Key Takeaways
- Southern Miss and Integer Technologies have secured a $25 million contract for maritime software development for the U.S. Navy.
- The partnership aims to enhance unmanned vessels’ data collection and decision-making in seabed warfare.
- Integer Technologies plans to establish an office at the Roger F. Wicker Center for Ocean Enterprise in Gulfport, Mississippi.
Partnership Highlights
The collaboration between the University of Southern Mississippi (Southern Miss) and Integer Technologies, a tech company focused on research and development, is yielding significant outcomes. Recently, the partners were awarded a substantial $25 million “ceiling” contract to develop maritime software for the U.S. Navy, specifically aimed at enhancing seabed warfare capabilities.
The project will involve joint efforts from researchers and developers at both Southern Miss and Integer Technologies. Key objectives include improving unmanned vessels’ abilities to collect data, make informed decisions, and accurately identify objects on the seafloor.
Dr. Kelly Lucas, Vice President for Research at Southern Miss, remarked on the contract, stating, “This award demonstrates The University of Southern Mississippi’s reputation as a leader in ocean research and blue economy innovation.” This recognition signifies Southern Miss’s growing influence in technological advancements within maritime applications.
Integer Technologies is part of a burgeoning group of defense tech firms, including Ocean Aero and Skydweller Aero, developing operations in the Mississippi Gulf Coast area. To further strengthen the collaboration, Integer will set up an office at the Roger F. Wicker Center for Ocean Enterprise located in Gulfport. This centers on enhancing the region’s technological landscape and workforce skills while contributing to national security through advanced maritime technology.
Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) expressed enthusiasm regarding the partnership, stating, “USM’s oceanography expertise will combine with Integer’s predictive technology to help us explore and master the ocean floor, Earth’s last frontier.” He emphasized that these advancements in unmanned, subsurface vessels could significantly bolster the United States’ capabilities in undersea warfare, while simultaneously supporting economic growth along the Mississippi coastline.
In summary, the partnership between Southern Miss and Integer Technologies not only highlights advancements in maritime technology but also underscores the strategic importance of developing technical solutions that can enhance military operations. The initiative positions Southern Miss at the forefront of ocean research, contributing to a robust and innovative blue economy in the Gulf Coast region.
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