Rep. Kennedy co-leads letter to Establish Defense Innovation “OnRamp Hub” in Utah
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Mike Kennedy (UT-03), alongside the Utah congressional delegation, in a letter urging the Department of Defense’s Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to give full and fair consideration to the 47G Aerospace and Defense Association's application for an “ OnRamp Hub” designation in Utah. The proposed hub would accelerate the development and deployment of cutting-edge commercial technologies to strengthen the U.S. warfighter, enhance defense capabilities, and expand the national security innovation base in Utah.
“Utah has proven it can lead the nation in innovation and defense,” said Congressman Mike Kennedy. “Continued investment in this industry is critical, not just for our national security, but for Utah’s future as a hub of advanced technology, innovation, and opportunity. I’m happy to support the people and partnerships that keep our state moving forward. ”
Background
Utah’s aerospace and defense sector supports more than 500,000 jobs, generates over $100 billion in economic output, and contributes $1 billion in annual tax revenue. The 47G Aerospace and Defense Association, a public-private partnership backed by the State of Utah and nearly 200 member organizations, works to sustain Utah’s leadership in aerospace and defense by advancing workforce development, increasing capital access, and spurring innovation.
A recent Defense Innovation Unit review identified more than a dozen opportunities across DIU’s seven Technology Portfolio areas that are ready for strategic engagement in Utah’s thriving innovation ecosystem. With industry wages rising 31 percent over the past five years and statewide GDP growth exceeding 60 percent, Utah stands out as a national leader in defense-driven economic growth.
The letter encourages full and fair consideration for the establishment of an OnRamp Hub in Utah that would build on the state’s proven growth. An OnRamp Hub is a regional innovation center under the Defense Innovation Unit that connects private-sector innovators with the Department of Defense to test, scale, and deploy new technologies for national security. Utah’s growing defense economy and talent pipeline make it well-suited for this designation, positioning the state to continue leading the nation in innovation and bolstering America’s defense.