Columbia: A New Hub for Defense Technology
Right here in Columbia, South Carolina, a remarkable story is unfolding. It’s about a little company called Integer Technologies, and it’s rapidly gaining attention as a key player in the realm of defense technology. Founded in 2021, Integer is all about spotting technology gaps within the U.S. Department of Defense and working swiftly with local universities to turn cutting-edge research into tools that our servicemen and women can use on the ground and at sea.
Fast Growth, Big Goals
In just three short years, Integer has rocketed to the top of the rankings as the No. 1 company among the 50 Fastest Growing Companies in South Carolina. The company’s focus has primarily been on autonomous systems designed for naval applications. They’ve even developed an exciting prototype designed to help unmanned service vessels (USVs) navigate the tricky waters and avoid collisions. With such achievements, it’s clear that Integer is making waves—in a great way!
The Minds Behind Integer
Integer was brought to life by the dynamic duo of Duke Hartman and Josh Knight. Hartman, the CEO, has a wealth of experience as a professional engineer with a rich history in the maritime and defense sectors. His partner, Knight, is the company’s chief scientist, who has a strong background in managing research and development for growing businesses focused on defense. Together, these two decided to take a leap of faith and start Integer during the pandemic, and the results have been nothing short of inspiring.
Connecting with Academia
One of Integer’s secret ingredients to success is its partnerships with universities. They’re currently working closely with the University of South Carolina, and they’re happy to announce new contracts with both Louisiana State University and Benedict College. Hartman and Knight firmly believe that there’s a treasure trove of STEM talent in South Carolina that the outside world may not fully recognize. “For us, it’s been a boon,” Knight shared, highlighting how these collaborations not only foster growth for Integer but also contribute significantly to the local economy through job creation and talent retention.
Getting Technology in Sailors’ Hands
Integer’s mission is crystal clear: they aim to get their innovative technology directly into the hands of sailors, marines, and airmen. While their technology has already been tested on Navy ships during real missions, it’s still in the trial phase and hasn’t been fully rolled out yet. One of the main hurdles they face is building trust in autonomous systems—a key concern for the military.
Proven Solutions Generate Trust
To overcome this, Integer approaches the challenge with the mindset of “don’t just tell them, but show them.” By testing early prototypes on actual vessels, they learn and enhance their systems continuously while showcasing how their technology improves with every iteration. As Hartman expressed, “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.”
A Bright Future Ahead
There’s no denying that Integer Technologies is on a rapid ascent, and they’re not just making waves in South Carolina but also influencing the larger defense landscape. As they work tirelessly to refine their technologies for naval applications, we can expect to see this local company making strides that could greatly impact our military’s operational capabilities. Keep an eye on Columbia—this is just the beginning of something special!
