PITTSBURGH, PA (June 18) — Fort Pitt Secure, LLC, a Pittsburgh nonprofit and subsidiary of Parallax Advanced Research, announced plans today to build a state-of-the-art Secure Innovation Center in Pittsburgh’s Bakery Square. The initial 6,000-square-foot facility—classified and built to ICD-705 federal standards—will provide urgently needed secure workspace for the region. Construction begins this fall.
This investment marks a major step forward for Pittsburgh’s fast-growing AI and defense innovation economy. Despite having one of the strongest AI talent pools in the country, the region currently lacks accessible SCIF (Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility)—effectively blocking local companies from competing for classified federal contracts and partnerships.
“This is an absolutely vital piece of infrastructure,” said Andrew Moore, CEO of Lovelace AI, former dean of Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Computer Science, and a national security advisor. “It creates the foundation for serious government collaboration—something Pittsburgh’s ecosystem is more than ready for.”
Venture capital for AI and defense tech is surging—up 30% year over year—while the Department of Defense’s 2025 budget allocates more than $150 billion toward defense technology. That figure doesn’t include additional funding expected through new initiatives like “Golden Dome,” which will accelerate the deployment of AI systems in secure environments.
“We’ve already seen it: promising defense startups moving to regions with SCIF access. Each time it happens, Pittsburgh loses not just innovation, but jobs, patents, tax base, and momentum,” said Joanna Doven, Executive Director of the AI Strike Team, whose organization led efforts to catalyze the SCIF investment. “These aren’t just engineers and coders—SCIF-enabled growth creates demand for secure construction workers, fiber installers, mechanical engineers, and cleared professionals in advanced manufacturing. It’s a full-stack economic engine.”
This will be the region’s first consortium based classified facility. The facility will support multiple classification levels, including Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), Secret, Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI), and Special Access Programs (SAPs). It is purpose-built for modern national security innovation, with features including:
Turn-key SCIF/SAPF-compliant workspaces; secure network integration (NIPRNet, SIPRNet, JWICS, SAP-IT)
A classified dry lab for dual-use prototyping
Secure conference rooms and cleared collaboration spaces
“This is a mission-critical capability for any region serious about national security,” said Dennis Andersh, President and CEO of Parallax Advanced Research. “Parallax is honored to be part of this capability and extend its commitment to National defense innovation to the Pittsburgh region through its work with Fort Pitt Secure. By collaborating with local companies and leading institutions—including Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Pittsburgh, and the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Institute—as well as key ecosystem partners like the Pittsburgh Technology Council, the Allegheny Conference, and the AI Strike Team, we aim to help bring scalable solutions and meaningful national security impact to the region.”
The center is expected to open in early 2026. The SCIF is expected to catalyze more than 400 high-wage jobs, over $25 million in annual payroll, and millions in state and local tax revenue. It will also catalyze federal investment into Pittsburgh’s national security sector.
The Pittsburgh Technology Council, which leads the region’s Defense & Robotics Coalition, has tracked a dramatic rise in regional defense contract activity—growing from $400 million to nearly $15 billion over the past five years.
“The Pittsburgh Technology Council applauds the vision behind bringing SCIF capabilities to our region,” said Brian Kennedy, Senior Vice President of Operations. “This investment addresses one of the most significant barriers holding back our defense-tech sector. With the growth of defense contracts and the addition of accessible SCIF infrastructure, Pittsburgh is poised to unlock billions more in federal investment—accelerating the expansion of our AI and robotics ecosystem.”
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About Fort Pitt Secure LLC
The Pennsylvania nonprofit is established to support Western Pennsylvania technology companies, academic institutions, governmental research facilities, and the Department of Defense by providing the secure infrastructure needed to advance mission-critical programs. With ready-to-use cleared workspaces, secure IT systems, and expert operational support, the Ft Pitt Secure facilities mitigate the greatest barrier to working with the government (access to classified environments) by enabling organizations to quickly meet contract requirements, pursue new classified opportunities, and accelerate the delivery of critical technologies vital to national security.
About Parallax Advanced Research and The Ohio Aerospace Institute (OAI)
Parallax is a 501(c)(3) private nonprofit research institute that tackles global challenges through strategic partnerships with government, industry, and academia. It accelerates innovation, addresses critical global issues, and develops groundbreaking ideas with its partners. With offices in Ohio and Virginia, Parallax aims to deliver new solutions and speed them to market. In 2023, Parallax and OAI formed a collaborative affiliation to drive innovation and technological advancements in Ohio and for the nation. OAI plays a pivotal role in advancing the aerospace industry in Ohio and the nation by fostering collaborations between universities, aerospace industries, and government organizations, and managing aerospace research, education, and workforce development projects.
Press Contacts:
Joanna Doven
Executive Director, AI Strike Team
Jessica Pacheco
Marketing & Communications Director Parallax Advanced Research