South Carolina’s Defense Tech Star: Integer Technologies
Exciting things are happening in the heart of Columbia, South Carolina. The homegrown company, Integer Technologies, is making waves in the defense technology sector, and it’s just getting warmed up! Founded in 2021, Integer has swiftly climbed the ranks to claim its spot as the Number One on the prestigious 50 Fastest Growing Companies in South Carolina list—an impressive feat in just three short years!
Bridging Tech Gaps for the Military
So, what exactly does Integer do? The company focuses on identifying key technology gaps within the U.S. Department of Defense. With a mission to support our armed forces, Integer collaborates with university partners to rapidly transition innovations from university labs to the fighting forces. This is where cutting-edge ideas meet real-world applications that can make a difference for servicemen and women.
Autonomous Systems Are the Future
Integer Technologies specializes in autonomous systems for naval applications, and they’ve recently unveiled a prototype designed to assist unmanned service vessels (USVs) with navigation and collision avoidance. Talk about futuristic! Their innovations are not just about robots; it’s about making our military capabilities smarter and safer.
Meet the Minds Behind Integer
Leading this ambitious venture are co-founders Duke Hartman, the CEO, and Josh Knight, the COO. Hartman is a professional engineer with extensive experience in the maritime and defense industries, while Knight comes from a background managing research and development teams in the defense sector. They teamed up during the pandemic, and their vision has flourished ever since.
Success through Partnerships
Integer’s remarkable growth can largely be attributed to its strong partnerships with universities. These collaborations not only advance research but also provide additional funding opportunities for new facilities, equipment, and programs for faculty and students alike. The University of South Carolina is Integer’s first partner and has been instrumental in its success, while recent contracts with Louisiana State University and Benedict College are paving the way for further innovation.
A Thriving Tech Community
“There is in South Carolina, and particularly where we are in Columbia, a base of tech talent that I think folks outside don’t fully appreciate,” shared Knight. This blend of STEM talent and innovative spirit has proven to be a major advantage for Integer Technologies.
Supporting the Local Economy
The impact of Integer’s endeavors extends beyond its walls. The company’s growth is creating jobs, fostering workforce development, and retaining top talent right here in South Carolina. Hartman enthusiastically notes that their primary objective is to get their technologies into the hands of sailors, marines, and airmen.
Facing Challenges with Confidence
However, like any journey toward innovation, Integer has encountered challenges. A significant hurdle is earning trust in autonomous systems, particularly within the military—a field that requires the highest level of assurance. Hartman mentions that building trust is not only about telling the military what their systems can do but actually showing results. Early prototypes are tested on vessels to refine systems and ensure reliability, reinforcing that their technology improves with every iteration.
Pursuing a Vision of Action
“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 added. This exciting blend of education, technology, and defense indicates that Integer is not just a company but rather a community-driven movement aiming for the skies and beyond.
As we watch Integer Technologies grow and innovate, it’s clear that South Carolina is playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of defense tech, and we can’t wait to see what they come up with next!
