Our Promise
Every engagement we facilitate is designed to accelerate deployment, sharpen decision-making, and guard democratic values. No noise, just purposeful collaboration.
About
Why Spades Institute
We advance ethics, democracy, and freedom through trusted, nonpartisan engagement across the public and private sectors.
Our Story
The Problem
In an era of complex security challenges, effective solutions require collaboration across sectors. Yet too often, government, industry, and academia operate in silos, missing opportunities to leverage collective expertise and leaving critical gaps in our national security frameworks.
What We Do Differently
Spades Institute serves as a trusted convener, bringing together the right voices at the right time. We don't just connect people; we align incentives, build relationships, and focus every engagement on practical, measurable outcomes. Our programs are designed for action, not just discussion.
What Success Looks Like
When government leaders understand industry constraints, when technologists appreciate mission requirements, when researchers connect with operators: that's when real progress happens. Our success is measured in strengthened partnerships, accelerated solutions, and enhanced resilience across the national security ecosystem.
How We Work
We connect the right voices, align incentives, and keep the focus on practical outcomes.
How We Operate
We work with mission leadership, technologists, and scholars to connect perspective with execution. Our programs are research-informed, delivery focused, and built to last.
How We Connect Sectors
From challenge to solution in four focused steps.
1
1
Identify
Surface the need.
2
2
Convene
Bring the right voices.
3
3
Collaborate
Work the problem.
4
4
Deliver
Usable outputs, fast.
Example Scenario
Challenge
A federal agency needs to understand emerging AI security risks.
Outcome
Closed-door session delivers actionable guidance for immediate implementation.
Guiding Principles
Democracy, freedom, and ethics define how we convene, design, and deliver.
Democracy
We ensure all voices are heard and democratic processes are respected. Our work strengthens the institutions that protect civic participation.
Freedom
We safeguard individual liberties and free expression. Our convenings encourage open dialogue and the free exchange of ideas.
Ethics
We operate with integrity, transparency, and accountability. Every engagement is guided by a commitment to ethical conduct.
Work With Us
Whether you're in government, industry, or academia, we'd love to explore how we can collaborate.