The Digital, Research, Innovation, Validation, and Experimentation (D.R.I.V.E.) Consortium exists as a mechanism for facilitating the digital transformation of the United States Air Force. By harnessing the collective expertise of the nation's top minds, the consortium aims to revolutionize every facet of the Air Force value chain. This ambitious initiative calls for collaboration with a wide array of industry stakeholders alongside government and academic institutions, creating a unique ecosystem of innovation and technological advancement.
A Model for Success
The consortium's structure is purposefully designed to enable rapid progress in addressing the Air Force's critical needs. As Brench Boden, the Digital Enterprise lead at the Air Force Research Laboratory, articulates, "The consortium model is ideal. The Air Force's ability to execute projects to address risk reduction and to do it relatively quickly, along with industry's ability to engage with us, has proven to be exactly what the doctor ordered." This statement underscores the effectiveness of the consortium in fostering swift innovation.
A Prestigious and Diverse Ecosystem
Participation in the D.R.I.V.E. Consortium is an exceptional opportunity that places members among the most distinguished organizations in defense and technology.
Bob Dirgo, senior program manager at the Ohio Aerospace Institute, highlights this by stating, "It’s a prestigious role to be in a such a group. It's pretty much the who's who of defense manufacturers. There are IT companies like Microsoft, IBM, Ansys, and there are small companies and universities. It's a very diverse, one-of-a-kind ecosystem."
The diversity of the member organizations is a key driver of the D.R.I.V.E. consortium's success. The blending of expertise and large defense OEMs with small, agile tech companies and leading academic institutions creates a fertile ground for innovation.
As Tony Hodgson, CEO of ETHAR, Inc., notes, "We've gained access to a network of industry-leading experts and cutting-edge technologies that have helped accelerate our innovation."
Advancing Technology and Collaboration
The D.R.I.V.E. Consortium is more than just a collective of organizations; it is an environment in which innovation is developed through collaboration. By weaving the diverse thoughts and expertise of its members, the consortium is paving the way for a digital transformation that will have a lasting impact on the Air Force and beyond.
Michael Morford, Chairman & CEO of the Knudsen Institute, states, "The DRIVE Consortium gave critical lifeblood to allow the technology that we're looking to develop with the Air Force to even have a chance to exist." He added, “One thing we could never do is replicate the sort of introductions into the ecosystem. Those relationships are critical to be able to take an idea and see if there's merit, and then work with other organizations that have some very promising technologies of their own.”
This sentiment is echoed by Agata Brickey, senior program manager at SparkCognition Government Systems, "It all comes back to strong collaboration and partnership for a mutual alignment and synergy among consortium members."
The Future of Innovation
Innovation through collaboration is at the heart of the consortium's mission. Paul Parazzoli, Ph.D., of IBM Quantum, underscores the importance of bringing together people with diverse backgrounds to tackle common challenges.
"Innovation is key for any industry, and to really innovate, you have to be able to bring together people with diverse backgrounds. It's noteworthy that many of these companies are also competitors, and it's a pretty notable achievement to bring them all into a safe space where they can explore common problems and come up with unique solutions to their challenges."
Join the Mission
The D.R.I.V.E. Consortium represents an unparalleled opportunity to be part of something truly transformative. Whether you're a leading defense manufacturer, a cutting-edge tech company, or a pioneering academic institution, the consortium offers a platform to contribute to a groundbreaking mission. As the consortium continues to grow, its members will be at the forefront of the next generation of technological advancements.
If you're interested in contributing your expertise toward the digital transformation mission, reach out to us today. The D.R.I.V.E. Consortium is not just working to advance technology for the Air Force, it's shaping the future of technology as a whole.
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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.