WASHINGTON, D.C. — February 5, 2026 — The Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue (KITDP) and the Near East South Asia (NESA) Center for Strategic Studies within the U.S. Department of War today announced a strategic partnership designed to help the U.S. and its allies turn shared technology and security priorities into real-world maritime solutions. By connecting policymakers, industry leaders, and allied governments, the partnership aims to translate high-level dialogue into actionable initiatives that ensure emerging technologies serve democratic values, protect freedom of navigation, and strengthen collective security in an increasingly complex regional environment.

The partnership builds on the San Diego Process (SDP), an annual forum where senior leaders from the Quad nations – Australia, India, Japan, and the U.S. – come together to coordinate on shared security and technology challenges. The SDP brings together government, industry, and allied partners to identify shared challenges, set strategic goals, and develop recommendations that guide practical actions to protect maritime access, secure critical infrastructure, and advance trusted technological cooperation.

The Institute has joined NESA as a lead partner to advance the SDP’s 2025 recommendations for urgent trusted tech integration, bridging the gap between high-level diplomacy and real-world capabilities that enhance collective security and freedom of navigation for allied states. 

Advancing the SDP Roadmap Toward Sydney 2026

With the Sydney Summit 4.0 approaching in June 2026, the partnership focuses on moving from discussion to action. Recognizing the urgency of today’s strategic environment and the need for allies to contribute real capabilities, not just alignment, the SDP will prioritize three core areas: 

• Intensifying Tech Cooperation: Accelerating the trusted tech bridge between the public and private sectors, with a focus on AI, cybersecurity, and maritime innovation to ensure allied technological superiority and advance freedom across the Quad. 

• Infrastructure & Supply Chain Resilience: Advancing the Pax Silica by securing critical physical infrastructure – including ports, telecommunications, and subsea cables – that underpin maritime security and global connectivity while diversifying supply chains for critical minerals and semiconductors.

• Maritime Domain Security: Leveraging advanced technology to enhance maritime awareness and law enforcement collaboration and preserve allied nations’ maritime supremacy. This includes operationalizing autonomous systems and technical training to maintain freedom of navigation.

“The trusted tech stack begins underwater, and it shapes everything above it,” said Janice deGarmo, Chief Global Engagement Officer of the Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue. “From undersea cables to autonomy and AI, these systems support global trade, maritime security, and allied coordination. Our task is to ensure democratic nations lead in how they are built, deployed, and governed.”

The initiative also aligns with the 2026 National Defense Strategy, which calls for closer cooperation with trusted allies through shared technology, intelligence, and defense capabilities.

Inaugural Convening: AI, Allies, and Maritime Warfighting

The partnership officially launched with a high-level convening titled "AI, Allies, and Maritime Warfighting" at the Krach Institute’s Washington, D.C. headquarters. Featuring a keynote address by Senator Todd Young (R-IN), the event served as the first working session to address the critical maritime technology and security deliverables mandated by the SDP, National Defense Strategy, and AI Action Plan.

Participants included industry leaders, Congressional representatives, embassy officials, and senior policy experts from the U.S. Departments of State and War. Sessions focused on the practical application of trusted infrastructure and autonomous systems in contested waters and facilitated a deep dive into the tech diplomacy required to secure the maritime domain. Discussions highlighted strategies for advancing trusted technology, strengthening allied coordination, and turning high-level policy recommendations into real-world maritime capabilities.

About the NESA Center for Strategic Studies The Near East South Asia (NESA) Center for Strategic Studies is the preeminent U.S. Department of War institution for promoting security cooperation with partner countries in the NESA region.

About the Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue The Krach Institute is the world’s preeminent trusted technology accelerator. As the leader in the new category of Tech Diplomacy, the Institute integrates technology expertise, Silicon Valley strategies and foreign policy tools to build the Global Trusted Tech Network of governments, companies, organizations and individuals to accelerate the innovation and adoption of trusted technology and ensure technology advances freedom.

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