National Security Consortium
Michigan’s leading universities have joined forces to launch a new Consortium focused on strengthening U.S. national security. Through cutting-edge research, technology development, and workforce training, the Consortium brings together higher education, industry, and government to solve critical defense challenges.
Mission &
Focus Areas
The Consortium will operate under an agreement with federal and state partners to deliver trusted, mission-essential research in critical areas such as:​
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Autonomy
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Energy Resilience
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Advanced Manufacturing
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Cyber-Secure Operations
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Warfighter Performance
In addition to research, it will serve as a pipeline of technical talent for the federal workforce, equipping the next generation of engineers and scientists to tackle the nation’s most pressing defense challenges.
“The Consortium demonstrates how Michigan can align higher education to compete for federal investment and establish the state as a hub for mission-critical defense research… It puts us on a clear path toward a University Affiliated Research Center (UARC) designation.”
John T. Gutierrez, Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.), Executive Director of the Office of Defense & Aerospace Innovation at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
Initial Consortium
Members
Initial Consortium Members are expected to include:
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Central Michigan University
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Grand Valley State University
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Kettering University
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Lawrence Technological University
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University of Detroit Mercy
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University of Michigan–Dearborn
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University of Michigan–Flint
“This Consortium represents a major opportunity for Michigan students and faculty to contribute directly to real-world solutions. It builds the kind of applied learning environment that prepares graduates for critical roles in defense, engineering, and technology industries.”
CMU President Neil MacKinnon.
Impact & Opportunity
This formal ratification marks a coordinated effort among Michigan universities to fill a critical gap in the nation’s defense innovation ecosystem. While much of U.S. defense research is concentrated in coastal institutions and large federal labs, Michigan universities are positioned to provide deployable technologies, mission-driven research, and talent directly aligned with expeditionary operations.
“This represents a bold step toward strengthening America’s defense industrial base while preparing the future workforce. By harnessing the expertise of Michigan’s universities and partners across sectors, we are building a resilient ecosystem for long-term national security.”
CMURC President + CEO Erin Strang.
Next Steps
The Consortium will pursue Department of Defense funding opportunities, transition research from lab to field, and expand pathways for students and faculty to contribute to defense-related projects. The effort is designed to strengthen Michigan’s defense economy, advance innovation, and establish a nationally recognized platform for translational research in support of national security.