Booz Allen Advances AI-powered NextG for America

Key Terms

open ran (o-ran) technical

Open RAN (O-RAN) is a modern approach to building the radio access part of mobile networks that breaks the system into modular pieces with open, standardized interfaces so equipment and software from different suppliers can interoperate. Like swapping parts on a kitchen appliance instead of buying a whole new unit, it can lower costs, spur faster innovation and boost competition for network operators, but also introduces integration and security risks that can affect spending and supplier revenues.

artificial intelligence radio access network (ai-ran) technical

An artificial intelligence radio access network (AI-RAN) is a mobile network system where machine learning algorithms automatically manage the wireless connection between users and cell sites, optimizing things like signal strength, capacity and energy use in real time. For investors, AI-RAN can lower operating costs, speed service improvements and enable new features or coverage with less human intervention—think of it as a smart thermostat for a city’s wireless traffic that can boost performance and margin.

edge computing technical

Edge computing is a technology that processes data close to where it is generated, such as sensors or devices, rather than sending it all to a distant central location. This allows for faster decision-making and reduces delays, much like having a local office handle urgent matters instead of waiting for instructions from a main headquarters. For investors, it signifies improved efficiency and real-time insights, which can enhance the performance of technology-dependent industries.

distributed compute grid technical

A distributed compute grid is a network of many computers that share processing work so large tasks are handled in parallel rather than on a single machine. Think of it like a team lifting a heavy object together: it speeds up processing, reduces single-point failures, and can lower costs by using spare capacity, so investors watch it as a way for companies to scale services, cut infrastructure expenses, and support demanding applications that drive revenue or competitive advantage.

generative inference technical

Generative inference is the process where a computer model creates new content (like text, images, or scenarios) and uses that created content to draw conclusions or make predictions. For investors, it matters because these systems can produce forecasts, summarize large reports, or simulate market scenarios—speeding research but also introducing the risk that confident-looking outputs may be wrong if the model’s assumptions or data are flawed, much like a cookbook that invents recipes based on imperfect taste notes.

series a financial

Series A is the first major round of outside equity financing for a privately held startup, where professional investors buy ownership stakes in exchange for capital to help the company move from early proof-of-concept toward scalable operations. It matters to investors because it sets an early price for the company and signals market confidence; successful Series A investments can deliver large returns if the business grows, but they also carry high risk similar to backing a promising prototype that still needs development.

Ventures investment in ODC supports pathway to 6G infrastructure and enables mission resiliency

MCLEAN, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Booz Allen Hamilton (NYSE: BAH) today announced that its corporate venture capital arm, Booz Allen Ventures, has made a strategic investment in O-RAN Development Company (ODC), a U.S.-based technology company specializing in AI-native Open RAN (O-RAN) solutions for 5G and emerging 6G networks. The investment—part of ODC’s Series A funding round—will help accelerate the development of NextG wireless technologies that power mission-critical communications and help shape tomorrow’s 6G infrastructure in step with emerging U.S. priorities.

This investment advances more adaptive communications capabilities. It also supports the development of Artificial Intelligence Radio Access Network (AI-RAN) technologies that embed AI directly into the network to improve mission outcomes while extending the capabilities of today’s 5G infrastructure and laying the foundation for 6G. Leveraging software-defined wireless networks, edge computing, and AI-enabled technologies, data can be processed closer to where missions occur—enabling faster decision making, improved situational awareness, and more resilient network operations at the edge.

“At Booz Allen, we’re advancing AI-native wireless networks that strengthen resilience and bring AI to the edge,” said Chris Christou, senior vice president and 5G/NextG lead at Booz Allen. “By leveraging our deep engineering and mission expertise with ODC’s innovative technology, we’re helping bring next-generation wireless capabilities to environments where speed, adaptability, and reliability matter most.”

This work builds on Booz Allen’s broader NextG industry collaborations through initiatives such as the AI Wireless Innovation Network (AI-WIN), which advances AI-native wireless technologies and accelerates their transition into operational environments. Through AI-WIN, Booz Allen and ODC are working alongside partners, also a co-investor in this round, to develop and deploy NextG capabilities that integrate AI directly into wireless network architectures.

"ODC’s platform can transform the network from a communication pipe into a distributed compute grid, which is the essential AI processing engine for the world’s digital and physical infrastructure,” said Dr. Shaygan Kheradpir, chairman of ODC. “With the support of Booz Allen and other industry-leading partners, we are now focused on ramping our engagements and transforming today's cell sites into high-performance compute hubs capable of orchestrating everything from autonomous agentic AI and real-time generative inference to the physical AI applications that secure and define national infrastructure resilience.”

Initial efforts will focus on defense applications, where Booz Allen brings deep mission and operational expertise to help integrate emerging commercial technologies into real-world government environments. The collaboration is expected to expand beyond defense to support opportunities across allied international markets, enterprise environments, and mobile network operators.

“The United States must continue to lead in AI and advanced communications,” said Travis Bales, director of Booz Allen Ventures. “Through this investment, Booz Allen is helping accelerate the technologies and partnerships needed to support government missions and sustain America’s technological advantage.”

Launched in 2022, Booz Allen Ventures makes strategic investments in visionary, early-stage startups focused on AI, defense tech, deep tech, cybersecurity, space, and reindustrialization. The fund, which tripled in size last year to $300 million, is set to build on the success of investments across portfolio companies to date.

Read more about Booz Allen Ventures and the company’s NextG capabilities.

About Booz Allen Hamilton

Booz Allen is the advanced technology company delivering outcomes with speed for America’s most critical defense, civil, and national security priorities. We build technology solutions using AI, cyber, and other cutting-edge technologies to advance and protect the nation and its citizens. By focusing on outcomes, we enable our people, customers, and their missions to succeed—accelerating the nation to realize our purpose: Empower People to Change the World®.

With global headquarters in McLean, Virginia, our firm employs approximately 31,600 people globally as of December 31, 2025, and had revenue of $12.0 billion for the 12 months ended March 31, 2025. To learn more, visit www.boozallen.com

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Source: Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation