Since 2017, Northwest Florida FORWARD has played a pivotal role in advancing regional economic development. A major focus of the first generation of FORWARD was to establish or attract a Center of Excellence (COE) dedicated to advanced manufacturing in the aerospace sector. This vision came to life in 2024 with the launch of the FSU InSPIRE program at Florida State University.
Supported by a Triumph Gulf Coast grant, FSU InSPIRE serves as a hub for aviation manufacturing research and development, covering the full spectrum from end-to-end research, technology development, prototype demonstration, to systems testing and evaluation. The center focuses on projects ranging from Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4, proof of concept, to TRL 7, prototype demonstration in an operational environment.
With plans to partner with major aerospace leaders such as Airbus and Boeing, the COE will not only drive innovation, but also strengthen Northwest Florida’s economy—creating high-tech jobs, attracting talent, and positioning the region as a competitive hub for aerospace advanced manufacturing.
