01In algorithms
Frontier Algorithms
Sovereign, on-premises AI and agentic systems built to run inside government and enterprise walls, with a security framework mapped to NIST AI RMF, ISO 42001, and the OWASP Agentic Top 10.
The AI Cowboys
We push AI to the frontier, in algorithms, in silicon, and in qubits.
Sovereign AI, neuromorphic hardware, cybersecurity, and quantum, built in San Antonio for government and enterprise.
Lab status // San Antonio, TX
- 00
- DOI-backed publications
- 00
- Research frontiers
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- ORCID-registered researchers
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- Agent-security layers
- RT
- Room-temperature quantum
- 0
- Target: first SNN clearance
01What we work on
Three frontiers, one lab
We push artificial intelligence at the edges where it is hardest: the algorithms that reason, the silicon that runs them, and the qubits that will one day accelerate them.
02In silicon
Neuromorphic Hardware
Brain-inspired, event-driven silicon that senses and computes in-memory. Spiking neural networks that trade clock cycles for microwatts, aimed squarely at the edge and the clinic.
03In qubits
Quantum
Room-temperature quantum built on nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond. A practical path to quantum sensing, small registers, and workforce training without a dilution refrigerator.
02Publications
Open-access, DOI-backed research
Formal papers from our practitioners across the lab's three frontiers, released open access under CC BY 4.0. Each links to its permanent DOI record.
P-01AI Security
Apr 14, 2026 · Zenodo · The AI Cowboys
Agent Security Framework
Michael Pendleton, Corrina Alcoser
A comprehensive, layered security framework for autonomous AI agents, agentic workflows, and multi-agent systems. Spans eight architectural layers with governance and observability controls, aligned to NIST AI RMF, ISO/IEC 42001, the EU AI Act, CSA guidance, the OWASP Agentic Top 10, and MITRE ATLAS.
10.5281/zenodo.19561360Read
P-02Neuromorphic
Apr 9, 2026 · Zenodo · UTSA & NSCC
Thinking at the Edge: Neuromorphic Computing's Biomedical Moment
Michael Pendleton, Corrina Alcoser, Jacqueline Suttin
An analysis of the regulatory barriers keeping neuromorphic spiking-neural-network devices out of the clinic. Despite strong hardware demonstrations in seizure detection, cardiac monitoring, and neuroprosthetics, no SNN-based medical device has yet been cleared anywhere in the world. The paper assigns technology-readiness levels across three clinical domains and proposes a translational roadmap toward a first clearance by 2030.
10.5281/zenodo.19478504Read
P-03Quantum
Jan 8, 2026 · Zenodo · Preprint · UTSA
Room-Temperature Quantum Research Facilities: A Scalable Model for Emerging Research Universities
Michael Pendleton, Corrina Alcoser, The AI Cowboys
A practical model for emerging universities to stand up quantum research programs using nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond. Because NV centers operate at room temperature with standard optical and microwave equipment, they open an accessible path to quantum sensing, small quantum registers, quantum networking, and workforce training for roughly $70,000-$350,000 over seven years, within the Texas Quantum Initiative framework.
10.5281/zenodo.18181022Read
03The people
The researchers behind the work
Our papers carry named authors with registered ORCID iDs, not a faceless brand. The same practitioners build the products.
04From the lab bench
Be the neuron
An interactive, first-person walkthrough of how neuromorphic hardware actually computes. Ride a single spike from input to output and watch the exact mechanics behind the silicon we build.
- 01SenseEvent-driven inputs arrive as spikes. No clock, no frames.
- 02IntegrateWeighted synapses sum charge in-memory toward threshold.
- 03FireThe all-or-none spike propagates down the bus asynchronously.
- 04ComputeA memristor crossbar performs the multiply-accumulate in place.
05What we ship
Artifacts, not just claims
A lab is known by what it releases. Everything here is public: code you can run, papers you can cite, and writing you can read.
- Demo
Be the Neuron
An interactive WebGL walkthrough of how neuromorphic hardware computes, from spike to crossbar.
- Papers
Open-access publications
DOI-backed papers across quantum, neuromorphic, and AI security, released under CC BY 4.0.
- Book
Quantum Programming
A step-by-step guide to quantum computing by Dr. Michael Pendleton, available on Amazon.
- Writing
Research notes
Long-form technical writing and lab updates, published on Substack.
- Audio
The AI Cowboys Podcast
Conversations on transforming industries with AI, on Apple Podcasts.
06Why teams choose us
Companies Need Us
We help clients from all industries solve complex problems, drive innovation, and stay ahead of the curve.
Pioneering cutting-edge AI and quantum computing innovations to keep your organization at the technological forefront.
Guiding businesses through the complex adoption of quantum technologies, ensuring seamless integration and competitive advantage.
Delivering government-grade compliant AI solutions designed for security, accuracy, and reliability in regulated environments.
Accelerating startups and institutions with customized AI and ML strategies, turning groundbreaking ideas into actionable results.
Empowering academic institutions with robust AI and quantum computing tools, enhancing research outcomes and educational excellence.
Offering comprehensive strategic planning for quantum computing adoption, positioning ahead in technology leadership.
With The AI Cowboys, you're not just integrating technology you're future-proofing your business!
07Industries
Blazing the Trail for AI, Quantum, and National Security
We are the commercialization engine for national security research, wrangling deep R&D into production-ready systems faster than anyone in our class. From our home range in San Antonio, we move at the speed of relevance to protect and power the digital frontier.
Showing industry 1 of 12: Healthcare & Life Sciences
08What we offer
Our Services
From AI strategy to classified deployments — we deliver end-to-end technology solutions built for organizations that can't afford to fall behind.
We design, train, and deploy production-ready AI and ML models that turn complex data into decisive business advantage — from predictive analytics and computer vision to large-language-model integrations.
Our security operations experts protect government, defense, and enterprise environments with zero-trust architecture, continuous threat intelligence, and our proprietary R-O-D-E-O platform.
We guide organizations through the quantum landscape with strategic consulting, algorithm design, and hybrid classical-quantum implementations that future-proof your infrastructure.
Our healthcare-specific AI accelerates diagnostics, streamlines clinical workflows, and surfaces actionable patient insights — all while maintaining strict HIPAA compliance and data sovereignty.
From raw ingestion pipelines to business intelligence dashboards, we build scalable data architectures that make your organization's most valuable asset actually usable.
We empower educators, institutions, and enterprise teams with curriculum design, LLM architecture workshops, prompt engineering, and responsible AI training programs.
Delivering government-grade compliant AI solutions designed for security, accuracy, and reliability in regulated environments — including air-gapped and classified deployments.
09Performance
Business Level Analytics
We measure everything we deliver. Our performance metrics reflect a rigorous commitment to client outcomes, on-time execution, and data precision across every engagement.
Client Satisfaction95%
Project Delivery95%
Data Accuracy85%
10+Years Active
12+Industries
24/7Operations
Now on Amazon
11New book
Master Quantum Programming
Learn the fundamentals of quantum computing and how to apply them in real-world scenarios. Quantum Programming: Unlocking the Future of Computing by Dr. Michael Pendletonis your step-by-step guide to building tomorrow's tech today, with practical tools, real use cases, and no fluff.
- Beginner-friendly for developers and tech leaders
- Trusted by educators, engineers, and government teams
- Use cases across AI, cybersecurity, and data science
- Now available on Amazon
Dr. Michael PendletonQuantum Computing Expert & Author
12Testimonials
Client Feedback & AI Achievements from San Antonio and Beyond
Client Success Story: University of Arkansas
I've worked with Michael Pendleton on several government technology projects, and his work is consistently outstanding. His recent book on Quantum Programming is a milestone in the field and will serve as essential reading for students for years to come.
Trusted Partners & Affiliates
13FAQ
FAQ: Built by Experts in Texas, Explained for You
We specialize in creating high-fidelity, privacy-preserving synthetic datasets that help you train smarter, scale faster, and stay compliant. Explore these commonly asked questions to learn how The AI Cowboys deliver synthetic data solutions built for modern AI and machine learning use cases.
The AI Cowboys build next-generation AI infrastructure and data solutions—including synthetic datasets, real-world data sourcing, machine learning pipelines, and secure enterprise integrations. We help government, research, and commercial partners innovate with AI faster and safer.
As the #6 AI startup in Texas, The AI Cowboys offers general-purpose AI capabilities with no clear market leader yet, making us a prime strategic investment poised to dominate across industries.
Our dynamic Topology-on-Demand architecture, continuous function algorithms, and six proprietary production-ready datasets enable innovative AI models that redefine data processing and drives industry transformation.
Our core services include: • Real‑World Data Services • Synthetic Data Generation • LLM Infrastructure + Fine‑Tuning • Custom AI & ML Deployment • Data Annotation & Validation • AI-Powered Product Design • Healthcare & Biomedical AI
We support: • Government agencies seeking secure and compliant AI tooling • Research institutions needing advanced datasets • Startups and enterprises looking to scale machine learning models • Developers and founders building LLM-based applications
We combine hands-on experience with cutting-edge AI tools and a strong emphasis on data quality, security, and real-world results. Unlike generic AI firms, we tailor solutions for regulated, high-impact environments—especially in defense, healthcare, and enterprise tech.
Synthetic data is AI-generated data that mimics real-world data patterns—without exposing private or sensitive information. It helps you protect privacy, simulate rare edge cases, and train AI safely and at scale.
1. Schedule a discovery call with our team 2. Define your goals and challenges 3. Receive a custom roadmap with timelines, deliverables, and pricing We'll help you move from idea to AI-powered execution.
We're proudly based at UTSA National Security Collaboration Center in San Antonio, Texas, serving clients across the U.S. and internationally. We also work on-site with select partners for data-sensitive projects.
Yes! We offer workshops, consulting, and curriculum design to teach teams how to use AI responsibly and effectively, including LLM architecture, prompt engineering, and model deployment strategies.