map layerResearchApplicationSponsor review
Research portfolio

Move from domain to program.

Browse by research area, technical method, or scientific application, then review the program or capability behind it.

Research

Review research portfolio

Technology

Review technology portfolio

Sciences

Review sciences portfolio
Advanced tools in the research stack

These are working methods for questions across the sciences—not technology claims detached from the research they are meant to support.

Quantum processor with copper cooling lines in a close technical study
Quantum systems
Illuminated DNA helix with cellular forms in the background
Genetics and life sciences
A researcher working across two monitors filled with language and systems notes
Language and understanding
A warm-lit electrical research apparatus on a laboratory workbench
Energy systems
A secure server rack with amber and green status lights
Data science and secure compute
A robotic arm beside a transparent AI interface in a bright lab
Robotics and applied AI
Connected points forming a bright network against a dark field
Networks and inference
A polished scientific apparatus with solar panels against a dark field
Lab systems and instrumentation
Research briefs

Methods, risks, and findings in progress.

Read all research briefs
Research network

OUR PARTNERS

Review the INSTAR Consortium
Focus Hive Inc.
Focus Hive
Global Enterprise
Global Enterprise
Ravonics
Ravonics
Curiosity Research Corporation
Curiosity Research
Tao Learning
Tao Learning
Dream Limited
Dream Limited
World Enterprise Group
World Enterprise Group
For researchers

Join the INSTAR Fellowship

The INSTAR Fellowship is an open citizen-scientist program for people who want to work on difficult questions across AI, quantum science, and the broader sciences. Fellows receive structured mentorship, interdisciplinary scope, and room to pursue a serious research problem.

Apply for Fellowship Review research opportunities
  • Structured mentorship
  • Interdisciplinary research scope
  • No minimum degree requirement
Accountability and expertise

OUR LEADERSHIP

INSTAR’s research direction is accountable to scientists, engineers, and board members with experience across applied AI, materials physics, federal R&D, and research governance.

Suzanne Conejos, AI Lead Scientist and Board Member

Suzanne Conejos

AI Lead Scientist · Board Member

Sean Hackney, Board Member and AI Researcher

Sean Hackney

Board Member · AI Researcher

Dr. Spoogmay Khan, Applied Scientist in Materials Physics

Dr. Spoogmay Khan

Applied Scientist · Materials Physics

Maha Khan, Research Scientist

Maha Khan

Research Scientist

Meet the full leadership team
An optical instrument with a violet beam at the center of a laboratory setup
Research inquiry

Bring a funding or contract requirement to the research frontier.

Tell us the solicitation, contract requirement, mission need, or scientific question you are evaluating. We can point you to the relevant program, capability, or technical conversation.

Discuss a funding or contract requirement