GULFPORT, Miss., April 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Integer Technologies, a prominent provider of predictive intelligence and mission-level planning for autonomous vessels, has inaugurated its new office at the Roger F. Wicker Center for Ocean Enterprise. The opening, a collaborative effort with The University of Southern Mississippi (USM), featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony with U.S. Senators Roger Wicker and Cindy Hyde-Smith, along with USM President Dr. Joseph S. Paul.
Mississippi’s Role in Technological Advancement
The Gulfport office will act as a center of excellence for Integer’s development of operational decision-support tools for autonomous systems navigating intricate undersea environments. This expansion underscores a robust commitment to Mississippi, as Integer aims to enhance its local workforce and retain high-skill, high-salary positions within the state.
“Integer’s establishment in Gulfport marks a significant milestone for our company and reflects our dedication to Mississippi,” stated Josh Knight, COO and co-founder of Integer. “We appreciate the support from Senators Wicker and Hyde-Smith, the Mississippi delegation, Dr. Paul, and the community in South Mississippi. Collaborating with USM’s leading ocean scientists opens avenues for Mississippians to excel in high-tech sectors while contributing to national security.”
Strategic Location and Collaborative Opportunities
The Wicker Center’s oceanfront access allows Integer’s Gulfport engineers to perform immediate in-water testing in the Gulf of America. This advantageous location promotes collaboration between university researchers and industry experts.
“Mississippi is at the forefront of America’s defense innovation resurgence,” remarked Senator Wicker, Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. “Integer Technologies and The University of Southern Mississippi will form an effective partnership, bolstering the Navy’s technological capabilities and fostering economic growth in Gulfport.”
Impact on National Security and Economic Development
Senator Hyde-Smith added, “The Navy’s focus on advanced seabed warfare technology in Mississippi highlights our state’s vital role in enhancing national security. The collaboration between Integer Technologies and USM not only strengthens naval capabilities but also creates high-skill jobs and research opportunities along the Gulf Coast.”
University leadership emphasized the importance of the partnership in driving scientific and economic progress. “Southern Miss is at the forefront of marine research, establishing the Mississippi Gulf Coast as a key hub for the blue economy,” Dr. Paul stated. “Integer Technologies is generating sought-after jobs while fostering a technology ecosystem that attracts further partnerships and investments.”
Continued Investment and Future Outlook
The grand opening coincides with Integer’s recent announcement of a $10.6 million contract modification from the Office of Naval Research for its Intelligent Autonomous Systems for Seabed Warfare initiative in collaboration with USM. This modification elevates the contract’s total value to $24.8 million, focusing on the development of adaptive operational tools for unmanned platforms, enhancing real-time mission capabilities in complex undersea settings.
About Integer Technologies
Integer is a dynamic defense technology firm that transforms data into intelligence, ensuring national security and promoting global safety. The company collaborates with top minds in both industry and academia to craft customized solutions that turn complex data into actionable insights, empowering both humans and autonomous systems.
About The University of Southern Mississippi
Since its establishment in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has been dedicated to student success, offering programs to over 13,000 students across various campuses and online. The university excels in research and is recognized as one of the leading institutions in the nation, fostering innovation and skilled workforce development in multiple disciplines.