UNC Charlotte Launches National Defense and Intelligence Innovation Institute
As defense and security innovation activity continues to grow across its research enterprise, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte has launched the National Defense and Intelligence Innovation Institute (NDI3), a new multidisciplinary institute focused on accelerating mission-driven research, technology transition and workforce development in support of the U.S. military and national security partners.
NDI3 will serve as UNC Charlotte’s central hub for defense-related research, partnerships, technology transition and workforce development. The institute brings together faculty expertise with government and industry collaboration to advance use-inspired research and rapidly translate operationally relevant, dual-use technologies into fielded capabilities.
“UNC Charlotte is doing meaningful work in support of the military and the broader defense community, and this institute allows us to move faster, with greater coordination and impact,” said Sharon Gaber, chancellor of UNC Charlotte. “The National Defense and Intelligence Innovation Institute strengthens our ability to support the men and women who serve by aligning our research, talent and partnerships around real operational needs.”
Building on UNC Charlotte’s strengths in advanced manufacturing and materials, cybersecurity, data science and AI-enabled systems, unmanned systems, operational energy, optics and photonics, and human performance, the institute is designed to support applied research, rapid prototyping and technology transition aligned with operational needs. NDI3 is located within a growing defense innovation corridor across the Carolinas.
“NDI3 strengthens our ability to compete for federal research funding and deliver real-world impact,” said John Daniels, vice chancellor for research. “By coordinating defense-focused research across the University and deepening engagement with external partners, the institute accelerates the path from discovery to deployment.”
The institute will be led by Mesbah Uddin, professor of mechanical engineering and engineering science, who will serve as executive director. Jacqueline Selig-Gumtow, a former senior executive service leader at the National Security Agency, will serve as deputy executive director.
“Our focus is on translating mission-critical research into operationally relevant solutions,” Uddin said. “NDI3 is designed to bring researchers, students and partners together to address real defense and security challenges.”
UNC Charlotte brings to the institute a portfolio of completed and ongoing defense-relevant research that will be integrated into NDI3. These efforts span unmanned aerial systems, vehicle systems, AI-enabled modeling, directed energy, operational energy, military suicide prevention research, applied behavioral health and training innovation, and workforce development, demonstrating established technical credibility and execution capability across multiple defense domains.
Initial partners supporting the launch of the institute include the U.S. Army DEVCOM Ground Vehicle Systems Center and the Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division, along with industry partners AlphaTech Partners, BigBear.ai, Corvid Technologies, Hendrick Technical Solutions, IDE-USA, JGA Space and Defense, Lucid Bots, Rapid Strategy and RCR Manufacturing Solutions.
“UNC Charlotte has demonstrated the ability to partner with Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division in multiple technology areas and has been a key partner in developing NSWC Crane’s research capability,” said Captain Rex Boonyobhas, commanding officer of NSWC Crane Division. “We look forward to an exciting future and stronger engagement with UNC Charlotte as a result of the establishment of the National Defense and Intelligence Innovation Institute.”
Leaders from the U.S. Army highlighted the institute’s complementary strengths and its potential to accelerate technology development.
“The U.S. Army DEVCOM Ground Vehicle Systems Center addresses complex science and technology challenges spanning ground maneuver platforms, including autonomy, digital engineering, advanced manufacturing and the interface with the soldier,” said David Gorsich, chief scientist at U.S. Army DEVCOM Ground Vehicle Systems Center. “UNC Charlotte’s National Defense and Intelligence Innovation Institute offers complementary strengths in high-fidelity modeling and simulation, data-driven digital engineering and translational research that directly support GVSC’s priorities. Our future relationship will accelerate technology maturation, reduce risk across the development lifecycle and deliver adaptable, mission-relevant capabilities to the Army.”
North Carolina’s defense and military sector supports more than 650,000 jobs statewide, making it one of the state’s largest economic drivers. As the state’s largest urban research university, UNC Charlotte is positioned to play a growing role in advancing defense innovation, workforce development and national security research.