Naval Center Joins Innovation Network (Providence Journal)

July 21, 2011

The Naval Undersea Warfare Center on Wednesday signed an agreement with the Massachusetts High Technology Council to join the Innovation Access Network, a Web-based network connecting innovative technology providers with public and private-sector technology seekers to spur the innovation economy.

“Partnerships like this are key components of our ongoing collaboration and innovation initiatives,” said Capt. Todd Cramer, commander, NUWC Division Newport. “Historically, small businesses account for a large percentage of transformational innovation, and NUWC Division Newport, as a progressive government organization, seeks to foster widespread innovation. To do so, we will look to small businesses for fresh ideas and concepts.”

NUWC, in Newport, joins Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as the latest organizations added to the growing list of IAN “Seekers,” which also includes BAE Systems, Draper Labs, Massport and the U.S. Army’s Natick Soldier Systems Center. Through IAN, these seekers, typically large employers, including research labs and government agencies, can discover new innovations or find solutions for a specific technological need.

The Innovation Access Network helps established and entrepreneurial technology providers share their innovations and ideas with prime contractors, government agencies, research laboratories, universities and corporations to create new business connections and collaborations.

Journal staff