Booz Allen Opens The Helix in Washington, DC

It’s not always easy to visualize the impact that groundbreaking technology can have. But in The Helix, Booz Allen’s new Center for Innovation, technologies like digital twins, artificial intelligence (AI), and augmented reality are all brought to life on a 220-degree, floor-to-ceiling screen. You can also watch a quadruped robot leading search-and-locate exercises in the digital battlespace. And you can take part in an AI model deployment game that turns the entire room green if you reach the right solution—and red if you don’t.

The Helix, located in downtown Washington, DC, features more than 300 simulations, product and capability demonstrations, hands-on activations, and immersive environments. This state-of-the-art center serves as the stage where emerging technologies are unveiled for clients. In addition, partner events are held, as well as tech demos, hackathons, fireside chats, and thought leadership panels.

“We’re pulling back the curtain for our clients and making technology more accessible, explainable, and reachable,” said Helix Director Melissa Lazarofsky.

While the A/V technologies, ergonomic and environmentally friendly furnishings, and bio-inspired design theme are cutting edge, innovation is nothing new at this address, Lazarofsky said. From 2015 to 2020, the building operated as Booz Allen's DC Innovation Center, where cross-functional teams came together to develop new tech solutions.

“We built the DC Innovation Center to change the perception of who Booz Allen is and what we can do from a technology perspective,” she said.  

Today, as the impacts of technologies like AI, cyber, 5G, quantum, and edge computing are being seen in every industry, The Helix showcases Booz Allen’s ability to innovate, collaborate, and support clients as their missions evolve.

The new facility aligns with Booz Allen’s VoLT (velocity, leadership, technology) growth strategy, Lazarofsky explained, and all of the firm’s VoLT-related initiatives will have a presence here: the firm’s Chief Technology Office, technology incubator BrightLabs, Booz Allen Ventures, and critical investments such as Synthetaic, Reveal Technology, and Latent AI.

“The Helix reflects how technology, our world, and the firm are evolving,” she said.

Lazarofsky has been a part of The Helix from its inception, serving as program manager during the build and moving into operations now that the facility has been launched. Before that, she spent 9 years working with Booz Allen’s clients in areas including commerce, security, and veterans' affairs.

“One of the things that I loved about my client work at Booz Allen was the ability to work on problems that have an impact on our future,” she said. “I’ve always been very mission-driven.”

An integral part to our clients’ evolving missions is emerging technology. The Helix opens visitors’ minds to how technology can transform their operations and organizations. “I really want the space to be a changemaker, and I think showcasing the art of the possible is where that starts,” Lazarofsky said.

Even in its opening weeks, The Helix has an active schedule including an event focused on AI education, she said. AI will be a staple technology feature in The Helix, with trainings and demos available through the AI Adoption Studio, including demonstrations of aiSSEMBLE™, Booz Allen’s lean manufacturing approach to AI engineering. “And the 2023 calendar is only going to get fuller,” Lazarofsky said.

“As someone who’s been taking leaders through the space, I can say the place just blows people’s socks off,” she said. “They’re just so excited about what they can do here, and they want to be a part of it.”