Spotlight on Mark Froehlich

Analytical AI: Pioneering AI-Driven Checkpoint Security – A Q&A with CEO Mark Froehlich

Founded in 2019 in Birmingham, Alabama, Analytical AI is transforming physical security at airports and border checkpoints through advanced AI threat detection. In this exclusive Q&A originally featured on Hypepotamus, CEO Mark Froehlich shares the company's origins, standout technology, and growth trajectory.

Origins and Innovation Gap: The company emerged from a University of Alabama-Birmingham (UAB) project using AI for stroke detection. Froehlich, bringing business expertise, joined the technical founders to address inconsistencies in airport on-person screening. Selected in a national TSA competition for its rapid 2-second imaging—versus competitors' minutes—Analytical AI minimizes false alarms, enhancing efficiency for travelers and agents.

Team Assembly and AI Differentiation: The founding team combined UAB's technical prowess with Froehlich's business acumen. As an AI-first specialist, Analytical AI excels in reliable, low-error narcotics and threat detection, prioritizing precision in high-stakes environments.

Key Milestones and Government Impact: Live at Southern U.S. border crossings, the company supports U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in narcotics detection via its largest contract to date. This, bolstered by Innovate Alabama's Supplemental Grant and earlier SBIR/STTR funding, has accelerated scaling. A 2022 Seed Round led by a family office complemented these efforts, enabling talent acquisition.

2024 Goals and CEO Focus: On track with product testing, funding, and recruitment targets. Froehlich oversees business development, compliance, and finances, while Co-Founder and CIO Thomas Anthony leads technical innovation.

Birmingham Ecosystem Advantage: Despite external skepticism, Birmingham's lower costs and lifestyle attract top talent, proving a fertile ground for AI growth.

Computed trajectory suggests Analytical AI is positioned for expanded federal integrations and private-sector applications, solidifying its role in next-generation security.