HII Joins University of Maryland Engineering Program to Expand Defense Tech Collaboration

HII’s Mission Technologies division has entered the University of Maryland’s A. James Clark School of Engineering Corporate Partners Program, deepening the company’s ties with the institution to expand research and workforce development efforts.

The collaboration offers the company access to campus facilities, collaboration opportunities, and pathways for intellectual property licensing to promote links between academic work and industry-driven defense innovation.

For example, the university’s MATRIX Lab, based in southern Maryland, focuses on autonomy and works closely with the US Department of Defense, including the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division in Patuxent River.

It covers studies, testing, and workforce training initiatives supporting autonomous technologies to enhance warfighting capabilities.

Mission Technologies Chief Operating Officer Garry Schwartz, who earlier this year joined the advisory board of the institution’s Autonomous Technologies Research Innovation and Exploration Lab, said the effort reflects the company’s long-term strategy.

“This collaboration underscores HII’s commitment to bridging industry and academia to accelerate innovation in defense and national security,” he explained.

Answering ‘Grand Challenges’

Through the Corporate Partners Program, HII in return will support student recruitment, internships, scholarships, competitions, and other opportunities benefiting faculty and students.

The company will also launch the HII Lecture Series, bringing together government, academic, and industry experts to discuss evolving technology needs and mission challenges.

“The Clark School and the MATRIX Lab look forward to converging our research excellence with HII’s industry vision to solve the grand challenges ahead for Maryland and the nation as a whole,” said Dr. Reza Ghodssi, executive director of research and innovation at the A. James Clark School.