Battery Power Like We’ve Never Seen Before

Later today, a sign of Indiana innovation officially comes online. The $15.6 million Battery Innovation Center (BIC), launched by Energy Systems Network (ESN) in 2012, is complete and open for business at WestGate@Crane Technology Park adjacent to Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane.

A dozen corporate members will soon begin battery research and development projects at the BIC, including: AeroVironment, Concurrent Technologies Corporation (CTC), EaglePicher, Eaton Corporation, Ivy Tech Community College, MEGTEC, Penn State University, Purdue University, Renewz, Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), Stimulus Engineering and Technical Services Corporation (TSC).

The world-class facility, its capabilities and member companies will be highlighted in a ribbon cutting ceremony featuring Indiana Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann and Congressman Larry Bucshon (8th District). The  WestGate Academy event in Odon takes place at 11 a.m.

The Indiana Chamber's Matt Ottinger updated BizVoice magazine readers recently on the impact of Crane, with a full-page sidebar on the BIC. Read what Charles LaSota, BIC president and former Navy captain and Crane commander, has to say about the facility.

Lt. Governors Skillman, Ellspermann Find Great Value in Crane NSWC

Crane Naval Surface Warfare Center (in Crane, Indiana) has a reputation as "the best kept secret" in Indiana when it comes to innovation and public/private partnerships that are changing what is possible in America. For a full story on how Crane is enhancing the state's entrepreneurship culture, keep an eye out for our July/August edition of BizVoice magazine. Our creative director and I were fortunate to receive a tour of the base and the Westgate @ Crane Technology Park to learn about what's happening there — all that isn't classified, of course. But it appears we aren't the only ones who are impressed. Two of Indiana's most esteemed legislators also have some kind words about the base:

Becky Skillman did admirable work as Indiana's Lt. Gov. during Mitch Daniels' popular administration. After leaving office, she landed back in her home region of Southern Indiana, and is leading Radius Indiana. Additionally, our current Lt. Gov, Sue Ellspermann, also offered remarks on how vital Crane is for Hoosier innovation. See below.

Becky Skillman, President/CEO, Radius Indiana
Radius Indiana serves as a catalyst to help support and promote the use of civili military innovation through technology transfer and entrepreneurship. We work with our network of partners, including Westgate @ Crane, the ISBDC (Indiana Small Business Development Center), and many others to help start-up companies connect to resources they need in order to promote entrepreneurial success and economic growth within our 8-county region and beyond. With the low-cost, business-friendly environment that exists in Indiana, we are perfectly positioned and ready for growth within the defense industry.


Sue Ellspermann, Lt. Gov.
In the past I have enjoyed working with the Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane to increase the capture of intellectual property and the potential tech transfer opportunities available by identifying an external non-military application and potential market.

Our administration’s vision for Indiana includes focusing on economic development within Indiana's defense sector. One of the goals of the Indiana Office of Defense Development is to leverage the incredible assets at Crane and our federal research labs, including identifying high-potential technologies and developing strategies to successfully commercialize them. There is growing interaction and collaboration between the private sector and our major universities to bring technological innovations developed at Crane to market, to bolster the economy and create more high-tech, high-wage jobs in Indiana.

Indiana Senators to Cosponsor Naval Surface Warfare Center (Crane) Job Fair

Indiana Senators Evan Bayh and Richard Lugar will cosponsor a job fair by the Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane on Saturday, April 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

The location for the event is the Purdue Research Park located at the Ameriplex, adjacent to the old Indianapolis airport., 5225 Exploration Drive, Indianapolis.

The job fair’s focus is NSWC Crane and military support contractors. Expected participants are:  Lockheed Martin, EG&G, SAIC, ITT, Stimulus, McKean, TSC, Tri-Star, Saber and CLEC (Crane Learning and employment Center for Veterans with Disabilities). NSWC Crane is interested in journeyman level scientists, engineers, contract specialists, logisticians (with military systems experience) and a few accountants.

NSWC Crane’s contractor partners are also interested in those positions as well as technicians and administrative support. Contractors are also interested in entry and midlevel candidates.

For further information, please contact Pamela Ingram, Public Affairs Officer, NSWC Crane, at 812-854-3239 or Pamela.ingram@navy.mil.