Satcom Direct and Florida Institute of Technology Forge Collaborative Partnership to Support U.S. Department of Defense
Did you know that Satcom Direct collaborates with local educational institutes to spark creativity for product and technology development? This win-win partnership provides real-life projects for the students to tackle while providing SD with access to technology and additional intellect. It also allows us to get to know some talented potential recruits. SD Government recently forged a collaborative partnership with Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech.) to support U.S. Department of Defense connectivity. As part of the collaboration, we were awarded $110,000 from AFWERX to help the Department of the Air Force (DAF) develop a Multi-Band Intelligent WAN (WAN).
Partnership in Developing Cutting-edge American Ingenuity for the US Military
As the innovation arm of the DAF and a directorate within the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), AFWERX brings cutting-edge American ingenuity from small businesses and start-ups to address the most pressing challenges of the DAF. The AFRL is the primary scientific research and development center for the DAF. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development, and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space, and cyberspace forces.
With a workforce of more than 12,500 across nine technology areas and 40 other operations across the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development. By working together, we are bringing a lot of bright minds to create powerful solutions to military challenges.
Since 2019, AFWERX has executed 4,697 contracts worth more than $2.6 billion to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base and drive faster technology transition to operational capability. We’re honored that they awarded the SD/Florida Tech. partnership with a Small Business Technology Transfer, STTR Phase I, award. It’s a case of SD innovation meets Florida Tech. innovation to support DAF innovation.
This is an excellent opportunity for SD to be directly involved in working alongside Florida Tech’s technological strength and applying our combined knowledge to critical real-world situations. Working with one of Florida’s most advanced technology institutions on a project that will support the DAF is a privilege.
Maximizing Talent Potential
Florida Tech, a Space Coast neighbor of Satcom Direct, is a private research university known for academic excellence, innovative research, and graduating highly employable alums. The university was recently ranked 17th in the U.S. for graduate employability by the Global Employability University Ranking and Survey (GEURS). The university’s 130-acre residential campus is minutes from the Melbourne Orlando International Airport, making collaboration easy. Florida Tech is a prime recruiting ground for us to seek new home-grown talent, and when we embark on relationships such as the latest WAN project, it showcases the best that both of us can be.
We recognize that our future depends on the talent we recruit, so we have always invested in young, bright colleagues. We have sourced interns from familiar locations, such as universities and schools, and through our extensive network. If we see potential, we want to maximize it, and we are known for our ability to push the boundaries as we seek success.
We have a robust intern program working closely with schools and colleges in North America and Europe. Our graduate intern program has proved highly successful, with some 40% of our interns going on to become full-time employees. Our military and government business is one of the pillars of our success, which drives us to continue recruiting veterans. Some may have long service histories, while others have served for shorter periods of time and are equally valuable as they understand the pertinent needs of military communications.
The common denominator is that we team up with, recruit, and train the brightest minds. We’re excited to work with Florida Tech. to redefine our technology to add further functionality that strengthens the warfighter’s operational capabilities. With our team comprising 40 percent veterans and our colleagues at Florida Tech., we have the knowledge to adapt products that will better support existing and future clients.
Satcom Direct, in collaboration with Florida Tech., will create and provide innovative capabilities that will strengthen the national defense of the United States of America. That’s the real reward.
Florida Institute of Technology, in concert with Satcom Direct will be hosting a Satellite Communication Industry Day on April 24th to showcase the development of the Multi-Band Intelligent WAN. To learn more about the event or to RSVP, please click here.
About Florida Institute of Technology
Established in 1958, Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) is a leading research university in Melbourne, Florida. Offering diverse undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in fields like engineering, science, business, and psychology, FIT emphasizes innovation and hands-on learning. With a strong focus on research, internships, and industry partnerships, FIT prepares students for success in their chosen fields. The university’s dynamic campus community promotes collaboration, diversity, and leadership development. FIT’s state-of-the-art facilities, accomplished faculty, and vibrant campus life make it a top choice for students seeking a transformative education. To learn more about Florida Institute of Technology, please click here.
