Rita Waite
Partner
In-Q-Tel
Panel Title:
Dual-Use AI:
Building for Commercial and National Security Impact
Panel Summary:
Commercial AI breakthroughs increasingly define the technology available to national security operators.
This panel examines how startups like AdaptiveML and Enigma navigate the dual-use landscape, balancing commercial traction with mission alignment, and what that means for the future of AI adoption in defense and intelligence.
About | Rita Waite
Rita Waite is a Partner at In-Q-Tel, the strategic investor for the U.S. Intelligence and Defense Communities. Rita joined In-Q-Tel in 2022 and primarily leads investments across the AI landscape.
Prior to In-Q-Tel, Rita was an investor at Juniper Networks’ venture arm and Semapa Next VC, where she focused on AI/ML, computer networking, and fintech. Additionally, she held strategy and operational roles at Juniper Networks and Millennium bcp. Rita also serves as a startup mentor through Alchemist Accelerator and NVCA.