PRESENTATIONS: The NavalX Midwest Tech Bridge Small Business event presentations can be found HERE.
VIDEO: The Small Business event was recorded. You can find the video HERE.
On Wednesday, June 24 the Indiana Innovation Institute (IN3) hosted a NavalX Midwest Tech Bridge virtual small business event. The session provided valuable information for Indiana businesses currently working in the field of defense contracting or those businesses wanting to get into the arena.
The event, with 145 registrants, was an open forum discussion for attendees to learn how to work with the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC Crane). It was also a great opportunity for those in attendance to better understand the research and technology needs of this Department of Navy facility.
This event was open to the many small businesses throughout Indiana and the Midwest already doing innovative work with emerging technologies for the Department of Defense and other military entities. It also sought to attract any other small businesses interested in working with NSWC Crane.
Annie Bullock, Intellectual Property Specialist, NSWC Crane, briefed attendees on the Navy’s technology transfer program that offers Navy technology to commercial enterprises to further develop and strengthen the region’s industrial base. The program also seeks to grow Dual-Use technology that can be used by both the government and commercial markets.
Matt Burkett, director of Small Business Programs at NSWC Crane, followed with an overview of the Crane facility. His small business office works to identify and advocate for use of small businesses as both a prime and subcontractor. They also work closely with contracting and requirements personnel to make sure small businesses has maximum opportunity to participate in NSWC Crane procurements.
Dr. Jonathan Dilger, director of Research at NSWC Crane, described the development of infrastructure and the evolution of partnerships between NSWC Crane and regional businesses and academic institutions from workforce development, R&D and culminating with knowledge and technology transfer. NSWC Crane currently has an active university outreach program involving many in-state and regional universities. The scope of these programs cover everything from classroom engagement to formal partnership agreements with the institutions.
Dr. Dilger concluded with a summary of new collaborative opportunities available between NSWC Crane and area businesses. These include machine learning and artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, hypersonics, informatics, and many more.
The event was also an open forum where attendees were able to ask questions of the presenters.
Follow IN3 on Twitter @IN3Indiana to learn about future events.