Rowan University, the National Aerospace Research & Technology Park (NARTP), and the Atlantic County Economic Alliance (ACEA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a new academic consortium. This partnership is designed to advance aviation technology, enhance safety, and drive workforce development across the state and the nation.

“South Jersey has the potential to become a national hub for innovation in all aspects of aerospace research and engineering,” Rowan University President Ali Houshmand said. “Given our combined resources and entrepreneurial thinking, we have all the necessary pieces to make that a reality. Just as we’ve done with health care in our region, we and our new partners will build a solid foundation for future collaboration and growth.”

Under the agreement, the three organizations will serve as the initial members and facilitators of the consortium. They will work to create a broad coalition of research universities, nonprofit groups, government agencies, and private companies. This collaborative effort will focus on aligning the goals of academia, industry, and government to accelerate research, foster innovation, and create new pathways for workforce training.

The MOU was officially signed during a ceremony on Aug. 28 in Egg Harbor Township, with Congressman Jeff Van Drew in attendance.

“This is a really big deal because this brings academic minds together with all those folks in the private sector and here at the tech center,” Van Drew said. “We put them together to make sure that we’re going to be the first again in innovation, on new ideas, on engineering, on technology. That’s what this is about.”

Strategically located adjacent to the Federal Aviation Administration’s William J. Hughes Center and the Atlantic City International Airport, NARTP provides direct access to critical research facilities and testbeds. The consortium will leverage these assets to support projects in fields such as artificial intelligence, advanced air mobility, and aviation cybersecurity. According to NARTP Chairman Mark Loeben, four other universities have already expressed interest in joining the initiative.

“This agreement is not just about research—it’s about creating an economic engine for our region,” Michael Viscount, chairman of the Atlantic County Economic Alliance said. “By establishing Rowan University, NARTP and ACEA as original members and facilitators, we are setting the stage for new investment, high-quality jobs and long-term economic growth.”

The consortium will also support the creation of a Strategic Innovation Center at NARTP, which will serve as a central hub for research, testing, and commercialization activities. This partnership builds on Rowan’s track record of successful collaborations, including recent initiatives focused on medical technology and maternal and infant health.