The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) is awarding grants totaling $650,000 to three Hoosier companies to spur technology development in the defense industry. The grant recipients include Indiana Technology and Manufacturing Companies (ITAMCO), J&L Dimensional, and Mursix Corporation. IEDC says these businesses will create new smart technology platforms with the goal of improving data management, efficiency, and analysis among contractors with the Department of Defense. SIMBA Chain will be a key partner with ITAMCO during the development process.

Details of the grants are below:

• ITAMCO, Marshall County – $150,000 to develop a machine learning, smart-data-analysis platform for manufacturers that provides real-time adjustment and optimization utilizing artificial intelligence for product quality monitoring. The project will enhance efficiencies and lower costs for manufacturers. The project is being supported by Rolls-Royce and SIMBA Chain.
• J&L Dimensional, LaPorte County – $250,000 to create a platform that improves decision making, increases efficiency of production and maintenance, repair and overhaul operations, and lowers costs by creating linkages to previously inaccessible data. The project is being supported by Rolls-Royce & Purdue University
• Mursix Corp., Delaware County – $250,000 to utilize data to enhance the properties of the company’s digital thread capabilities for future commercial automotive, medical and military applications. The project is being supported by Columbus-based Cummins Inc., Terre Haute-based ICTT System Sciences, Indianapolis-based IntelAdvise and Purdue Polytechnic.

“As a state, we’re committed to fueling innovation and investing in disruptive technologies like digital thread to cultivate a 21st century defense ecosystem,” said retired Major General Omer Tooley Jr., the IEDC’s president of defense development. “These grants will allow Indiana companies to continue innovating, competing and developing new solutions that encourage long-term, sustainable growth in Indiana’s defense industry. We’re excited to collaborate with the Air Force Research Laboratory to enhance the technical capabilities of our nation’s supply chain and look forward to supporting these projects from start to finish.”

The grants, approved through the state’s 21st Century Research & Technology Fund, will propel investments already being made by the companies and their support organizations.