Xtremis, a Technology Startup Partnering with Vanderbilt University
Xtremis is a technology startup that spun out of Vanderbilt University in 2021. The company was formed to commercialize research and development efforts originating from the university. Xtremis was founded and is led by Adam Jay Harrison, who is affiliated with Vanderbilt's academic and research operations.
The core technology Xtremis intends to commercialize is an advanced dynamic spectrum reconnaissance (ADSR) system. Developed by the Peter Volgyesi-led MarmotE team at the Vanderbilt Institute for Software Integrated Systems, this technology was part of the DARPA Spectrum Challenge program. DARPA, or the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, is an agency of the U.S. Department of Defense responsible for the development of emerging technologies for military use. The ADSR system employs artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance the U.S. Army's wireless communication networks. It enables these networks to dynamically detect and circumvent enemy electronic warfare tactics, such as jamming. Additionally, ADSR helps to minimize the radio frequency emissions from these networks, reducing the likelihood of detection and targeting by adversaries.
This partnership exemplifies a successful multi-stage technology transition, starting with NSF-sponsored basic research of novel software-defined radio architectures, advancing through DARPA's applied research for autonomous and cooperative radios, and culminating in commercial defense applications. It also demonstrates that technology transfer can be a reciprocal process, fostering long-term collaboration between academia and industry.
Xtremis is currently advancing two new ADSR-related research initiatives in collaboration with Vanderbilt's Institute for Software Integrated Systems. This partnership allows the startup to access specialized expertise in areas like advanced AI and spectrum cognition functionality, accelerating the development and refinement of the ADSR technology.
The U.S. Army Pathfinder program, overseen by DEVCOM (Combat Capabilities Development Command) Army Research Laboratory, is providing financial and technical support for these Xtremis-led R&D efforts. Pathfinder is an initiative that funds researchers working to rapidly prototype and field-test new military capabilities, helping to bridge the gap between research and operational deployment.
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About Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt University, in Nashville, Tennessee, is a private research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees.
About the Vanderbilt Institute for Software Integrated Systems
Vanderbilt's Institute for Software Integrated Systems is dedicated to training engineers and computer scientists to design systems that seamlessly integrate people, computers, and physical processes. Serving as a national hub for research in cyber-physical systems, cyber-security, advanced transportation systems, the application of AI in engineered systems, and the assurance of autonomous systems, VU-ISIS continues to pave the way for advancements in these critical fields.
About U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, Army Research Laboratory
As the Army’s foundational research laboratory, ARL is operationalizing science to achieve transformational overmatch. Through collaboration across the command’s core technical competencies, DEVCOM leads in the discovery, development and delivery of the technology-based capabilities required to make soldiers more successful at winning the nation’s wars and come home safely. DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory is an element of the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command. DEVCOM is a major subordinate command of the Army Futures Command.
About Civil-Military Innovation Institute
CMI2 is a nonprofit organization that fosters innovation through direct and constant collaboration between service members and researchers, creating functional solutions to support soldiers.