ENC Tech Bridge Unites Forces to Spotlight Innovative Technology in Craven County

The recent industry showcase focused on addressing military aviation maintenance challenges attracted over 1,000 visitors, providing them with a hands-on experience of the latest technological advancements. Organized by the Eastern North Carolina (ENC) Tech Bridge, in collaboration with the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS), Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE), and Craven County, the NCMS Technology Showcase took place on July 16-17 at the Riverfront Convention Center in New Bern. Nearly 50 organizations presented their cutting-edge innovations.

The event was designed to let stakeholders from the aviation maintenance sector explore new industry products and directly engage with developers. ENC Tech Bridge Director Jamaine Clemmons emphasized that such interactions could drive innovation, leading to new uses for existing products and improving technology development to benefit national defense efforts.

“We face problems that need solutions, and we collaborate with industry and academia to address these issues,” said Clemmons. “Events like this facilitate the transfer of next-generation solutions to our warfighters and maintainers at military aviation depots and shipyards.”

Clemmons further highlighted the importance of collaboration in supporting the rapid development and fielding of technology solutions, enhancing mission readiness across the Naval Aviation Enterprise.

Fleet Readiness Center East Commanding Officer Capt. James M. Belmont expressed his optimism about the promising technologies on display. Belmont noted the significance of bringing in hundreds of depot workers, including artisans, engineers, logisticians, and even high school interns, to interact with exhibitors and see how these innovations could enhance operations.

Since its launch in early 2022, the ENC Tech Bridge has grown significantly, and this tech showcase marked its largest event to date. Mark Meno, Commander of the Fleet Readiness Centers Engineering Group, attended the showcase and emphasized the value of these events in building an ecosystem of innovation that quickly brings solutions to warfighters.

“These events allow our enterprise artisans, engineers, and support staff to see firsthand the emerging technology these small businesses offer,” Meno stated. “This fosters collaboration, driving the adoption of new technology while providing our Sailors and Marines with the tools they need for technological superiority.”

Debbie Lilu, NCMS vice president of maintenance and sustainment business development, highlighted the role of NCMS in facilitating connections between technology providers and ENC Tech Bridge stakeholders. She emphasized the significance of dynamic idea sharing in fostering effective solutions and assured continued support for collaborations formed at the event.

The ENC Tech Bridge aims to bridge the gap between the Navy and nontraditional partners, such as small businesses, academia, and nonprofits, fostering an innovation ecosystem that supports Navy and Marine Corps operations. Local efforts focus on areas like manufacturing and repair technologies, big data analytics, augmented reality, and workforce development, operating in conjunction with a partnership between FRCE and Craven County.

Jeff Wood, Craven County Economic Development Director, noted that the NCMS Technology Showcase was the first collaborative business development event between Craven County and the ENC Tech Bridge. It provided an opportunity to support research, education, and industry growth alongside Tech Bridge initiatives.

The event underscored the fruitful collaboration between Craven County and the ENC Tech Bridge, accelerating technology transfer and fostering new opportunities within the aerospace defense sector.

As part of the NavalX network, 19 Tech Bridges work to connect the Navy with startups, small businesses, academia, nonprofits, and private capital, entities not traditionally part of the Navy’s acquisition process. This framework allows the Navy to collaborate with nontraditional partners, speeding up the innovation timeline and putting assets in the hands of warfighters faster and more economically.

“The future starts here,” Clemmons asserted. “It begins with industry and innovation, and requires collaboration to solve problems and bridge the gap between the Navy and emerging entities. This is how we prepare to fight tomorrow’s wars, today, using technology to ensure our service members come home safely.”