Dayton Reporter

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ohio has been selected by the Department of Defense to host a defense innovation hub, known as the Ohio Mission Acceleration Center. The hub, to be established in the Miami Valley, aims to accelerate the development and adoption of new technology solutions to address national security challenges. It will also provide support to Ohio small businesses that face barriers to working with the Defense Department. Congressman Mike Turner and Senator Sherrod Brown made the announcement today, highlighting the significance of this hub for both Ohio's defense economy and U.S. national security.

Ohio was chosen as one of five states by the Defense Innovation Unit to host a hub, and the Department of Defense will allocate $1.9 million to the Ohio Mission Acceleration Center. This center will bring together various organizations, including startups, academia, industry, local and federal partners, and local talent and technology, to promote innovation and connect them directly to Department of Defense needs. Headquartered in Dayton, the Ohio Mission Acceleration Center will be operated by the Mission Acceleration Center National Network and Ohio's Parallax Advanced Research. Its main goal is to support national security and regional economic development objectives.

Congressman Mike Turner, a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee and Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, expressed his enthusiasm for the Dayton-based Mission Acceleration Center. He emphasized how this center will strengthen the innovation ecosystem around Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, which is vital to Ohio's growing defense economy. He also highlighted the importance of transitioning these new technologies into weapon systems that will give the military an advantage over adversaries.

Senator Sherrod Brown, who played a key role in securing funding for the program, stated, "Ohio leads the country in defense industry innovation, and is the obvious choice for this new center." He emphasized the opportunities this regional hub will create for Ohio businesses and workers, solidifying the state's leadership in defense, manufacturing, and aerospace.

The announcement of the Ohio investment was made during a conference call, where Michael Gessel, Vice President of Federal Government Programs at the Dayton Development Coalition, also participated. Gessel highlighted the significance of Ohio's selection for this pilot program, emphasizing its role in developing new defense technologies and connecting small businesses to support the warfighting effort. He believes this initiative will strengthen national defense and benefit businesses in the region.

Congressman Turner has been a strong advocate for funding the Department of Defense's Mission Acceleration Program. The current version of the fiscal year 2024 defense spending bill in the House of Representatives contains $65 million for the program, a funding allocation Congressman Turner has long supported.

Senator Brown, on the other hand, played a pivotal role in securing funding for the Ohio Mission Acceleration Center. Last year, he urged both the U.S. Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee and the Secretary of Defense to include $50 million for Mission Acceleration Centers, including the one in Ohio.

This announcement highlights Ohio's leadership in defense industry innovation and solidifies its position as a key player in advancing technology for national security. The Ohio Mission Acceleration Center will serve as a platform for collaboration and innovation, connecting various stakeholders to develop cutting-edge solutions that will benefit both the defense sector and the state's economy.

Click this link to access more information: https://turner.house.gov/2023/10/turner-brown-announce-defense-innovation-hub-in-dayton