In a groundbreaking move, construction technology leader ICON has announced the launch of ICON Prime, a specialized division dedicated to advancing robotic construction for military, intelligence, and space applications. The new unit aims to address critical national security needs while revolutionizing the construction industry through robotics and advanced materials.
ICON Prime will focus on deploying innovative robotic construction systems for projects ranging from modernizing military infrastructure to creating structures on the Moon. Will Hurd, a former CIA officer and three-term U.S. Congressman from Texas, has been named President of ICON Prime. Known for his expertise in technology, national security, and public policy, Hurd is expected to guide the division's growth and strategic partnerships.
"ICON was founded to radically rethink how the world builds", said Jason Ballard, Co-Founder and CEO of ICON. "With ICON Prime, we are bringing together our robotics, software, and materials innovations into a defense and space tech unit to help government partners build faster, more resilient infrastructure at a lower cost."
Hurd underscored the critical role of construction technology in national security efforts, stating, "Advanced construction technologies are no longer peripheral to national security, they are foundational to military readiness, force projection, and interplanetary exploration. The need to swiftly build at lower cost is real, and the opportunity to scale where we need it most has never been greater."
ICON Prime launches with significant momentum, backed by over $360 million in government contracts, including $263 million secured in the first quarter of 2026. Two major military projects are already in progress:
These efforts highlight ICON Prime's ability to transition from research and development to full-scale production, demonstrating the viability of robotic construction in military settings.
The launch of ICON Prime comes at a time when aging domestic military infrastructure has been described as a "readiness crisis" by defense leaders. ICON's robotic construction systems offer a transformative solution, enabling faster and more cost-effective development of resilient infrastructure while reducing logistics and personnel requirements.
"Military readiness. Space dominance. Power projection in tough environments. Every one of these challenges has advanced construction at its core, and America doesn't currently have a construction capability equal to the threat", said Hurd. "ICON Prime changes that."
ICON's technology has undergone extensive testing to meet the Department of War's Unified Facility Criteria, with more than 65 full-scale wall tests and 100 component tests completed. Additional seismic design testing is planned for later in 2026.
ICON’s work extends beyond terrestrial applications. The company has secured nearly $60 million in contracts with NASA to develop construction systems capable of building infrastructure on the lunar surface. In November 2022, ICON was awarded a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase III contract to create advanced systems that utilize local resources on the Moon and Mars. ICON has already delivered the Mars Dune Alpha, a 1,700-square-foot simulated Martian habitat, for NASA's Crew Health and Performance Analog (CHAPEA) program.
With ICON Prime poised to support NASA’s lunar missions and long-term exploration goals, the division is positioning itself at the forefront of interplanetary construction.
ICON Prime’s launch signals a new era in the intersection of advanced construction and national security. By integrating robotics, AI-driven software, and innovative materials, the division aims to address critical challenges in military readiness and space exploration.
For Hurd, the mission is clear: "By building faster, ICON Prime provides the U.S. military with a unique combination of operational flexibility and strategic surprise. This isn’t just a construction shift; it’s an operational one."
As ICON Prime moves forward, it promises to reshape how infrastructure is built both on Earth and beyond.
