SE North Carolina News

Senators Ted Budd and Thom Tillis, along with other members of North Carolina's congressional delegation, have sent a bipartisan letter to the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) at the Pentagon. The letter supports the establishment of a DIU OnRamp Hub in North Carolina. This initiative aims to streamline access for the state's companies, academic institutions, and entrepreneurs to government programs and funding.

The letter is co-signed by Representatives Deborah Ross, Richard Hudson, Virginia Foxx, Greg Murphy, Don Davis, Patrick McHenry, Alma Adams, Kathy Manning, David Rouzer, Wiley Nickel, and Chuck Edwards.

In their correspondence with DIU officials, the delegation emphasized North Carolina's capabilities in defense-related research and its collaborative culture as key strengths that make it an ideal location for a new OnRamp Hub. They highlighted ongoing integration efforts within the state’s innovation ecosystem which include partnerships with small businesses and awards for project prototypes related to unmanned aerial systems and communication technologies.

The letter also notes that DIU has already established five OnRamp Hubs in Arizona, Ohio, Hawaii, Kansas, and Washington State with additional locations planned in Kentucky and Montana. The North Carolina representatives urge consideration of their state during future expansions.

"We are grateful for DIU’s current integration within the North Carolina innovation ecosystem," reads part of the letter. "With this in mind we urge you to consider establishing an OnRamp Hub in North Carolina during the next round of expansions."

The delegation awaits a response from DIU regarding their proposal.