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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

High-Tech Defense Business Hub Created In Cambridge, Massachusetts

05/24/2016
The Department of Defense will create a new Defense Innovation Unit Experimental for the eastern United States in Cambridge, Massachusetts. DIUx East will create a hub for collaboration between DoD and innovative companies to identify and leverage cutting-edge technologies, business practices, and ideas from unique sources.

According to MassDevelopment, this office will complement the work of DIUx Silicon Valley, which the Department of Defense established in August 2015 in Mountain View, California. In April, Governor Charlie Baker announced the Massachusetts Innovation Bridge, a partnership between the Commonwealth and The MITRE Corporation that will complement the DIUx office. The Innovation Bridge will help federal agencies solve the nation’s most difficult challenges by tapping into the world-leading innovation and high-tech ecosystem in Massachusetts, while creating new business opportunities in the Commonwealth.

“Massachusetts’ competitive climate, academia and industry have made the Commonwealth a national leader in innovation and collaboration,” said Governor Baker. “I would like to thank Secretary Carter and the Department of Defense for recognizing these qualities and choosing the Commonwealth for DIUx East, which will enhance the connections between our cutting-edge companies and military installations.”

“Massachusetts is a great fit for DIUx East, and I know the Defense Department will benefit from the tremendous resources our state has to offer. This project will create new opportunities for businesses here in Commonwealth to partner with the Defense Department, which will strengthen national security and help grow our innovation economy,” said Senator Elizabeth Warren.

“This decision is the latest in a series of actions taken by the U.S. Department of Defense that illustrate the key role Massachusetts plays in keeping our service members safe, successful and equipped with cutting edge resources. Our state’s unique ecosystem brings together high-tech companies with top-tier academic institutions, research facilities, military installations and a highly skilled workforce. Secretary Carter’s decision to establish a Defense Innovation Unit in Boston is recognition of the widespread economic and national security benefits that our region readily provides,” said Congresswoman Niki Tsongas.

“Massachusetts is Silicon Valley East, and our innovation economy leads the way in cybersecurity, health IT, and telecommunications,” said Senator Edward J. Markey . “This announcement reflects how valuable the Commonwealth is to the future of our nation’s defense. Hanscom Air Force Base, our academic institutions, and our cutting-edge technology companies will collaborate with the Department of Defense to create a hub of innovation that gives our servicemembers a technological advantage on the battlefield.”

“Secretary Carter and the Department of Defense deserve a great deal of credit for strengthening the partnership between the Pentagon and the Commonwealth’s world-class innovative companies to benefit the defense sector and Massachusetts businesses alike,” said MassDevelopment President/CEO Marty Jones. “We look forward to the new ideas and practices that DIUx East will help generate.”

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