Columbia, South Carolina: A Hub for Defense Tech Innovation
Columbia is buzzing with excitement as a local company, Integer Technologies, has taken a bold step into the future of defense technology. Founded in 2021, this innovative firm is all about filling the gaps in technology for the U.S. Department of Defense. With a knack for turning bright ideas from university labs into practical solutions, Integer is making waves and has even snagged the top spot on the “50 Fastest Growing Companies in South Carolina” list, all in just three short years!
Revolutionizing Naval Applications
Integer has set its sights on creating cutting-edge autonomous systems for the naval sector. Recently, they whipped up a prototype designed to help unmanned service vessels (USVs) navigate safely while avoiding collisions. This is big news for sailors as it promises to enhance safety and efficiency on the water.
The dynamic duo steering this ship are Duke Hartman, the CEO, and Josh Knight, the COO. Both bring a wealth of experience, with Hartman being a professional engineer who’s dedicated his career to maritime and defense, while Knight has managed research and development teams within the defense sector. Together, they chose to launch Integer amidst the pandemic – talk about courage!
Local Partnerships Boost Growth
Integer’s remarkable growth story is not just about innovation but also about collaboration. The company’s first and largest academic partner is none other than the University of South Carolina. They’re also teaming up with Louisiana State University and Benedict College to advance their research initiatives. “There is, in South Carolina, a base of tech, or a base of STEM talent that I think folks outside don’t fully appreciate,” Knight mentions, highlighting the rich talent pool in Columbia.
These university partnerships not only bolster Integer’s innovative capabilities but also provide critical funding for research, new facilities, and valuable opportunities for both faculty and students. Plus, they’re good for the local economy by creating jobs and retaining talented workers within the region. It’s a win-win all around!
Aiming for the Front Lines
Integer’s mission is crystal clear: They want their technology in the hands of sailors, marines, and airmen as soon as possible. Their tech has already been put into action on Navy ships during real missions, although it hasn’t yet seen full-time deployment. One of the challenges they face is building trust in their autonomous systems, which is critical for military applications.
Building this trust is no easy feat. The team embraces the motto: “Don’t just tell them, but show them.” By testing their early prototypes on actual vessels, they continuously learn and enhance their systems, showcasing the advancements made with every iteration. “What’s hard about what we do is also what excites us the most and is the most inspiring in terms of a goal: putting research into action,” Hartman passionately explained.
Looking Ahead
The future looks bright for Integer Technologies, and it’s thrilling to see a local company making such significant strides in defense tech. They’re not just about innovation; Integer is about driving change, fostering partnerships, and developing groundbreaking solutions that can revolutionize the military landscape. Columbia is definitely a place to watch as the future of defense tech takes shape right before our eyes!
