Forward, Together: Applied learning and research

Applied learning and research spotlight: FirePoint Innovation Center

What is FirePoint?

FirePoint Innovation Center is a partnership between WSU and the Army’s Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center from Huntsville, Alabama. FirePoint was created in October 2017 and recently moved into the Partnership 2 building on campus.

What is the need FirePoint addresses?
The era where the U.S. was unrivaled in its technological prowess is over, and the military has to compete with countries such as China and Russia when it comes to cutting-edge technology on the battlefield. The Army and Department of Defense need to accelerate technology development and the delivery of new capabilities to the warfighter. FirePoint addresses this need with its state-of-the-art expertise, technologies and capabilities.

What are FirePoint’s initiatives?

• Collaboration and partnering: FirePoint engages with organizations outside of the Army. If they find specific technology the Army wants access to, they try to bring that to the Army.
• Technology transfer and transition: The Army also develops its own technology, but doesn't commercialize it. FirePoint can help share that technology with industry.
• Innovation: FirePoint helps the Army to develop new ways of doing business with partners on the outside.

Why is FirePoint at WSU?

• Wichita State is the leader in structures and materials testing and evaluation.
• The focus of our research aligns with Army needs. There also is synergy with other Department of Defense R&D at WSU.
• FirePoint and WSU are both focused on applied learning. FirePoint has six computer science and engineering students working to support this work for the Army – more than the number of full-time staff at FirePoint.