IEDC Awards Grants to Improve DoD Smart Tech

ITAMCO was one of three grant recipients from the Indiana Economic Development Corp. to foster smart technology growth for use by the U.S. Department of Defense (photo courtesy of ITAMCO)

The Indiana Economic Development Corp. is awarding grants totaling $650,000 to three Hoosier companies to spur technology development in the defense industry. The grant recipients include Argos-based Indiana Technology and Manufacturing Companies, or ITAMCO, La Porte-based J&L Dimensional, and Terre Haute-based Mursix Corp.

With the funding, the organization says the businesses will be enabled to create new smart technology platforms and processes that can improve data management, efficiency and analysis among contractors with the U.S. Department of Defense.

Additional information on the grant recipients is below:

• ITAMCO, Marshall County – $150,000 to develop a machine learning, smart-data-analysis platform for manufacturers that provides real-time adjustment and optimization utilizing artificial intelligence for product quality monitoring. The project will enhance efficiencies and lower costs for manufacturers. The project is being supported by Indianapolis-based Rolls-Royce and South Bend-based SIMBA Chain.
• J&L Dimensional, LaPorte County – $250,000 to create a platform that improves decision making, increases efficiency of production and maintenance, repair and overhaul operations, and lowers costs by creating linkages to previously inaccessible data. The project is being supported by Rolls-Royce & Purdue University
• Mursix Corp., Delaware County – $250,000 to utilize data to enhance the properties of the company’s digital thread capabilities for future commercial automotive, medical and military applications. The project is being supported by Columbus-based Cummins Inc., Terre Haute-based ICTT System Sciences, Indianapolis-based IntelAdvise and Purdue Polytechnic.

“As a state, we’re committed to fueling innovation and investing in disruptive technologies like digital thread to cultivate a 21st century defense ecosystem,” said retired Major General Omer Tooley Jr., the IEDC’s president of defense development. “These grants will allow Indiana companies to continue innovating, competing and developing new solutions that encourage long-term, sustainable growth in Indiana’s defense industry. We’re excited to collaborate with the Air Force Research Laboratory to enhance the technical capabilities of our nation’s supply chain and look forward to supporting these projects from start to finish.”

The IEDC says the grant funding will propel investments being made by the companies and their support organizations. The grants were approved through the state’s 21st Century Research & Technology Fund.