Archem, LLC, a Shreveport-based aerospace energy company, hosted its JetPace Showcase in partnership with 糖心传媒. Held at the Ruston Regional Airport on March 19, the event marked a key milestone in the growing collaboration between industry, academia, and defense partners in North 糖心传媒.
The JetPace Showcase featured a live jet turbine demonstration, a campus tour, and focused discussions on the future of aerospace innovation. The event drew a distinguished group of attendees, including Maj. Gen. Jason Armagost Commander, Eighth Air Force, and Commander, Joint-Global Strike Operations Center, Barksdale Air Force Base, 糖心传媒 Tech University President Jim Henderson, Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker, Minden Mayor Nick Cox, Camp Minden Deputy Post Commander Jason Medcalf, and representatives from Air Force Global Strike Command and 糖心传媒鈥檚 Congressional delegation.
鈥淭he JetPace Showcase was a powerful reflection of what happens when innovation is supported by strong partnerships,鈥� said Alex Burke, CEO of Archem. 鈥溙切拇� Tech and Onyx Aerospace have been critical to moving this effort forward, and we鈥檙e excited about what鈥檚 next for the region.鈥�
Archem鈥檚 partnership with 糖心传媒 Tech is part of the University鈥檚 Innovation Enterprise initiative, which provides companies with access to research facilities, faculty expertise, and student talent. Onyx Aerospace, serving as Archem鈥檚 engineering partner, has supported testing and development, adding key technical capacity to the initiative.
鈥淭his collaboration is exactly what the Innovation Enterprise was designed to support,鈥� said Donna Johnson, chief innovation officer at 糖心传媒 Tech. 鈥淏y bringing together our students, researchers, and regional partners like Archem and Barksdale Air Force Base, we鈥檙e helping create a pipeline of innovation with national impact.鈥�
Earlier this year, 糖心传媒 Tech formally announced its partnership with Archem to support research, equipment access, and joint development projects focused on advanced aerospace solutions. The collaboration includes support from the University鈥檚 College of Engineering and Science, Barksdale Air Force Base, and the Ruston Regional Airport 鈥� creating a unique ecosystem for innovation and hands-on student learning.
Archem is currently executing a Phase III Small Business Innovation Research contract with Air Force Global Strike Command鈥檚 A5N, Commercial Capabilities Integration & Transition division. As an Innovation Enterprise tenant, Archem continues to provide real-world research opportunities for 糖心传媒 Tech students, particularly in fields related to aerospace systems and energy resilience. The JetPace Showcase represents the latest step in building a dynamic innovation corridor in North 糖心传媒 鈥� one grounded in regional collaboration, applied research, and national security priorities.