You’ve probably heard the name Lisa Costa tossed around in tech circles or defense briefings, usually followed by some pretty heavy titles. But if you think she’s just another bureaucrat sitting in a Pentagon office, honestly, you’re missing the real story.
She's basically the architect of how the U.S. military handles its most sensitive data in the stars.
What does Lisa Costa do for a living? Currently, in 2026, she’s navigating a high-powered transition. After retiring from her historic role as the first-ever Chief Technology and Innovation Officer (CTIO) for the U.S. Space Force in mid-2024, Dr. Costa has shifted her focus to the private sector. She’s now a partner at Squadra Ventures and runs her own consultancy, the Allegheny Group. Essentially, she’s taking 35 years of "no-fail" military experience and injecting it into the world of venture capital and AI startups.
The Space Force Era: Building a Digital Branch
When the Space Force was established, it didn't just need satellites; it needed a digital nervous system. Costa was the person tapped to build it. As the CTIO, she wasn't just managing IT support. She was responsible for the Unified Data Library (UDL), a massive cloud-based repository that pulls in data from everywhere—commercial sensors, government assets, you name it—to give the U.S. an edge in space domain awareness.
It’s hard to overstate how much she pushed for AI. She’s often said that AI isn't just a "nice to have" but a "game-changer" for a lean force like the Guardians.
Why her role was different
- Budget Oversight: She managed a portfolio worth over $1.2 billion.
- Innovation Strategy: She focused on "vibe coding" and rapid prototyping rather than the slow, traditional 10-year procurement cycles.
- Digital Transformation: She aimed to make the Space Force the first "truly digital" military service.
From Special Ops to Venture Capital
Before the Space Force, Costa was the Chief Information Officer (CIO) for U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). Imagine being responsible for the communication and data needs of 95,000 elite operators across 140 countries. That was her daily life. She handled everything from satellite communications to "just-in-time" AI at the edge for missions where failure wasn't an option.
These days, she’s spending a lot of time with Seekr, an AI startup where she sits on the advisory board. She’s helping them figure out how to make AI "explainable" and secure enough for government use. It's a bridge-building role. She knows what the military needs, and she knows what the tech world can build.
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A Career Built on Math and Grit
Lisa Costa didn't just land these roles by accident. She started working at 18 as a junior programmer for a government contractor to pay her way through college. She worked the third shift at Harris Corporation while studying.
She holds a PhD in computer science and engineering management. Her technical depth is real. She even helped shape the U.S. model for homeland security and special operations’ role in countering terrorism during her 25 years at MITRE.
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What’s Next for Dr. Costa?
Looking at her current trajectory in 2026, she seems focused on "dual-use" technology. This is the idea that the same tech used for commercial logistics or data analysis can—and should—be adapted for national defense without the government paying double for it.
She’s also a vocal advocate for cognitive diversity. In her view, the best teams aren't just a room full of PhDs; they include the 19-year-old "Supra Coder" who understands the hardware better than anyone else.
Actionable Takeaways from Lisa Costa’s Career
- Embrace AI Early: Costa was working with algorithms 30 years ago. If you’re waiting for AI to become "perfect" before using it, you’re already behind.
- Focus on Interoperability: Whether in business or defense, data is useless if it’s siloed. The success of the Unified Data Library proves that consolidating sources is the only way to get a clear picture.
- Build Lean: Small, multidisciplinary teams often outpace massive organizations.
- Cross-Pollinate: Use your expertise in one sector (like government) to provide value in another (like venture capital).
Dr. Costa’s move from the highest levels of the Pentagon to the cutting edge of VC-backed startups reflects a broader shift in how national security is being built. It’s no longer just about the biggest rocket; it’s about the smartest code.