
Robi Sen
CEO, Cognoscenti Labs LLC; Former Co-Founder and CTO, Department 13
Robi Sen is the CEO of Cognoscenti, LLC. He’s an inventor, engineer, and futurist focused on solving the complex challenges of our time through deep, disruptive innovation. His work spans counter-autonomy/AI, biodefense, and advanced electronic warfare systems—reflecting a commitment to advancing technology in defense of national and global security.
He was the Co-founder and CTO of Defense contractor Department 13 from 2002 to 2018 that included collaborations with DARPA, NASA, DOE, and the Department of Defense, where he contributed to cutting-edge programs that redefined what’s technically and operationally possible.
In 2008, he co-created Mesmer, a pioneering system capable of safely landing hostile drones, anticipating the Counter-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (C-UAV) market before it formally existed. This early success reflected his ability to foresee and shape emerging technological frontiers.
He holds a portfolio of patents and has authored publications that influence the trajectory of defense and dual-use technologies.