This Labor Day, we honor the ingenuity, dedication, and hard work that fuel progress. At FirePoint Innovations Center, we see every day how the talent and determination of the American workforce drive breakthroughs in defense, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing. From engineers and researchers to technicians and makers, your contributions keep our nation strong and our future secure. Today, we celebrate you. Happy Labor Day from all of us at FirePoint! #LaborDay #WichitaState #Innovation #Defense
FirePoint Innovations Center at Wichita State University
Defense and Space Manufacturing
Wichita, Kansas 694 followers
Accelerating the delivery of innovative capabilities to the warfighter through our partnership with the US Army
About us
FirePoint is a partnership between Wichita State University and the Army's Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation and Missile Center that facilitates joint projects and accelerates technology transfer and commercialization between CCDC, universities, industry and other government organizations. We grow the environments necessary for fostering innovation and collaboration.
- Website
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https://firepoint.info
External link for FirePoint Innovations Center at Wichita State University
- Industry
- Defense and Space Manufacturing
- Company size
- 11-50 employees
- Headquarters
- Wichita, Kansas
- Type
- Educational
- Founded
- 2017
- Specialties
- Collaboration, Technology, Innovation, and Strategic Management
Locations
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Primary
Get directions
1845 Fairmount St
Wichita, Kansas 67260, US
Employees at FirePoint Innovations Center at Wichita State University
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David Carpenter
Director, Midwest Cybersecurity Center @ Firepoint Innovations
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Darin Weers
Director of Aerospace Technology Development at FirePoint
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Mark Torline
Program Director - FirePoint Innovation Center at Wichita State University
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Paul Jonas
Technical Director at FirePoint Innovations Center @Wichita State University
Updates
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Tomorrow’s the day! Join the Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub: Kansas for Foundations First, the first session in the Innovate & Elevate 3-part series, where Rob Gerlach from Wichita State Tech Transfer and Commercialization will break down the essentials of protecting your ideas through patents, trademarks, and more.
Join us tomorrow for Part I: Foundations First in our Innovate & Elevate series on Strategic IP for Mission Oriented Ventures. 📅 August 27 | 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM CT 📍 In person at Groover Labs or join virtually Led by Rob Gerlach of Wichita State Tech Transfer and Commercialization, this session will give you the tools to protect your ideas and defend your competitive edge through patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. Perfect for innovators in national security, dual use technology, and advanced manufacturing who want to strengthen their innovation strategy before pursuing federal funding or tech transfer. Secure your spot now: https://lnkd.in/g4_ZvQYJ Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) Defense Innovation OnRamp Hubs #DefenseInnovation #DualUse #IntellectualProperty #Startups #NationalSecurity #TechTransfer #AdvancedManufacturing #OnRampHubKansas #InnovationStrategy
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FirePoint Innovations Center at Wichita State University reposted this
Bringing more than 20 years of experience in the aerospace industry, Eric Hein, former vice president of defense programs at Spirit Aerosystems, joins NIAR as the newly appointed director of startegy and product development. With his extensive portfolio, he hopes to help NIAR integrate more capabilities and quality solutions to maximize value to our customers. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dsgshACF
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FirePoint is excited to share an upcoming opportunity from the Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub: Kansas - the kickoff of the Innovate & Elevate three-part series on Strategic IP for Mission-Oriented Ventures. Part I: Foundations First, led by Wichita State University’s Rob Gerlach, will cover how to protect your innovations through patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/g4_ZvQYJ
Kick off our Innovate & Elevate Series with Part I: Foundations First - a deep dive into the essentials of protecting your innovation. 📅 August 27, 2025 | 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM CT 📍 In person at the OnRamp Hub: Kansas at Groover Labs or join virtually Led by Rob Gerlach, Associate VP of Tech Commercialization & Industry Engagement at WSU, this session covers the full spectrum of IP protection like patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets, so you can safeguard your ideas and position for mission success. Perfect for startups, technologists, and researchers in national security, dual-use tech, and advanced manufacturing. RSVP here: https://lnkd.in/g4_ZvQYJ Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) Defense Innovation OnRamp Hubs #InnovateAndElevate #IntellectualProperty #TechCommercialization #DualUseTech #NationalSecurityInnovation
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Since 2021, we’ve closed out every summer with one tradition: the FirePoint Pickleball Tournament. Last night, our 2025 Future Innovators interns and staff hit the court for the annual tournament, bringing sharp serves, fast reflexes, and plenty of team spirit. What started as a fun way to unwind has turned into a much-anticipated event that perfectly captures what FirePoint is all about: collaboration, energy, and the joy of building something together. To our interns - thank you for an incredible summer! We hope you carry forward everything you’ve learned into your future endeavors. #FutureInnovators #FirePointCulture #PickleballTournament #DefenseInnovation #InternshipProgram #TeamFirePoint
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Join the Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub: Kansas for part 1 of their three-part series on Intellectual Property (IP) Strategy for the Mission.
Join us as we kick off our Innovate & Elevate three-part series on Strategic IP for Mission-Oriented Ventures with Part I: Foundations First. When: August 27, 2025 from 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM CT Location: In person at the OnRamp Hub: Kansas Groover Labs location or join virtually. Led by Rob Gerlach, Associate Vice President of Tech Commercialization & Industry Engagement at Wichita State University, this foundational session will introduce the full spectrum of IP protection: • Patents – Protecting inventions and technical innovations • Trademarks – Safeguarding brand identity and reputation • Copyrights – Securing original works of authorship • Trade Secrets – Defending competitive advantages without disclosure Designed for startups, technologists, and researchers in national security, dual-use tech, and advanced manufacturing, this series will help you build a strong, defensible innovation strategy from the ground up. Whether you’re preparing for federal funding, commercial partnerships, or technology transfer, understanding intellectual property (IP) is mission critical. RSVP Here: https://lnkd.in/g4_ZvQYJ Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) Defense Innovation OnRamp Hubs #DefenseInnovation #DualUse #IntellectualProperty #Startups #NationalSecurity #TechTransfer #AdvancedManufacturing #OnRampHubKansas #InnovationStrategy
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Join the Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub: Kansas and the Kansas APEX Accelerator for a hands-on session guiding small businesses through the process of navigating SAM.gov and the Dynamic Small Business Search to pursue federal contracting opportunities. Register Here: https://lnkd.in/gRd8ECaX
Ready to take your small business to the next level with federal contracting? Join us and the Kansas APEX Accelerator for the next Innovate and Elevate series: Navigating SAM.gov & Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS), a hands-on workshop designed to demystify the federal registration process and boost your visibility with government buyers. 📅 June 25, 2025 🕘 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM 📍 In person at Groover Labs (334 St. Francis, Wichita, KS) or attend virtually! Whether you’re just getting started or need to optimize your SAM.gov and DSBS profiles, this workshop will walk you through: 🔹 Registering and managing your SAM.gov account 🔹 Best practices to stand out in DSBS 🔹 Avoiding common mistakes 🔹 Understanding how federal buyers search for vendors like you This event is perfect for Kansas-based small businesses looking to grow through federal opportunities. Register now: https://lnkd.in/gRd8ECaX Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) Defense Innovation OnRamp Hubs #GovernmentContracting #SmallBusinessSupport #SAMgov #DSBS #KansasAPEX #OnRampHubKS #FederalContracts #GrowYourBusiness
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Join the Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub: Kansas and Kansas APEX Accelerator on June 25 for a hands-on workshop built for small businesses looking to break into the federal marketplace. Learn how to: -Register on SAM.gov -Optimize your Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS) profile -Get noticed by federal buyers Whether you're brand new to government contracting or just need a refresher, this event will set you up to be contract-ready.
Innovate and Elevate: Navigating SAM.gov & DSBS June 25, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Attendance can be virtual or in person at Groover Labs 334 St Francis, Wichita, KS 67202 Looking to break into federal contracting or sharpen your government contracting skills? Join us and the Kansas APEX Accelerator for a hands-on workshop designed to help small businesses successfully register and compete for federal contracts. This session is perfect for small businesses who are: ✅ New to SAM.gov ✅ Looking to refine their DSBS profile ✅ Ready to learn how federal buyers search for vendors We’ll cover: 🔹 How to register and manage your SAM.gov account 🔹 Tips to enhance your visibility in the Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS) 🔹 Common registration mistakes and how to avoid them 🔹 How government agencies use these tools to find you Register Here: https://lnkd.in/gRd8ECaX Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) Defense Innovation OnRamp Hubs #GovernmentContracting #SmallBusinessSupport #SAMgov #DSBS #KansasAPEX #OnRampHubKS #FederalContracts
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Calling all AI innovators and technologists: The U.S. Department of Defense is actively seeking cutting-edge thinkers to help shape the future of mission-critical defense technology. This is more than just an opportunity to explore advanced AI, it's a chance to collaborate directly with DoD experts, engage in exclusive workshops, and make a real impact on national security. Exceptional applications may even lead to future funding opportunities. At FirePoint Innovations Center at Wichita State University, we're proud to be the bridge between government, academia, and industry to accelerate innovation where it matters most. Are you ready to contribute to the next wave of defense tech? Round one of applications are due by May 23rd, 2025. Learn more and apply here: https://lnkd.in/gDm-EEBY
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