The Air Force Research Laboratory has partnered with Cornell University and Purdue University to form an ecosystem with the goal of connecting business, academic and government entities to the defense science and technology mission.
AFRL said Monday it chose the two universities to respectively oversee regional research hubs in the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions as part of a pilot program.
The lab intends for its scientists and engineers to work with hub partners to help address technology challenges through a potential six-month workforce development program.
“By establishing these regional research hubs, we can leverage research, translation, and workforce development successes across the region, while integrating stakeholders to encourage exchanges, drive innovation and ensure our nation’s security,” said Brian McJilton, director of the AFRL Small Business office.
The lab will look to increase the number of regional hubs to cover more areas in the U.S. and expects the network to draw interest from venture capitalists, national laboratories and companies.