UConn announced Tuesday it is collaborating with the University of Rhode Island and General Dynamics Electric Boat to research and develop undersea technologies through a new national institute.
Based at UConn at Avery Point and close to the Groton naval submarine base, the National Institute for Undersea Vehicle Technology is also not far from URI, the Naval Undersea Warfare Center and the Naval War College. The region has been a hub for development of the technologies and workforce that advances the national undersea arsenal.
The institute is being set up to leverage these major naval resources across southeastern New England to develop and accelerate the transition of innovative technologies to the U.S. undersea fleet, according to UConn.
The goal is to bring innovations from the lab to commercial readiness faster and more cost-effectively, while training the next generation of engineers and technologists, said Kurt Hesch, chief operating officer at General Dynamics Electric Boat.
“This initiative demonstrates the tremendous potential for innovative collaboration not only between universities, but in partnership with industry leaders and government,” said UConn President Susan Herbst.
As an example of the national institute’s efforts, UConn and URI recently received a three-year, $1.3 million Office of Naval Research STEM grant that will facilitate opportunities that prepare undergraduates to join the shipbuilding industry.
