Securing America’s Future: Harnessing the State’s Innovation Capacity and Capabilities to Build the Industry That Protects All Industries

Session Overview

As threats to our digital and physical assets grow increasingly complex, effectively harnessing the full spectrum of resources within Texas’ innovation portfolio is vital for developing cutting-edge solutions that enhance resilience and security. In this session, leaders from across sectors and domains highlighted the pivotal role of Texas' innovation ecosystem in positioning the state as a global leader in technological innovation, cybersecurity, and protecting U.S. critical infrastructure.

Key Session Insights

The day’s opening panel explored the dynamics of technological progress and security, challenging the notion that these two forces must inherently be at odds. In fact, the panelists made the case for how carefully integrated security measures can foster innovation rather than stifle it.

Mr. Charles “Chuck” Bondurant, Director of Critical Infrastructure Security and Risk Management at the Public Utility Commission of Texas, opened the discussion by addressing one of the state's most pressing concerns: the stability of its power grid. Mr. Bonderant shared several strategies for creating greater stability on the grid. He painted a vivid picture of the mounting pressures facing Texas’ energy infrastructure, citing the rapid expansion of AI farms and an ever-growing population as key stressors. These factors, he explained, are placing unprecedented demands on the system. These demands, in turn, elevate the consequences of any disruptions, and they are forcing a fundamental shift in how energy security is approached.

Mr. Bondurant also advocated for increased energy generation to support the state’s growing demands while also advocating for smarter, more efficient energy consumption. He pointed out the benefits of incentivizing homeowners to contribute excess solar energy back to the grid, a step that could alleviate some of the strain on traditional power sources.

Furthermore, Mr. Bondurant advocated for moving beyond traditional, rigid regulatory checklists. Instead, he promoted a risk-based model allowing for greater flexibility and adaptability for utility users and providers. By working closely with utility providers, the Public Utility Commission of Texas can engage in the proactive security strategies and provide the mentorship necessary to effectively anticipate and manage emerging threats before they escalate into crises.

Mr. Adam Hamilton, President and CEO of the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI), then shifted gears from energy security to securing the major driver of growing energy demand — artificial intelligence. He argued that in an age increasingly dominated by AI and machine learning, security-conscious cultures are more necessary than ever to protect sensitive data. One proactive approach being taken by SwRI is to develop internal AI models rather than relying on publicly available platforms.

Mr. Geoffrey Urbach, Product and Partnerships Lead for Emerging Technology in the City of San Antonio, offered his perspective of how San Antonio has adopted a structured governance approach for large-scale project development undertaken by the city, which ensures collaboration among government agencies, private enterprises, and academic institutions throughout the development process.

A prime example of this forward-thinking approach is the city’s proactive stance on AI policy. By adhering to the NIST framework, San Antonio has implemented rigorous protocols to assess potential AI-related risks, including biases in decision-making algorithms, transparency in data usage, and other cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Mr. Urbach also shared an ambitious initiative that has the potential to revolutionize urban planning and disaster preparedness — digital twins. Digital twins are advanced simulation tools that enable city planners to model infrastructure scenarios, predict the impact of natural disasters, and optimize resource allocation, ultimately making San Antonio more prepared and resilient in the face of future challenges.

Furthermore, for Texas to accelerate its innovation-led economy, it must have continued access to a workforce equipped with the skills to innovate. Mr. Urbach stressed the urgency of aligning education with the needs of the tech industry, ensuring that students and workers are equipped with the necessary skills to thrive in STEM and security careers. He noted that San Antonio ranks sixth in the nation for the risk of job losses due to the rise of AI, making workforce development a critical priority for the region’s long-term economic stability.

Mr. Hamilton expanded on this idea by discussing the importance of outreach to every community in the region. By creating educational pipelines that align with industry needs, Texas can position itself as a national leader in both AI innovation and cybersecurity. Besides taking advantage of local talent, Texas should also strategically leverage its proximity to Mexico to further cultivate a robust and highly skilled labor force capable of driving forward the region’s high-tech industries.

As the discussion wound down, the panelists collectively reinforced a crucial takeaway: security and innovation are deeply interconnected; they must coexist to drive sustainable progress. Through structured governance, proactive AI policies, forward-thinking workforce development strategies, and a deeply ingrained culture of security awareness, Texas has the potential to set a national benchmark for technological resilience. Through the approaches that San Antonio has taken to integrate resilience into every part of the innovation process, the state can serve as a model for other regions striving to balance innovation with the imperative of safeguarding their infrastructure.