Pinehurst Today

U.S. Representative Richard Hudson, along with Senators Ted Budd and Thom Tillis, has joined other members of the North Carolina congressional delegation in advocating for the establishment of a Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) OnRamp Hub in North Carolina. The bipartisan letter was sent to the Pentagon as part of efforts to enhance the state's defense innovation ecosystem.

The letter was co-signed by Representatives Deborah Ross, Virginia Foxx, Greg Murphy, Don Davis, Patrick McHenry, Alma Adams, Kathy Manning, David Rouzer, Wiley Nickel, and Chuck Edwards.

The letter addressed to Ms. McNally stated: "We write in support of the Defense Innovation Unit’s (DIU) efforts to strengthen its integration with the North Carolina defense innovation ecosystem. Specifically, we write to express our support for North Carolina to host a DIU OnRamp Hub to streamline how our state’s companies, academic institutions, and entrepreneurs access government programming and funding to better support warfighters."

The letter highlighted North Carolina's existing strengths in defense-related research at academic institutions and a collaborative culture that makes it an ideal location for future DIU engagement. It also acknowledged DIU's current integration within the state's innovation ecosystem through partnerships with small businesses and participation in events like the DIU Regional Roadshow and Federal Technology Symposium.

The delegation urged consideration for establishing an OnRamp Hub in North Carolina during the next round of expansions. Currently, DIU has hubs in Arizona, Ohio, Hawaii, Kansas, Washington State, with upcoming locations in Kentucky and Montana.

"We are grateful for DIU’s current integration within the North Carolina innovation ecosystem," the letter continued. "With this in mind, we urge you to consider establishing an OnRamp Hub in North Carolina during the next round of expansions."

The signatories expressed their anticipation for a response from DIU regarding this proposal.

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