Rowan partners with NARTP and ACEA to launch framework for academic consortium in aerospace innovation

Rowan University, the National Aerospace Research & Technology Park (NARTP) and the Atlantic County Economic Alliance (ACEA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that serves as the starting point for building a statewide and national academic consortium dedicated to advancing aviation technology, safety, and workforce development.

"South Jersey has the potential to become a national hub for innovation in all aspects of aerospace research and engineering," said Rowan University President Ali Houshmand. "Given our combined resources and entrepreneurial thinking, we have all the necessary pieces to make that a reality. Just as we've done with health care in our region, we and our new partners will build a solid foundation for future collaboration and growth."

Under the agreement, Rowan University, NARTP and ACEA will serve as the original members and facilitators of the consortium effort. Together, they will begin developing the framework for a broad coalition of research universities, nonprofit organizations, government agencies and private-sector companies. This diverse group will share expertise and resources to create a collaborative research environment and infrastructure that supports the growth of the aerospace sector and addresses the industry's most pressing needs. Applied Research Associates will serve as an industry partner in this effort.

The consortium will focus on aligning the goals of academia, industry and government to accelerate research, foster innovation and create new pathways for workforce training. By building this foundation, the partners aim to strengthen New Jersey's role as a national hub for aerospace innovation.

The partners signed the agreement during a formal ceremony on Aug. 28 in Egg Harbor Township attended by Congressman Jeff Van Drew, R-NJ.

"This is a really big deal because this brings academic minds together with all those folks in the private sector and here at the tech center," Van Drew said. "We put them together to make sure that we're going to be the first again in innovation, on new ideas, on engineering, on technology. That's what this is about."

Located adjacent to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) William J. Hughes Center for Advanced Aerospace and the Atlantic City International Airport, a federally recognized smart airport testbed, NARTP offers direct access to federal research facilities, specialized testbeds, and an established innovation ecosystem. The consortium's work will build on these assets to support projects in artificial intelligence, advanced air mobility, unmanned systems, aviation cybersecurity and related fields.

"We are very encouraged by this effort," said NARTP Chairman Mark Loeben. "Four other universities have already expressed interest in participating in the consortium, which demonstrates the strong momentum and broad appeal of this initiative. This level of early engagement shows that there is a genuine appetite to build something enduring here-an academic and industry partnership that will not only benefit New Jersey but also help position our region as a national leader in aerospace innovation."

"This agreement is not just about research-it's about creating an economic engine for our region," said Michael Viscount, chairman of the Atlantic County Economic Alliance. "By establishing Rowan University, NARTP and ACEA as original members and facilitators, we are setting the stage for new investment, high-quality jobs and long-term economic growth. The aerospace sector is evolving rapidly, and this consortium ensures that New Jersey will be ready to capture those opportunities."

The consortium will also advance the creation of a Strategic Innovation Center at NARTP, which will serve as the hub for consortium activity-bringing together universities, government, and industry to support research, testing, commercialization, and workforce development.

Rowan recently partnered with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority on the creation of a multilocation Strategic Innovation Center focused on medical technology and the first-of-its-kind Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Center in Trenton. With backing from Plug and Play and Garden State Venture Partners, new technologies receive support to address solutions to critical areas of research.

By uniting Rowan's demonstrated research capabilities, NARTP's research facilities, and ACEA's economic development expertise, the consortium establishes a pathway for long-term innovation and growth in aerospace technology, while creating new opportunities for students, businesses and the regional economy.