Purdue is teaming up with the U.S. Air Force, particularly the Air Force Research Laboratory, to become a leading research partner, one of only two Regional Research Hubs.

Jeffrey Rhoads, director of Herrick Labs at Purdue, says the partnership will benefit not only the Air Force and the Space Force, but also small and large size businesses, “not only in the Midwest, but across the nation”.

The aim will be to develop new technologies and advance existing ones.

“The hope is that more technologies can transition not only to the war fighter, but also to the commercial market where there’s a clear dual use,” said Rhoads, in an interview with Inside Indiana Business. “That is super exciting to us to try to lead this large effort.”

The Air Force Research Lab Regional Hub will serve 15 states, at least 15 research schools and about 50 industrial partners, and will be led by Purdue, which is growing its reputation as a leader in research across the country.

The goal is to not only develop the technologies, but quickly, by using the hub in Indiana and one anchored at Cornell University.

“This gives the Air Force one more foot in the state of Indiana and so we’re super excited to say this is actually making Indiana State where there’s a AFRL presence and we think that can only help the state,” said Rhoads.