CRANE, Ind. “The NavalX Midwest Tech Bridge and Indiana Innovation Institute (IN3) hosted their first technology demonstration featuring companies across the Hoosier state. The Tech Demo took place virtually and exhibited innovative technology to Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC Crane) and U.S. Navy representatives on March 31.

The Midwest Tech Bridge is one of six in the country and located at NSWC Crane. NSWC Crane anchors the Midwest Tech Bridge through broad collaborative partnerships in the Command’s mission sets of Strategic Missions, Electronic Warfare, and Expeditionary Warfare that are serving to accelerate the development and transition of technology to Department of Defense (DoD) end users.

Anne Fields, the NavalX Midwest Tech Bridge Director, says the recent Tech Demo was a success.

“We are very pleased with the engagement from organizations within our innovation ecosystem and members from the NSWC Crane community,” says Fields. “IN3 did a fantastic job organizing and bringing relevant, cutting edge technology to the Midwest Tech Bridge’s inaugural event.”

Originally planned to be in-person, the Tech Demo continued virtually due to social distancing and the Stay-at-Home order. Fields says participants were able to make valuable connections during the event.

“The Tech Demo provided value to both industry, academic, and government attendees,” says Fields. “We received feedback from participants about how the event created more visibility for Indiana innovators and their latest technology. Participants said the Tech Demo served as a connector for future collaborative efforts and to further develop technology and initiatives.”

Several online tools were used to assure virtual event success. The Tech Demo featured nearly 140 people across industry, academia, government, and military. 11 technologies were demonstrated and 24 panelists participated. Attendees also included people from the United Kingdom and Germany.

“Companies that presented at the Tech Demo are working in key technology areas critical to NSWC Crane mission areas and national security interests,” says Fields. “Having events like this Tech Demo are important to create intentional collisions to foster collaboration in the Midwest ecosystem. The Tech Demo is also a great way to feature Midwest tech to the broader defense sector.”

The Midwest Tech Bridge serves not only Navy and Marine Corps mission sets, but connects the nearby Air Force and Army Research Laboratories as well. The Indiana Innovation Institute (IN3) serves as a partner for this effort.

Tech Demo Presenters Represented the Following Companies, Organizations and Universities:

• Indiana Innovation Institute (IN3)
• NSWC Crane – NavalX Midwest Tech Bridge
• Indiana PTAC (Procurement Technical Assistance Center)
• Semiring (Bloomington)
• SIMBA Chain (Plymouth)
• Indiana Integrated Circuits (South Bend)
• Transhield (Elkhart)
• DANNAR (Muncie)
• Stryke Industries (Fort Wayne)
• Pierce Aerospace (Carmel)
• IFBattery (West Lafayette)
• Indiana University (Bloomington)
• Manufacturing Technology, Inc. (South Bend)
• SEG

About NSWC Crane

NSWC Crane is a naval laboratory and a field activity of Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) with mission areas in Expeditionary Warfare, Strategic Missions and Electronic Warfare. The warfare center is responsible for multi-domain, multi- spectral, full life cycle support of technologies and systems enhancing capability to today’s Warfighter.

Join Our Team! NAVSEA employs a diverse, highly trained, educated, and skilled workforce – from students and entry level employees to experienced professionals and individuals with disabilities. We support today’s sophisticated Navy and Marine Corps ships, aircraft, weapon systems and computer systems. We are continuously looking for engineers, scientists, IT and cyber specialists, as well as trade and other support professionals to ensure the U.S. Navy can protect and defend America. Please contact NSWC Crane Human Resources at crane_recruiting@navy.mil.