VAI / Trusted AI Glossary
Reference
Trusted AI glossary.
Plain-language definitions of the ideas behind trusted AI infrastructure, and how VAI puts each one into practice.
Trusted AI infrastructure
The hardware, networks and standards that let AI systems act on information whose origin and integrity can be verified.
VAI builds trust in from the chip up.
Hardware root of trust
A security foundation built into hardware that other systems rely on to verify identity and integrity.
VAI’s self-authenticating chips act as a hardware root of trust for devices and assets.
Self-authenticating chip
A chip that can prove its own identity, origin and authorization before it transacts or communicates.
This is the foundation of VAI, protected by Velacomm’s patents.
Chip authentication
Verifying that a semiconductor is genuine and is what it claims to be.
VAI authenticates chips at every handoff from fab to field.
Counterfeit electronic parts
Components that are fake, recycled or misrepresented, a known risk in defense and critical supply chains.
VAI rejects parts that cannot prove their identity at receiving inspection.
Zero trust architecture
A security model in which no device, user or network is trusted by default and everything is verified.
VAI applies zero trust to hardware, data and transactions.
Data provenance
A verifiable record of where data came from and how it changed.
VAI signs data at the source with hardware-rooted identity.
Data integrity
Assurance that data has not been altered without authorization.
VAI detects tampering by breaking verification on unauthorized change.
Data sovereignty
Control over data according to the laws and policies of the nation or organization that owns it.
VAI is designed to support data residency and sovereign control.
Digital sovereignty
A nation’s ability to control its own digital infrastructure, data and standards.
VAI supports sovereign control for governments and their partners.
Supply chain security
Protecting goods, components and information as they move between suppliers, carriers and customers.
VAI authenticates goods, documents and parties end to end.
Chain of custody
The documented sequence of who held an item and when.
VAI records every authenticated handoff.
Electronic bill of lading
A digital version of the shipping document that represents title to goods in transit.
VAI ties electronic trade documents to verified goods and parties.
Trade finance
Financing that supports international trade, such as letters of credit.
VAI links trade finance to authenticated shipment evidence.
Asset tokenization
Representing a real-world asset as a digital record or token.
VAI anchors tokens to authenticated physical assets and digital twins.
Digital twin
A digital representation of a physical asset, kept in sync with it.
VAI connects digital twins to hardware identity in the asset itself.
AI compute security
Protecting the hardware, power and supply chains behind AI data centers.
VAI verifies servers and accelerators from fab to rack.
Chip location verification
Confirming where advanced chips are deployed and who uses them.
VAI is designed to support location and end-use verification of authenticated chips.
Critical infrastructure protection
Securing energy, water, telecom, transport and other essential systems.
VAI keeps unverified devices off critical systems.
Pax Silica
A U.S. State Department–led initiative, launched in December 2025, to build secure supply chains for semiconductors, AI, critical minerals, energy and logistics with partner economies.
VAI is designed around the same goals. Velacomm is not a party to Pax Silica.
Interoperability standards
Shared technical rules that let systems from different providers and nations work together.
Velacomm supports open standards through a foundation that is being established.
Accountable AI
AI whose actions can be traced to verified data and responsible parties.
VAI’s V·A·T principles (Value, Accountability, Trust) put accountability at the core.
Talk to Velacomm.
Briefings are available to qualified parties under a non-disclosure agreement.
Velacomm Inc. · 1201 Delaware Ave., Unit 3901 · Wilmington, DE 19806 · USA · info@velacomm.ai