Bridging the gap between academia and industry: Integer Technologies and USC partnership aims to advance defense tech in South Carolina
Posted on: September 23, 2025
By Chase Bussell, busselld@sc.edu
In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, strategic partnerships between academia and industry are essential to cultivating innovation and developing a highly skilled workforce. Integer Technologies, a defense tech and software firm headquartered in Columbia, South Carolina, has embraced this model through its collaborative partnership with the University of South Carolina (USC) Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing (MCEC). By combining cutting-edge research, real-world solutions, and student engagement, Integer and USC’s MCEC are working to advance national security, advance workforce development, and strengthen South Carolina's knowledge-based economy.
A Strategic Partnership with USC
Founded in 2021, Integer Technologies has emerged as the state's fastest-growing company, with an annual economic impact of $63 million and 312 jobs for the Palmetto State last year. On August 12, Integer was also recognized on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing private companies in America in 2025, coming in at No. 95 overall, No. 3 in government services, and No.1 in Columbia. At the core of Integer's success is partnerships with universities, including its first and still largest partnership with USC. The collaboration between Integer and USC’s MCEC is centered on a shared vision of building a resilient, future-ready workforce through hands-on experience and performing cutting-edge applied research. This collaboration allows students to engage directly with real-world projects sponsored by the Department of Defense.
These Integer-USC projects expose students to emerging technologies, including autonomous systems, digital engineering, AI-driven software, advanced manufacturing, power and energy systems, and robotics. The collaborative nature of the partnership allows students the opportunity to contribute directly to meaningful projects that are critical to national security.
"Our partnership with the University of South Carolina is a catalyst for building tomorrow's workforce," said Duke Hartman, P.E., CEO and Cofounder of Integer Technologies. "By having students work on projects that tackle real-world challenges—we're not only accelerating innovation but also ensuring a sustainable talent pipeline for the Department of Defense and industry right here in South Carolina.”
Integer's presence at USC's McNAIR Center provides a seamless collaboration between faculty, students, and industry professionals. This co-location fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, reinforcing USC's role as a research leader while enabling Integer to tap into a pipeline of skilled, highly motivated talent.
Driving Workforce Development and a Knowledge-Based Economy
As the global economy shifts toward advanced technology and digital transformation, there is a critical need for a workforce trained in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This is where the Integer-USC partnership shines.
“Our collaboration with Integer Technologies exemplifies the power of university-industry partnerships,” said Dr. Hossein Haj-Hariri, Dean of the Molinari College of Engineering and Computing at the University of South Carolina. “By immersing our students and faculty into cutting-edge research, we’re not only accelerating innovation but also preparing South Carolina’s future workforce to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven economy. Partnerships like this are essential to our mission of advancing education, research, and workforce development across the state.”
Pictured left to right: Chip Huggins, Duke Hartman, President Michael Amiridis, Dr. Stephen Cutler
By creating paid internship and apprenticeship opportunities, Integer is helping to bridge the skills gap and retain top talent within the state. Many students who begin their journey with Integer as interns go on to secure full-time employment after graduation, contributing directly to South Carolina's economy. Almost half of Integer's Columbia office is comprised of USC alums, many having M.S. or Ph.D. degrees.
"Together, we're augmenting academic learning with applied impact, cultivating the development of a technologically skilled workforce and reinforcing our shared commitment to growing the state's knowledge-based economy," said Hartman.
Integer's expert knowledge and ability to forecast the evolving needs of the defense industry enable MCEC to tailor its programs to meet those needs, ensuring its graduates are well-prepared to join the workforce. By investing in students and establishing pathways for long-term career development, Integer and MCEC have created a pipeline for workforce development throughout South Carolina.
Moreover, Integer's collaboration with MCEC supports the state’s broader goals to grow South Carolina's innovation infrastructure. The partnership is aligned with focus areas of the South Carolina Department of Commerce, which emphasizes advanced manufacturing, aerospace, and defense as critical sectors for future growth.
A Model for Public-Private Success
The Integer-USC partnership serves as a powerful example of how public universities and private companies can collaborate to address shared challenges, and recruit and educate a world-class workforce. Through hands-on experience, mentorship, cutting-edge applied research, and product development, this collaboration ensures students are job-ready while advancing technologies that support national priorities.
Integer is doubling down on its investment in South Carolina, as it nearly doubled its office square footage and increased its workforce by 25%. As Integer continues to grow its presence in South Carolina, the benefits of their partnership with USC will only expand, creating new jobs, spurring innovation, and positioning the state as a leader in high-tech defense capabilities.