LIFT, the Detroit-based Dept. of Defense (DoD) national manufacturing innovation institute, has received funding from the Office of Naval Research to continue technology and talent development operations in Puerto Rico in support of the island’s manufacturing base and workforce.
This $1 million grant is a continuation of the LIFT Puerto Rico program launched in 2022, with $1.9 million in support from the DoD Manufacturing Technology Program, overseen by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering.
“Our mission to drive American advanced manufacturing into the future through technology and talent development is a national mandate,” says Nigel Francis, CEO and executive director of LIFT. “We are proud to be a partner with the Department of Defense, Office of Naval Research, the leadership in Puerto Rico, including Gov. Pierluisi, and the Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DDEC) to carry out that mission in support of the Island’s manufacturers and workforce.”
Since the initiative kicked off, LIFT has been finding local stakeholders and assessing how it can meet the innovation needs of the Island’s manufacturers as well as preparing the workforce for careers in the advanced manufacturing sector.
Later this year, LIFT is expected to announce a site location for an advanced manufacturing applied research and development satellite center on the island.
Founded in Detroit and celebrating its 10-year anniversary this year, LIFT serves as a technology accelerator, working at the intersection of materials science, manufacturing processes, systems engineering, and talent development to enhance national economy and national security.
This connection enables the institute, and more than 300 organization the group works with, to advance technologies — such as hypersonic materials development and lightweight armor systems – made by commercial industries and into the hands of the warfighter quickly.
“The DoD institutes were created to move the needle in advanced manufacturing technology and talent across the country in support of the warfighter, and the work of LIFT truly meets that mission,” says Tracy Frost, director of the Department of Defense Manufacturing Technology Program. “The promise of LIFT combined with Puerto Rico’s robust manufacturing industry and military heritage will lead to success for the Island and the nation.”
Manufacturing accounts for nearly half of the gross domestic product of Puerto Rico and the Island has a history of manufacturing and a diverse manufacturing economy, including biotechnology, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, agroecology, aerospace, electronics, computing, engineering and construction, and apparel says Frost.
