UNC Charlotte joins North Carolina’s First in Defense coalition

UNC Charlotte has joined North Carolina’s First in Defense coalition, strengthening the university’s role in defense innovation, digital engineering, advanced manufacturing and dual-use technology development.

The University’s participation is set by the National Defense and Intelligence Innovation Institute (NDI3), a university-wide initiative led by the William States Lee College of Engineering’s Mesbah Uddin, professor of mechanical engineering and faculty fellow for defense research initiatives. 

Uddin helps align UNC Charlotte’s research expertise and resources with U.S. Department of Defense priorities, supporting mission-driven research, workforce development and technology transition.

NDI3 advances collaboration among researchers, industry and national security partners to accelerate defense-related innovation.Through NDI3 and engineering-led initiatives, UNC Charlotte continues to expand its impact on national defense and innovation.

For more information visit Inside UNC Charlotte.

Written by Meenakshi Nair ’27