This AI Startup From Harvard Students Is Arming Soldiers For Electronic Warfare

Forbes - Mar 18th, 2025

Distributed Spectrum, a startup founded by Harvard graduates Alex Wulff, Ben Harpe, and Isaac Struhl, has secured $25 million in Series A funding led by venture capital firms Conviction and Shield Capital, as well as tech entrepreneur Nat Friedman. The company's innovative radio frequency sensors, initially tested on their Harvard campus, have garnered attention from the Department of Defense and an undisclosed intelligence agency, with $7 million in contracts awarded last year. The technology, praised by retired Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal, offers a low-cost, versatile alternative to traditional military communication detection systems, allowing for widespread deployment and enhanced situational awareness on the battlefield.

The significance of Distributed Spectrum's technology is underscored by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where radio frequency warfare is rampant. Their sensors, equipped with AI algorithms, can autonomously identify and locate enemy signals, providing a critical advantage in modern warfare environments where rapid adaptation to new signals and jamming techniques is essential. This advancement reflects a broader shift in military strategy towards automated systems in great power competitions, particularly in vast regions like the Pacific Ocean. By addressing these challenges, Distributed Spectrum is positioning itself as a pivotal player in the future of military communications and electronic warfare.

Ai Technology Department Of Defense Distributed Spectrum Alex Wulff Ben Harpe Isaac Struhl Stanley Mc Chrystal Radio Frequency Sensors Military Communication

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.2

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article provides an informative overview of Distributed Spectrum's innovative technology and its potential impact on military operations. It effectively highlights the achievements of the company's founders and the significance of their work in the context of electronic warfare. However, the story would benefit from additional verification of key claims, a more balanced presentation of perspectives, and greater transparency in sourcing and methodology. While the article is timely and relevant, addressing issues of public interest, it lacks the depth and critical analysis needed to fully engage readers and provoke meaningful discussion. Overall, the article succeeds in presenting an intriguing narrative but could be improved by incorporating a wider range of viewpoints and more detailed explanations of the technology and its implications.

Accuracy

The story presents a variety of factual claims regarding the founding of Distributed Spectrum, the technology developed by the company, and its applications in military contexts. The details about the founders' background at Harvard and the beta testing of their technology on classmates are specific but need verification. The report mentions significant contracts and funding, such as the $7 million from the Department of Defense and a $25 million Series A funding round, which are substantial claims requiring confirmation. The description of the technology's capabilities, including the hardware components and the application in Ukraine, are specific yet require further evidence to ensure precision. Overall, the story is likely accurate in its general portrayal but lacks detailed source citations for some of its more significant claims.

Balance

The article primarily focuses on the achievements and technological innovations of Distributed Spectrum, providing a positive portrayal of the company and its founders. It includes perspectives from the founders and a notable endorsement from retired Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal, which adds credibility but also suggests a potential bias towards promoting the company. The story does not offer counterpoints or perspectives from competitors or independent experts, which could provide a more balanced view. This lack of diverse viewpoints may lead to an imbalanced presentation, favoring the company's narrative without critically assessing potential challenges or limitations.

Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, with a logical flow from the company's founding to its current achievements and future prospects. The language is straightforward and accessible, making it easy for readers to follow the narrative. However, some technical details, such as the specific capabilities of the sensors and the AI algorithms, are not fully explained, which may affect comprehension for readers unfamiliar with electronic warfare technology. Overall, the article maintains a neutral tone and effectively communicates the main points, but it could benefit from additional clarity in technical explanations.

Source quality

The article cites the founders of Distributed Spectrum and retired Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal, both of whom have vested interests in the company. While these sources are authoritative regarding the company's operations and military applications, the lack of independent or third-party sources to corroborate the claims diminishes the overall source quality. The article would benefit from additional sources, such as military procurement experts or independent analysts, to validate the claims and provide a broader context. The reliance on potentially biased sources affects the impartiality and reliability of the reporting.

Transparency

The article provides some context about the founding of Distributed Spectrum and the development of its technology, but it lacks transparency in explaining the methodology behind the claims, such as the specific processes involved in securing military contracts or the technical details of the AI algorithms used. The absence of disclosure regarding potential conflicts of interest, such as the financial stakes of the quoted individuals, reduces transparency. More explicit disclosure of how the information was obtained and any potential biases would improve the article's transparency.