PUDDLE HOPS: Esri goes to T-REX | New AI institutes | Quantum technology

Esri opening an office at T-REX

ST. LOUIS, MO—California-based geographic information system software company Esri will open an office within the Geospatial Innovation Center at T-REX. Esri will provide qualifying startups in the center with access to cutting-edge ArcGIS Developers tools and services at no cost. The center is the next step in St. Louis’s move toward geospatial ingenuity and development.

Testing unmanned aerial systems

RICHFIELD, OH—A project administered by Parallax Advanced Research on behalf of the Ohio Department of Higher Education has successfully tested the first flight of unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The 20-minute flight was aimed at overcoming the challenges of weight, transient peak power demands, flight endurance, system integration and UAS structural design.

New institutes with a focus on AI

Fast Future—The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) announced the establishment of 11 new NSF National Artificial Intelligence Research Institutes that will focus on AI-based technologies. The combined investment of $220 million expands the reach of these institutes to include a total of 37 states.

Rolls-Royce opens testing facilities

WEST LAFAYETTE, IN—Rolls-Royce will be expanding its footprint at Purdue University with the construction of three new testing facilities for high-altitude and hybrid-electric engines. The company already has facilities focusing on digital engine controls and conducts advanced technology engine research at the university’s Zucrow Propulsion Labs.

Research hub for quantum technology

COLUMBUS, OH—The Ohio State University has joined the Chicago Quantum Exchange, an intellectual hub for the research and development of quantum technology. Their work will prepare a quantum-ready workforce that can meet the existing and growing demand across the communications, optics, computing and materials industries.

Graphene as a battery replacement

MANHATTAN, KS—Research conducted at Kansas State University shows the strong potential of using graphene (a 2D form of graphite) to print supercapacitors that could one day replace batteries. Graphene is only one atom thick and is estimated to hundreds of times stronger than steel while being more flexible.

Kentucky’s economic development plan

LOUISVILLE, KY—Innovation is an essential driver of economic progress. This is why Kentucky is taking a purposeful approach to enhancing its innovation economy. Louisville Future spoke with Anthony Ellis, general counsel at Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development and executive director of KY Innovation, about the state’s approach.