North Carolina-based associations open Defense & Security Technology Accelerator
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C., 6 Nov. 2006. In Fayetteville, N.C., congressman Robin Hayes (R-8th District) and state senator Tony Rand (D-Cumberland) cut the ribbon on a new statewide innovation asset, the Defense & Security Technology Accelerator (DSTA).
The DSTA combines the military assets of N.C. with the innovation assets in the state's technology industries. The DSTA was conceived by the North Carolina Technology Association (NCTA) with assistance from the Cumberland County Business Council and is being implemented by the Partnership for Defense Innovation, a statewide 501(c)3.
The DSTA is designed to rapidly deploy state-of-the-art technology to war fighters and intelligence officers. The rapid incubation model focuses on subject matter experts and technology acceleration.
Congressman Hayes secured $1.01 million to develop a wireless lab and test bed in the DSTA for battlefield communication technologies. "Our Special Operations Forces will be able to test emerging wireless technologies right here so that they can be deployed quickly in the Global war on terror," added congressman Hayes.
Senator Rand helped secure $2 million from the North Carolina Legislature to launch the DSTA.
The DSTA will be home to 12 to 15 high-growth companies that will develop their technologies for the marketplace in an 8- to 18-month time frame. The Accelerator will provide services and programs to foster collaboration between the military, intelligence communities, academic communities across North Carolina, and the Research Triangle Park to develop technology solutions.
The DSTA focuses on a channel partner concept and leverages the relationships and subject matter expertise of North Carolina-based technology companies to accelerate rapid development of technologies relevant to defense and security. The DSTA is opening in Fayetteville and will include 12 to 15 high-growth technology companies, labs, and space for large companies to collaborate. For more information, visit www.dstanc.org.
