El Paso and UTEP Receive $15 Million Grant to Boost Defense and Aerospace Industries in Borderland Region
El Paso and the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) have been awarded a grant of up to $15 million over two years to support the growth of the defense and aerospace industries in the region. The funding is part of the inaugural National Science Foundation (NSF) Regional Innovation engines program and aims to stimulate innovation and economic growth in the area.
The Paso del Norte Engine, a collaboration between UTEP and various partners, including the County of El Paso, the City of El Paso, and the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM), will leverage digital engineering and other innovative concepts to help small and medium-sized manufacturers compete in the aerospace and defense markets. The initiative will include the construction of a public product and process improvement facility to reduce costs and increase access to cutting-edge design and testing tools.
“This investment by the NSF will unlock the potential of these manufacturers by democratizing access to innovation,” said Ahsan Choudhuri, the principal investigator for the Paso del Norte Engine.
NSF Engines Program: Unprecedented Investment in Research and Economic Development
The NSF engines program, with a potential investment of nearly $1.6 billion over the next decade, is one of the largest investments in place-based research and economic development in the history of the United States. The program aims to expand the frontiers of technology and innovation, spur economic growth, and create world-leading hubs of innovation in different geographic regions.
“The inaugural NSF engines awards demonstrate our enduring commitment to create opportunity everywhere and enable innovation anywhere,” said NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan.
The Paso del Norte Engine is one of the 10 regional NSF engines that have been selected for funding. This investment will support the growth of the defense and aerospace industries in the Borderland region and contribute to the overall economic development in the area.
UTEP President Heather Wilson Expresses Gratitude for NSF Investment
UTEP President Heather Wilson expressed gratitude for the NSF investment, highlighting the importance of collaboration and regional strength in driving innovation. Wilson emphasized the university’s commitment to working with partners to make a significant impact in the defense and aerospace sectors.
“We look forward to working with our partners on this important effort,” said Wilson.
The NSF investment will enable UTEP and its partners to create a supportive ecosystem for small and medium-sized manufacturers, providing them with the necessary resources, infrastructure, and access to innovation to thrive in the aerospace and defense supply chain.
UTEP’s Keck Center for 3D Innovation to Play a Key Role in Driving Innovation
UTEP’s W.M. Keck Center for 3D Innovation, led by director and founder Ryan Wicker, will be instrumental in driving innovation in the region. With over two decades of investment in additive manufacturing research, the center has the expertise and resources to support the effective use of 3D printing in the aerospace and defense supply chain.
“We want this supply chain to grow and thrive in our region, and the NSF investment provides the necessary support and infrastructure to do just that,” said Ryan Wicker.
By leveraging additive manufacturing research and technologies, the Paso del Norte Engine aims to enhance the competitiveness of local manufacturers and contribute to the growth of the defense and aerospace industries in the Borderland region.
NSF Investment Aligns with Bipartisan Priorities to Drive Market-Driven Research and Development
Monday’s announcement of the NSF investment in the Paso del Norte Engine aligns with the bipartisan priorities outlined in the “CHIPS and Science Act of 2022.” The act authorized the NSF engines program, emphasizing market-driven research and development, innovation, translation, and workforce development.
U.S. Representative Veronica Escobar, who voted for the CHIPS and Science Act, commended Dr. Ahsan Choudhuri’s innovative vision and strategic partnerships. Escobar highlighted the importance of the NSF investment in advancing technology development, stimulating economic growth, and countering the “brain drain” in the community.
Teams that make progress toward well-defined milestones could potentially receive up to $160 million each from NSF over a 10-year period, further catalyzing investments in the region.
The NSF investment in the Paso del Norte Engine signifies a significant step towards establishing the Borderland region as a hub of innovation and driving economic growth in the defense and aerospace industries.
Analyst comment
The news is positive. The $15 million grant awarded to El Paso and UTEP will support the growth of the defense and aerospace industries in the region. This investment will stimulate innovation, create a supportive ecosystem for manufacturers, and contribute to overall economic development. It aligns with bipartisan priorities and has the potential to attract further investments. The market is expected to experience growth and increased competitiveness in the defense and aerospace sectors in the Borderland region.
