Successful Connection Catalyzes Warfighting Capabilities

The Tech Connect program recently helped connect a cutting-edge commercial organization to relevant experts in the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), creating benefits for both the company and the government. 

Stephen Buchanan founded Bandelier Technologies in August 2025 and currently serves as the company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO). After completing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Harvard University, Buchanan relocated to New Mexico to facilitate collaboration with Los Alamos National Laboratory, a US Department of Energy installation. In New Mexico, Buchanan began participating in an entrepreneurship program and founded the company he now leads. 

Bandelier Technologies specializes in addressing problems related to quantum sensing. Quantum sensors hold enormous promise for defense-related challenges, as they can detect physical phenomena — such as timing signals, magnetic fields, and inertial forces — with precision that classical instruments cannot match. Unlike traditional sensors, quantum sensors exploit the fundamental properties of quantum mechanics, including superposition and entanglement, to achieve extraordinary sensitivity to minute changes in their environment. This sensitivity enables capabilities such as navigation independent of the Global Positioning System (GPS), detection of subtle timing anomalies in critical infrastructure, and the ability to achieve the highly accurate measurements that underpin modern defense and national security systems. 

Compact quantum systems can be placed on drones to provide enhanced sensing abilities, which can help military personnel detect the presence of – and understand the capabilities of – adversary assets. Aboard a drone, quantum systems might help personnel understand whether they are potentially being eavesdropped upon. Quantum systems can also be deployed on larger aircraft, such as the C-130, to provide other benefits. On larger craft, quantum systems can integrate with other sensor suites or navigation suites to improve their performance. 

Bandelier Technologies focuses its work on building the quantum hardware and then pairing it with Artificial Intelligence (AI) data sets that facilitate the quantum sensors’ operation. Although working with Los Alamos National Laboratory has been, in Buchanan’s words, “great,” he knew that connecting directly with the military would be a “natural fit” as well. Bandelier Technologies used Tech Connect to get in touch with experts within AFRL that might be interested in the company’s work. Since AFRL primarily focuses on early-stage experimental research, it seemed to be a “logical partner” for the company’s cutting-edge work. 

Coordinating with AFRL personnel has proved to be quite useful. In Buchanan’s telling, conducting sustained dialogue with AFRL staff has helped the company understand the technologies the military is most interested in, which has allowed the company to tailor its work to stated real-world needs. The company has also gained experience in navigating the landscape of scientists, program managers, and other staff that make up the government workforce. These experiences, in turn, have empowered the company to more confidently advocate for the financial resources necessary to continue organizational growth. 

In fact, Bandelier Technologies is currently working to finalize a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with an information-focused component of the AFRL Information and Spectrum Warfare Directorate (RF). Finalizing this agreement will formalize the company’s collaboration with AFRL and will help the company focus on developing “fieldable and testable” technologies that will make a real difference to national security. Buchanan notes that he and his staff are working in a “fun and interesting” field that is also quite important as well. 

Overall, Bandelier Technologies’ initial successes in working with AFRL demonstrate the value of the Tech Connect program in connecting Air Force and Space Force researchers with external entities that can aid them. 

Disclaimer 

The views expressed are those of the authors and do not reflect the official views of the United States Air Force or the Department of War. Mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations do not imply endorsement by the United States Government. 

About AFRL 

The Air Force Research Laboratory, or AFRL, is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development, and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space, and cyberspace forces. With a workforce spanning across nine technology areas and 40 other operations across the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio or science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development. For more information, visit afresearchlab.com. 

About Tech Connect 

The Tech Connect program allows external entities to submit innovative ideas for consideration by Air Force and Space Force experts. Program staff review and assess submitted ideas and route them to appropriate experts, often staying engaged throughout the collaborative process. The program allows the Air Force and Space Force to advance key capabilities more rapidly. For more information, please visit http://airforcetechconnect.org.