Microsoft joins UAH Invention to Innovation Center as corporate partner, strengthening Huntsville’s federal tech ecosystem
The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), a part of The University of Alabama System, announced a major new partnership with Microsoft, which will join UAH’s Invention to Innovation Center (I²C) as a Corporate Innovation Partner. The collaboration marks a significant milestone for Huntsville and the federal technology community, reinforcing the region’s position as a national leader in defense, aerospace and advanced computing innovation.
Through this partnership, Microsoft will be stationed at UAH’s I²C, where it will bring enterprise-grade cloud, artificial intelligence (AI) and hybrid-edge capabilities tailored to fit federal enterprise. The collaboration will support federal agencies in modernizing legacy systems, operating securely across hybrid and multi-cloud environments, and adopting responsible, verifiable AI for mission-critical applications.
Rigved Joshi, assistant vice president for innovation and entrepreneurship and director of the UAH Invention to Innovation Center (I²C).
By embedding within I²C, Microsoft will tap into UAH’s robust research and talent base, the Department of Defense ecosystem at Redstone Arsenal and North Alabama’s growing startup network. Together, these assets will accelerate prototype-to-deployment workflows and deliver mission-assured cloud and edge solutions for defense, space and aerospace applications.
“This partnership exemplifies UAH’s role as a hub of innovation for federal enterprise,” explains Rigved Joshi, assistant vice president for innovation and entrepreneurship at UAH and director of the I²C. “By bringing Microsoft into the I²C, we are creating new pathways to accelerate mission readiness, expand workforce development and drive sustained economic growth across North Alabama.”
Priority focus areas of the partnership include cloud modernization and hybrid resilience; responsible AI and governance for operational environments; edge computing for defense and space use cases; hands-on workforce training and certification pathways; and practical acceleration for regional innovators and startups. The collaboration is also expected to enhance digital transformation efforts for federal customers such as the Missile Defense Agency.
The I²C is part of UAH’s Office of the Vice President for Research and Economic Development (OVPR) and serves as a regional initiative to foster, promote and accelerate the commercialization of technology-based ventures. Through incubation, co-working, mentorship, funding and strategic support, the Center plays a central role in strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem across North Alabama and South-Central Tennessee.
Guided by a mission to stimulate high-tech company growth, catalyze a resilient entrepreneurial ecosystem and build partnerships with innovation hubs nationwide, I²C emphasizes organic innovation, adaptable space design and community-driven collaboration. The center supports early-stage startups, researchers and industry partners in transforming ideas into impactful, deployable solutions.
UAH leaders expressed appreciation to the Microsoft team – including Carmen Krueger, Leigh Madden, Heidi Connelly and Lucas Watterson – for their collaboration and commitment to the Huntsville innovation community.
“This partnership reflects the power of aligning a leading research university with a global technology leader,” Joshi says. “We are honored to welcome Microsoft to the I²C and look forward to the innovations and opportunities this collaboration will unlock.”
For more information, contact the UAH Invention to Innovation Center.
