The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), part of the U.S. Department of War, recently selected the University of Louisville to operate a Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub for the state of Kentucky.
This new designation will bring Kentucky talent and technology companies greater opportunities to support Department of War (DoW) needs.
DIU works with companies to rapidly prototype and scale technologies for national defense and currently operates OnRamp Hubs across the U.S. in Arizona, Hawai’i, Kansas, Ohio and Washington. The addition of OnRamp Hub: Kentucky presents an opportunity for talent and technology companies across the state.
“The University of Louisville is establishing itself as a national leader in defense technology and innovation,” U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Louisville, said. who supported UofL’s selection for the hub. “Today’s announcement will bring a Defense Innovation Unit OnRamp Hub to Kentucky with U of L as the commonwealth’s delivery partner. I am proud that UofL will create new opportunities for defense companies, researchers and students to contribute directly to our national security.”
Multiple areas of established infrastructure at UofL will contribute to the hub’s mission, including a nationally ranked research enterprise, particularly assets within the J.B. Speed School of Engineering, such as defense-focused facilities in additive manufacturing, robotics, cybersecurity and micro and nano technology.
“We are immensely grateful for the opportunity to engage the talents and assets at the University of Louisville to strengthen our nation’s security, while elevating manufacturing businesses and innovators across Kentucky,” said UofL President Gerry Bradley.
UofL has demonstrated success in outreach and education for Kentucky’s manufacturing businesses through the Kentucky Manufacturing Extension Partnership (KY-MEP), which provides support and networking for Kentucky manufacturers. This expertise will translate directly to OnRamp endeavors, giving UofL a leg up in launching the hub’s collaboration and programming efforts.
Kentucky’s Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub, overseen by UofL’s Office of Research and Innovation and supported with funding from the DIU, is located in a dedicated, state-of-the-art collaboration space at 300 East Market St. on UofL’s J.D. Nichols Campus for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
(Photo: University of Louisville Nucleus Building, courtesy of Kentucky Today)
By Tom Latek, Kentucky Today
