On October 5th, 2023, a continued collaboration between academia and innovation unfolded as WBI's Technology Transition Manager presented during October’s open house event of Miami University's "Lee and Rosemary Innovation College@Elm."
The College@Elm facility is designed to support innovators from across industry and academia, not only as a physical space but as a transformative force for economic development in Oxford, Butler County, and Southwest. The College@Elm, in partnership with Wright Brothers Institute (WBI), offers a pipeline of innovation, entrepreneurship, and technological advancements to the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), as well as the small business ecosystem in Southwestern Ohio.
The forum highlighted the University's key partners and their capabilities in association with College@Elm programs. As a partner to the University in fulfilling its regional mission tied to the College@Elm initiative, WBI presented an overview of AFRL, Air Force T3 mechanisms, and the programming WBI performs on behalf of AFRL.
WBI's partnership with Miami University extends beyond the mere physical presence of the College@Elm. The collaboration aims to be a catalyst for progress, offering not only a space for innovation but also a conduit for education, collaboration, and workforce development. The open house served as a way to share the partners and programs fostered at College@Elm with the public at large. “All of our partners and donors have been committed and engaged in creating a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem right here in Oxford, Ohio,” said Miami University President Gregory Crawford, in a February 2023 press release. “College@Elm will demonstrate the value of infusing talented and creative people into the local entrepreneurial ecosystems and establish a model for communities like Oxford of the powerful synergies of technology and art, imagination and ingenuity that will restore the Midwest as the nation’s economic engine and advance local economies.”
The College@Elm complements WBI's efforts by providing an environment where students can engage in experiential learning, connecting students with real-world applications of innovative concepts and fostering a hands-on approach to technological advancements. Additionally, students will be better prepared for a diverse technological landscape. It aligns education with industry and defense needs, ensuring that graduates are not only equipped with theoretical knowledge but are also ready to contribute to the Department of Defense (DoD) and Air Force missions.
A key component enhancing the collaborative efforts is the strategic partnership with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). AFRL has established a one-stop-shop for partnerships, and WBI, in conjunction with the College@Elm, is poised to play a pivotal role in supporting these efforts.AFRL's strategic partnering office streamlines collaboration efforts between the research laboratory and external partners. This office acts as a catalyst for innovation by providing a centralized platform for industry, academia, and government agencies to engage with AFRL's cutting-edge advancements. WBI’s Technology Transition experts help prepare both parties for successful partnership opportunities by ensuring TRL, capabilities, and milestones sync in a productive way.