Launched by the Aerospace & Defense Academy, A&D Connect is the central hub for Nevada's aerospace and defense ecosystem, enabling collaboration, innovation, talent development, and strategic growth across industry, government, and academia.
Nevada's Aerospace & Defense collaboration platform connecting industry, government, academia, workforce organizations, entrepreneurs, researchers, and innovators to strengthen Nevada's aerospace and defense ecosystem.
A&D Connect is your central discovery, connection, and collaboration hub for Nevada's Aerospace and Defense ecosystem. Explore and connect with key federal, state, academic, and private resources/opportunities
To connect industry, government, academia, and innovation partners through strategic collaboration, resource sharing, and ecosystem development that strengthens Nevada's aerospace and defense capabilities.
To establish Nevada as a nationally recognized aerospace and defense innovation hub where industry, government, academia, startups, investors, and workforce partners collaborate to accelerate technological advancement, economic growth, and national security impact.
Foster partnerships between aerospace companies, defense contractors, universities, startups, government agencies, investors, and workforce organizations.
Support technology commercialization, entrepreneurship, research initiatives, federal engagement opportunities, and innovation ecosystems that drive long-term growth.
Strengthen Nevada's future workforce through education, training, certifications, internships, industry engagement, and career pathway development.
Meetings, workshops, panels, and networking opportunities.
Hear from industry leaders as they discuss emerging trends, innovation, workforce development, and entrepreneurial opportunities within the aerospace and defense sector.
RENO STARTUP WEEK
Join us for the very first A&D Connect Network Meeting
Join us for the Oddie District ribbon burning
Gentile’s experience spanning engineering, fighter aviation, experimental flight testing, defense autonomy, and industry leadership, with a focus on autonomous and software-defined aerospace systems.
Hear from retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant General Mike "Gunny" Schmidt as he shares leadership insights and perspectives on aerospace, defense, innovation, and national security.
Explore and connect to key aerospace, defense, innovation, funding, compliance, consulting, and government contracting resources and opportunities.
Air Force innovation arm connecting innovators with airmen to accelerate agile capability transitions.
Learn MoreSpace Force innovation engine fostering commercial space technology development.
Learn MoreFederal small business funding programs supporting early-stage R&D with NASA mission applications.
Learn MoreSmall Business Administration resources for defense contractors, entrepreneurs, and aerospace startups.
Learn MoreDepartment of Defense organization accelerating commercial technology adoption across the military.
Learn MoreEntry point for commercial companies to engage with the U.S. Space Force.
Learn MoreFederal investment intelligence resource highlighting defense industrial base funding, priority sectors, and national security supply chain investments.
Learn MoreDoD-supported cybersecurity readiness and CMMC compliance platform helping small and mid-sized defense contractors strengthen cyber resilience and meet federal contracting requirements.
Learn MoreDoD CDAO acquisition ecosystem helping government, industry, academia, and innovators discover, assess, and acquire AI, machine learning, digital, and data analytics solutions.
Learn MoreGovernment contracting assistance resource helping businesses pursue federal, state, and local opportunities.
Learn MoreOfficial U.S. government system for registering to do business, finding funding opportunities, and managing federal contracts.
Learn MoreCentralized location for finding and applying for federal funding opportunities across more than 1,000 government grant programs.
Learn MoreOfficial portal for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.
Learn MoreStrategic advisory group supporting Nevada’s aerospace, defense, and innovation ecosystem development.
Learn MoreStatewide manufacturing support and development organization helping companies grow and modernize.
Learn MoreNevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development supporting business growth, investment, and workforce development.
Learn MoreUniversity of Nevada, Reno research capabilities in aerospace, defense, advanced manufacturing, innovation, and applied technology.
Learn MoreConnect with University of Nevada, Reno student and graduate talent for aerospace, defense, engineering, technology, and business roles.
Learn MoreSpecialized education, training, and workforce development programs supporting Nevada’s aerospace and defense ecosystem.
Learn MoreVenture creation, innovation, entrepreneurship, and startup support for students, researchers, founders, and industry partners.
Learn MoreMarket intelligence and supplier discovery platform connecting defense needs with commercial solutions. This is your initial launch point to DoW opportunities.
Learn MoreAdvanced manufacturing and technology acceleration platform supporting defense innovation.
Learn MoreInnovation ecosystem focused on aerospace, defense, manufacturing, energy, and national resilience.
Learn MoreCommunity collaboration hub for discussions, Q&A, resource sharing, industry intelligence, and expert insights.
LOADING LIVE DISCUSSIONS...
Ask questions, share opportunities, and connect with Nevada’s aerospace and defense ecosystem.
Explore Aerospace, Defense, Space Systems, Manufacturing, SBIR/STTR, Workforce, and Government Opportunity channels.
Respond to active discussions, share resources, and build partnerships through the A&D Connect community.
Latest aerospace, defense, innovation, funding, and consortium updates from Nevada's A&D ecosystem.
LOADING A&D NEWS...
Industry
Aerospace companies and manufacturers
Manufacturers
Supply chain partners
Government
Federal, state, and local agencies
Startups
Emerging innovators
Academia
Universities and research institutions
Investors
Funding and venture partners
Workforce
Training and talent development
Economic Development
Regional growth organizations
Building Nevada's Aerospace & Defense ecosystem through collaboration, innovation, workforce development, research excellence, and industry leadership.
Home to the Aerospace & Defense Academy, Ozmen Center for Entrepreneurship, advanced research initiatives, and workforce development programs supporting Nevada's future aerospace and defense ecosystem.
Learn MoreA leading research institution supporting aerospace, engineering, autonomous systems, advanced manufacturing, entrepreneurship, and workforce development in Nevada.
Fostering startup growth, commercialization, and entrepreneurial ecosystems within the aerospace and defense sectors.
Developing the next generation of aerospace professionals through specialized training and industry-aligned curriculum.
Governor's Office of Economic Development supporting aerospace expansion, funding, and strategic state initiatives.
Empowering advanced manufacturing capabilities, supply chain resilience, and operational excellence across the state.
Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada driving tech attraction, retention, and entrepreneurial growth.
Have questions, partnership inquiries, or need assistance? We'd love to hear from you.
Email: ADAcademy@unr.edu
University of Nevada, Reno
Aerospace & Defense Academy
Ozmen Center for Entrepreneurship
College of Business