Beavercreek, OH, August 2024 – Parallax Advanced Research is excited to announce its recent membership with the Pittsburgh Technology Council (PTC). This collaboration will advance Parallax’s mission to address critical challenges for the nation's security and prosperity through tech-driven partnerships among nationwide industry, academia, and government. Parallax leadership will engage with tech leaders and research institutions in Pittsburgh and leverage its research expertise and resources to help drive tech-based economic development in the northeast and Midwest regions. Additionally, Parallax’s Academic Partnership Engagement Experiment (APEX) team will establish presence in the Pittsburgh tech ecosystem to foster innovation, build strategic relationships, and enhance small business research and innovation success in the region.
The Parallax Vision for Collaboration with Pittsburgh’s Defense & Aerospace Hub
Parallax’s vision for regional collaboration with Pittsburgh’s tech ecosystem is to support defense and aerospace research projects that enhance artificial intelligence and machine learning measures and foster the development of innovative technologies in defense applications.
Dennis Andersh, Parallax president and CEO, said, “Our membership with the PTC opens up new avenues for collaboration that are important for addressing the evolving challenges our nation faces. By working closely with local innovators and researchers, we can create impactful solutions that not only enhance national security but also drive economic growth in both the Midwest and northeast regions.”
Additionally, APEX’s mission is to expand technology development and partnerships within the Department of the Air Force (DAF) and help accelerate innovation and commercialization opportunities for nationwide entrepreneurs, small businesses, and academic researchers. APEX’s mission supports Parallax’s efforts in Pittsburgh by fostering collaborative relationships that bridge the gap between research and practical application, which not only benefits the DAF but also contributes to a vibrant tech ecosystem in Pittsburgh. APEX will offer its SBIR/STTR Process Navigation services to PTC members, which involves hands-on, localized support for those navigating the complex landscape of Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) opportunities.
“Pittsburgh is seeing tremendous investment in defense and aerospace innovation,” said Erin Holden, Division and Program Manager APEX. “With initiatives like the AFWERX hub, the Keystone Space Collaborative, and organizations like Astrobotic, the region is poised to become a leading center for defense and aerospace technologies. Through our partnership with the PTC, we aim to bolster local innovators by providing them with direct access to DAF opportunities and additional hands-on SBIR/STTR support.”
Being involved in the Pittsburgh Technology Council allows APEX to foster closer, in-person engagements with local entrepreneurs and companies in Pittsburgh. “We’ll also host in-person seminars, info sessions, and one-on-one consultations with innovators in the region,” Holden said.
APEX Providing Phase III Support and Growing Partnerships
In addition to SBIR/STTR Phase I and II support, APEX will introduce Phase III commercialization support in the Pittsburgh area, helping companies who are ready to scale their innovations and bring them to the defense marketplace. “Our goal is to create deeper connections between Pittsburgh’s technology providers and the broader defense and aerospace ecosystem,” Holden said.
Furthermore, APEX will work with PTC to support local companies interested in collaborating with the DAF, Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), and other defense organizations. By leveraging APEX’s data analytics capabilities, the program will offer tailored matchmaking services, connecting local innovators with specific DAF needs and opportunities.
A Region Poised for Growth
With the region's growing defense and aerospace presence, including significant investments and partnerships with key players, Pittsburgh is rapidly evolving into an innovation hub for technologies that align with national defense priorities. The recent establishment of an AFWERX Hub in collaboration with Keystone Space Collaborative further demonstrates Pittsburgh’s growing importance in the defense and aerospace sectors.
Parallax and APEX are excited to support Pittsburgh’s innovative community, working alongside local entrepreneurs, small businesses, and academic institutions to provide the necessary resources to help them thrive within the defense technology ecosystem.
###
About Parallax Advanced Research and the Ohio Aerospace Institute
Parallax Advanced Research is a 501(c)(3) private nonprofit research institute that tackles global challenges through strategic partnerships with government, industry, and academia. It accelerates innovation, addresses critical global issues, and develops groundbreaking ideas with its partners. With offices in Ohio and Virginia, Parallax aims to deliver new solutions and speed them to market. In 2023, Parallax and the Ohio Aerospace Institute formed a collaborative affiliation to drive innovation and technological advancements in Ohio and for the nation. The Ohio Aerospace Institute plays a pivotal role in advancing the aerospace industry in Ohio and the nation by fostering collaborations between universities, aerospace industries, and government organizations, and managing aerospace research, education, and workforce development projects.
About APEX
APEX cultivates innovation by expanding the American research enterprise, accelerating the transition of defense technology from discovery to reality. We connect academic innovators with the Department of the Air Force and industry, eliminating barriers and accelerating the transition of science and technology solutions into transformational U.S. Air Force operational capabilities. APEX operates under a Partnership Intermediary Agreement with the Department of the Air Force and supports the United States Air Force Science & Technology 2030 Strategy.
For more information about APEX and how we can support Pittsburgh-based innovators, visit https://apex-innovates.org or contact us at apex@parallaxresearch.org.