Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering

Today is the 2024 Microelectronics Commons Annual Meeting and National Semiconductor Technology Center, (NSTC) symposium. The Microelectronics Commons event features three days of programming from U.S. microelectronics leaders from industry, academia, and government, including the Department of Defense and the Department of Commerce. Each event offers exclusive insight into the achievements made through the CHIPS and Science Act to date and how the nation is being mobilized to establish collaboration-based infrastructure to revitalize U.S. microelectronics technological advancement, onshoring efforts, and workforce development. Below is a photo of Dr. David A. Honey, Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, Mr. Maynard Holliday, PTDO Assistant Secretary of Defense for Critical Technologies, https://lnkd.in/evgQ86Ra Dr. Dev Shenoy the principal director of Microelectronics: https://lnkd.in/eMfX9DGa along with the Hub director and deputy directors at today's event.

On October 16, Mr. Maynard Holliday, Performing the Duties of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Critical Technologies presented the opening keynote for the IBM NorthPole Hub Innovations and Partnerships Workshop at the IBM Research Center in San Jose, CA. The NorthPole Hub, a part of the Microelectronics Commons, was awarded a $48 million contract to provide for study, implementation, and delivery of the software and hardware that makes up the architecture for testing and demonstration. One of the key accomplishments of the Hub has been the NorthPole processor. NorthPole, the second-generation inference processor follow-up to the 1 million neuron TrueNorth, is the result of 19 years of investment from IBM and 15 years from the U.S. Government. A chip that is 25 times more energy efficient and 20 times faster than other specialist chips, NorthPole has the potential to revolutionize AI systems across a spectrum of applications and provide a sustained advantage to the U.S. Government in AI and machine learning. To learn more about the NorthPole Hub, click here: IBM Research’s new NorthPole AI chip - IBM Research https://lnkd.in/dn9TrX5t #NorthPole #Microelectronics #DOD #CHIPSAct

Earlier this month, HON Aprille Ericsson, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Science and Technology (ASD(S&T)), delivered a keynote at the 100th IEEE Vehicular Technology Conference (VTC). Recognizing the close ties between VTC’s emphasis on wireless technologies, HON Ericsson highlighted the work S&T’s FutureG Office is doing to advance 5G/6G technologies, S&T’s work to bolster STEM workforce development, and the importance of integrating spectrum sharing technologies and Open Radio Access Networks (Open RAN). OUSD(R&E) has a range of dual-use technologies that advance national security objectives and greatly benefit our citizenry.  The tie between the FutureG Office’s work and communities including IEEE VTC is one great example of many.  

MSTP’s Deformable Mirrors for HEL Systems Project Achieves Cost-Savings to DoD   This August, Radiance Technologies and Active Optical Systems, LLC (AOS) hosted a project Out-Brief meeting in Albuquerque, NM with Manufacturing Science and Technology Program (MSTP) leadership to highlight the successes of their Deformable Mirrors (DMs) for High Energy Laser (HEL) Systems project as it nears completion.   Funded by MSTP, the project successfully advanced the manufacturing technology of DMs for HEL systems to provide substantial cost savings for the DoD. The team established a domestic supplier capable of reliable and repeatable processes by implementing advanced performance testing systems, improving critical part inspection tooling, and integrating specialized testing procedures during manufacturing. These advancements enable the rapid and cost-effective delivery of high quality and high performing DMs to the DoD. This success, aligned with Thrust Area 1 of the DoD ManTech Strategic Plan: Advance Manufacturing Technology, ensures DM manufacturing is capable of meeting anticipated DoD demand and future requirements, ultimately enhancing the operational readiness and capabilities of the Warfighter.

Join Us at Defense Manufacturing Conference 2024! Mark your calendars for December 2-5, 2024, as leaders in defense manufacturing, technology, and policy converge at the Defense Manufacturing Conference (DMC) in Austin, TX. This year’s theme, “Accelerating America’s Manufacturing Advantage to Win the Great Power Competition,” highlights the critical role of innovation in sustaining U.S. military superiority. At DMC 2024, participants from government, industry, and academia will exchange insights on strategic policies, cutting-edge innovations, and funding opportunities that directly impact the defense manufacturing industrial base and benefit our warfighters. With over 1,000 attendees and an expanded Exhibit Hall, it’s the premier event for networking, collaboration, and driving the future of U.S. manufacturing. Date: December 2-5, 2024 Location: Austin Convention Center, Austin, TX Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this crucial conversation. Learn more at Dmcmeeting.com #DMC2024 #DefenseManufacturing #Innovation #DoDManTech #Austin2024 #ManufacturingInnovation

As we kick off Manufacturing Month, we celebrate the innovation, technology, and skilled workforce driving the future of U.S. manufacturing. Throughout October, companies, schools, and organizations across the country will open their doors to showcase the exciting careers and cutting-edge technologies shaping the industry. Want to get involved? Find a Manufacturing Month event near you and discover the world of modern manufacturing firsthand! Visit MFGDay.com to explore local events and learn how U.S. manufacturing is building the future. #MFGMonth #DoDManTech #ManufacturingInnovation #FutureOfManufacturing #WorkforceDevelopment #MFGDay2024

Congratulations to the newly elected America Makes Executive Committee! America Makes, a DoD Manufacturing Innovation Institute, plays a key role in advancing additive manufacturing (AM) and strengthening U.S. manufacturing competitiveness. The newly elected Executive Committee—leaders from industry, academia, and government—will provide strategic guidance on AM innovation, workforce development, and ecosystem growth. These efforts align with the DoD ManTech mission to drive advanced manufacturing capabilities, supporting national security and economic resilience. #AdvancedManufacturing #AmericaMakes #AdditiveManufacturing #Innovation #WorkforceDevelopment Read more: https://lnkd.in/evuPuNWc

Four projects from the Northeast Regional Defense Technology Hub (NORDTECH) have been selected by the U.S. Department of Defense to receive a total of $30M in federal funding. These projects, focused in the technical areas of quantum and commercial leap-ahead technologies, aim to accelerate innovation in microelectronics and strengthen the U.S. industrial base. As a critical partner in the DoD's Microelectronics Commons, NORDTECH’s collaboration with industry, academia, and government aligns with the DoD Manufacturing Technology (ManTech) mission to drive advancements in next-gen technologies. These efforts will bolster national security, enhance U.S. competitiveness, and develop a highly skilled workforce. Read more: https://lnkd.in/edGf69FP #AdvancedManufacturing #Microelectronics #QuantumTech

The Office of the Undersecretary of Defense, (OUSD R&E) team will be taking part in the NATO Digital Backbone Experiment (DiBaX) next week! Our FutureG office seeks to add to the discussion centered on driving interoperability and innovation through advanced wireless solutions. Joining forces with our esteemed partners from Latvia, Estonia, Spain, Norway, and Sweden, our team is set to demonstrate state-of-the-art capabilities enabled by an innovative architecture. Our aim is to position NATO as a 5G service provider, with the introduction of a revolutionary 5G-enabled communications fabric that will seamlessly link NATO nations' networks. This will foster collaboration and interoperability through dynamic and flexible sharing arrangements between the NATO service provider and in-theater radio access networks. R&E’s FutureG office will be simultaneously participating in the IEEE Military Communications Conference (MILCOM) alongside NATO Allied Command Transformation (ACT), showcasing an integrated Real-World Demonstration of Secure 5G Roaming for Military Communications. This demonstration will highlight the capability to swiftly connect tactical military radios in Washington, DC, with application servers in Latvia for real-time shared global situational awareness. To find out more about IEEE MILCOM please visit: https://lnkd.in/gt-HkixD Our ultimate objective is to develop a NATO standard advanced wireless interoperability solution tailored specifically for the warfighter. Keep an eye out for more updates as we continue to innovate and collaborate with our partners. You can also check out the press release for further information. https://lnkd.in/edDKjMpn

OUSD R&E would like to spotlight Clark Atlanta University for their exemplary work leveraging our VICEROY Scholars Initiative to build capacity and depth within their academic programs. As a VICEROY Virtual Institute, they are providing more students access to hands-on, mission-relevant, experiential learning. Advances in their curriculum include new courses in cybersecurity and computer forensics and the development of graduate degrees in cyber-physical systems. In tandem with our support, these efforts are attracting additional funding from Congress and Industry to round out critical infrastructure initiatives and courses.   “The Clark-Atlanta University enhancement of its cyber-physical systems program is a prime example of how university cybersecurity programs of study can be more responsive to national security challenges and ignite student interest through practical application of advanced studies.” - Director of Cyber-Spectrum Academic Outreach, @ChesterMaciag   Through the efforts of #VICEROY and our 13 partner Virtual Institutes, students nationwide are equipped with the skills and experiences necessary for future careers within the Department of Defense, cultivating the next generation of cyber and electromagnetic spectrum leaders in national security. OUSD R&E is committed to growing cyber career pathways to meet current and future challenges to secure our Nation, assure the mission of our Department of Defense, and protect vital industries that are the foundation upon which we rely. 🚀✨ Learn more at https://lnkd.in/eVA_atUg #STEM #Innovation #AFRL #Research #VICEROY #HBCU