Military Defense National Technology Showcase Held in Craven County
NEW BERN, N.C. — The National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) in partnership with the Eastern North Carolina (ENC) Tech Bridge, Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE), and Craven County Economic Development, successfully hosted a national technology showcase at the Riverfront Convention Center of Craven County from July 16-17, showcasing innovative solutions to military maintenance challenges.
“This event underscores the fruitful collaboration between Fleet Readiness Center East and Craven County,” said Jeff Wood, Craven County Economic Development Director. “It highlights the pivotal role of our partnership with FRCE to accelerate technology transfer and foster new opportunities within the aerospace defense sector through the ENC Tech Bridge.”
The NCMS Tech Showcase attracted over 45 exhibitors and over 800 attendees. Among the demonstrations, TurnAround Factor and 8Tree were selected by Navy and Marine Corps leaders to demonstrate their technology at the ENC Tech Bridge, recognizing their potential to advance defense technology.
The showcase was the first of many business development events to come as part of Craven County’s first
Collaborative Project with FRCE, which allocates up to $516,048.00 to support initiatives including ENC Tech Bridge activities, research, education, and industry growth.
The ENC Tech Bridge was established in 2021 in conjunction with a Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA) between FRCE and Craven County to support strategic connections that drive innovation in defense technologies. The ENC Tech Bridge is North Carolina’s only NavalX Tech Bridge–one of 18 worldwide–connecting industry, academia, and the U.S. Navy.
FRCE, located at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, is North Carolina’s largest aviation maintenance provider, contributing significantly to the region’s economy with over 4,000 employees and annual revenues exceeding $1 billion.
ABOUT CRAVEN COUNTY:
Craven County ranks 29 out of 100 counties in North Carolina for size based upon a population of 102,142 and 3 out of 100 for veteran population. Home to North Carolina’s first permanent capital, the county covers 774 square miles of the inland coastal region of eastern North Carolina and contains the municipalities of New Bern, Havelock, Bridgeton, Cove City, Dover, River Bend, Trent Woods, and Vanceboro. The County’s history contributes to one of its major economic engines – tourism. The 20th century also brought a strong military presence to Craven County with the establishment of Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. Forward-looking accomplishments can be seen in the areas of facility development, accessibility of services, economic development, conservation of the environment, and efficient, flexible operations. Learn more about Craven County at www.cravencountync.gov.
ABOUT THE CRAVEN 100 ALLIANCE:
The Craven 100 Alliance (C1A) is a dynamic public-private partnership dedicated to promoting economic development and prosperity in Craven County, North Carolina. C1A connects stakeholders from city and county governments, as well as the public and private sectors, to drive innovation, job creation, and sustainable growth in the region. Learn more about C1A at cravenbusiness.com.
