The University of Southern Mississippi has received a $9.8 million contract modification from the Office of Naval Research to expand its partnership with Integer Technologies on the Intelligent Autonomous Systems for Seabed Warfare program.
The program, announced in July, aims to develop technology that allows unmanned vessels to adapt to environmental conditions and collect data with minimal human intervention. The expanded contract brings the total investment in the project to $24.8 million, according to USM officials.
Integer Technologies, a defense technology firm specializing in software, artificial intelligence, and autonomous systems, is collaborating closely with USM on the project. The company opened a new office at USM’s Roger F. Wicker for Ocean Enterprise in Gulfport at the start of the program for water testing and prototyping.
USM Vice President for Research Kelly Lucas highlighted the partnership’s economic and scientific benefits. “By partnering with Integer Technologies, we are bringing high-skill jobs to the Gulf Coast and strengthening a technology ecosystem that attracts new partners and investment,” Lucas said. “This program is a clear example of how university-industry collaboration accelerates scientific advancement while expanding economic opportunity across Mississippi.”
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
