IN3, HBCUs Team Up for Defense Tech Opportunities
Staff Report
Bloomington—The Indiana Innovation Institute, also known as IN3, has entered into a master collaborative research and development agreement with Tougaloo College Research and Development Foundation, Inc., which represents a consortium of 31 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Under agreement, the parties will jointly pursue federal and non-federal funding for a variety of defense opportunities in a variety of emerging technical areas including hypersonics, cyber-physical systems, trusted microelectronics and artificial intelligence. The agreement also allows for joint pursuits in business development and technology commercialization.
“Historically Black Colleges and Universities are home to some of the best talent dedicated to working on research and development that is key to our national security,” said Stephen E. Kelly, president and CEO of IN3. “The 31 member institutions of the consortium have both undergraduate and graduate students who possess skills and expertise in the fields of engineering, computer science and cybersecurity, which are priorities for the U.S. Department of Defense and other federal agencies.”
The agreement furthers IN3’s mission of working with academia, industry and government to create a hub of national security innovation that helps solve critical defense priorities. The organization also connects regional, state and national partners in a variety of ways including convening research and business teams to solve defense challenges.
The agreement is in place for three years and will help streamline future collaborative R&D, business development opportunities and the sharing of research facilities.
The Tougaloo College Research and Development Foundation was formed to support the research and development mission of Tougaloo College and that of other Historically Black Colleges or Universities (HBCUs). The foundation meets that mission by forming and conducting research and contract partnerships between HBCUs and other research entities.
IN3 works with academia, industry and government to create a hub of national security innovation that helps solve critical defense priorities. We are building an ecosystem of economic growth that is speeding new investment and advancing partnerships, jobs and the talent pool in Indiana. The governor, major university presidents and CEOs serve on its board.