Living Lab’ for Innovative Border and Homeland Security Solutions

Housed in the College of Technology and Innovation at ASU’s Polytechnic campus (pictured above), this extension of the Fed/Civ EDGE provides an open and collaborative environment for border patrol, homeland security and other government agencies to explore new ideas and capabilities addressing the nation’s most pressing border and homeland security challenges. (Image courtesy of ASU.)

The General Dynamics C4 Systems-sponsored EDGE® Innovation Network and Arizona State University (ASU) have agreed to extend the existing Fed/Civ EDGE Innovation Center to the university’s Polytechnic Campus. The new and unique collaborative environment enables government personnel to work directly with academia and industry to study and propose solutions to some of the most pressing border and homeland security challenges. In addition to the facility, a four-acre “living laboratory” will be available to test and evaluate ideas and proposed solutions in realistic outdoor conditions.

“This partnership is an important step in ongoing efforts to secure the southwest border,” said Chris Marzilli, C4 Systems president. “Within the unique EDGE environment, industry and academia will come together to better understand homeland security challenges, like those facing the Border Patrol, to rapidly develop solutions that will make their jobs safer and more efficient.”

The living laboratory is a hands-on environment enabling the exploration and integration of various technologies, such as broadband wireless communications and surveillance that may benefit the Border Patrol and others. For example, the outdoor lab will test new and innovative capabilities that could be integrated into the national network of towers that comprise the national Rescue 21 system, currently in use by the Department of Homeland Security.

“ASU’s work with the EDGE Innovation Network exemplifies the way industry and government partners rely on faculty and students at the College of Technology and Innovation to help solve tough technical and practical challenges,” said Mitzi Montoya, vice provost and dean, College of Technology and Innovation.

“The living lab will be part of the Collaboratory, CTI’s platform for collaboration with external partners for research and education in areas that include sustainability, aerospace and defense, and conservation and renewable energy,” said Anshuman Razdan, associate professor and project director.

Housed in the College of Technology and Innovation at the Polytechnic campus, the Fed/Civ EDGE will be staffed by teams of professional engineers and academic personnel, including students, engaged in research related to border security, emergency management, renewable energy and sustainability.

The College of Technology and Innovation, located on ASU’s Polytechnic campus, offers innovative learning models and interdisciplinary educational programs in engineering, applied sciences, management and entrepreneurship. The college partners with industry through capstone projects and the faculty are deeply engaged in integrative and applied scholarship.

Additional information about C4 Systems’ homeland security and border security capabilities and systems can be found at www.gdc4s.com/bordersecurity.