Training and Research

About

The Gordian Knot Center equips Stanford students to lead in national security innovation through hands-on training, mentorship, and real-world problem-solving. Our student programs — including the National Security Innovation Scholars and Stanford DEFCON Student Network — empower future leaders to work directly on national security challenges and produce meaningful, actionable outcomes.

Whether building policy proposals, developing technical prototypes, or organizing thought leadership events, students gain the tools, networks, and experience to contribute from day one. These programs are grounded in a simple idea: national security needs new voices, and we’re here to help shape them.

National Security Innovation Scholars

National Security Innovation Scholars are competitively selected each quarter to develop independent projects that deliver innovative solutions to pressing global challenges.

Students from across Stanford's schools and disciplines apply to work on topics at the intersection of their interest and expertise. The Gordian Knot Center provides stipends, mentoring, and a network to help them succeed. Innovation Scholar deliverables — from policy proposals to prototypes — are reshaping the national security landscape.

Eligibility:

Must be an enrolled undergraduate or graduate student at Stanford University.

Who Should Apply?

Students from any discipline encouraged to apply. Technical expertise is a plus, but not required.
Problem-solvers with an interest in deep tech and mission-driven outcomes.

Program Format

National Security Speaker Series featuring senior leaders from government, military, industry, and academia.
Faculty and mentor support to guide your project and grow your network.
Final Deliverable (e.g., prototype, simulation, policy proposal, operational concept etc.)

The Fall Innovation Scholar application will open in August. Reach out to the Gordian Knot Center to learn more: gordianknotcenter@stanford.edu.

Stanford DEFCON Student Network

The Stanford DEFCON Student Network is a cross-campus community of students—engineers, entrepreneurs, researchers, veterans, policymakers, and investors—united by a shared commitment to advancing national security through technology. Whether you're focused on AI, quantum, defense tech, or energy, we’re building a forum to learn, collaborate, and drive impact together.

Get Involved

If you're a Stanford student and would like to join the Stanford DEFCON Student Network, click below.

If you're interested in hosting an event, sponsoring, or collaborating please email us at "Listserv" DEFCON_tech@stanford.edu.

Join Stanford DEFCON.

PEO Directory

This Program Executive Office Open Directory Project, first drafted by Steve Blank, is a strategic resource designed to help businesses, investors, and individuals navigate the U.S. Department of Defense's (DoD) acquisition process. It outlines who manages and oversees the DoD's procurement of military systems, equipment, and services across various branches like the Army, Navy, and Air Force. This directory serves as a tool for understanding key contacts, procurement responsibilities, and decision-makers within the DoD.

Video Highlights

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2nd Annual Stanford Technology and National Security Conference

Learn more about the largest student-led technology and national security conference in the nation.

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Sealight Project Highlighted on 60 Minutes

Ray Powell, former Innovation Scholar and Director of the Sealight Project, features in 60 Minutes story on tensions in the South China Sea.

Innovation Scholar Reports and Publications

We argue that the real advantage of Generative AI (GenAI) in the context of offensive cyber operations lies not in the creation of novel tactics and techniques but in the enhancement of existing ones. GenAI significantly sharpens the efficacy of these tactics and techniques by improving the accuracy and speed of decision-making processes. It allows adversaries to sift through vast quantities of data rapidly, identify high-value targets, and tailor their strategies accordingly.