EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP – Rowan University, National Aerospace Research & Technology Park, and Atlantic County Economic Alliance have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that serves to build a statewide and national academic consortium dedicated to advancing aviation technology, safety and workforce development.
Under this agreement, Rowan University, NARTP, and ACEA will serve as the original members and facilitators of the consortium effort and will begin developing the framework for a broad coalition of research universities, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and private-sector companies. The 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.
“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,” U.S. Congressman Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ) 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.”
The consortium will focus on aligning goals of academia, industry and government to accelerate research, foster innovation and create new pathways for workforce training. The partners aim to strengthen New Jersey’s role as a national hub for aerospace innovation.
Located adjacent to the FAA William J. Hughes Center for Advanced Aerospace and Atlantic City International Airport, 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,” NARTP Chairman Mark Loeben said. “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,” ACEA Chairman Michael Viscount said, “it’s about creating an economic engine for our region. 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.”
“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.”
The consortium will also advance the creation of a Strategic Innovation Center at the NARTP, which will serve as the hub for consortium activity, bringing together universities, government and industry to support research, testing, commercialization and workforce development.
