Lockheed Martin donation targets cyber research

Lockheed Martin has contributed $1.5 million to the University of Central Florida (UCF) as a means of aiding the development of a new cyber research lab.

The Lockheed Martin Cyber Innovation Lab ensures UCF remains a leader in educating and empowering future cyber experts.

“Our contribution is an investment in the future of students at UCF, the city of Orlando and the broader aerospace community,” Tom Warner, director of Lockheed Martin’s Cyber Defense, Range and Resilience organization, said. “The nation is facing a challenge filling the pipeline of cyber talent, and we see it as our duty to partner with communities, our customers and academia to create resources that inspire and prepare young people for a career in this critical field.”

The 970-foot lab, which will be located in the atrium of UCF’s Engineering I building, is expected to open in early 2019. It will be open to more than 350 students participating in cyber programs at the university while expanding the pipeline for the future cyber talent.

The site will serve as a learning hub and classroom as well as the practice center for UCF’s Cyber Defense Club.

“This state-of-the-art space will help better prepare our students to safeguard and strengthen our country’s systems and networks,” UCF President Dale Whittaker said. “We are grateful for Lockheed Martin’s vision and partnership as we work together to meet the cybersecurity workforce demands of the future.”

A public ribbon-cutting ceremony and associated Cyber Security Summit is planned for February 2019.