Lockheed Martin’’s Amy Gowder and Tom Warner and the University of Central Florida’s Dr. Michael Georgiopoulos (left to right) commemorate a contribution at the Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference in Orlando, Florida. Photo: Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin is contributing $1.5 million to the University of Central Florida (UCF) for the development of a new cyber innovation lab that aims to foster the next generation of cyber talent.

“Our contribution is an investment in the future of students at UCF, the city of Orlando and the broader aerospace community,” said Lockheed Martin Cyber Defense, Range, and Resilience Organization Director Tom Warner. “The nation is facing a challenge filling the pipeline of cyber talent, and we see it as our duty to partner with communities, our customers, and academia to create resources that inspire and prepare young people for a career in this critical field.”

The innovation lab will open its doors in early 2019 to more than 350 students participating in cyber programs at UCF. The 970-foot lab, which will be located in the atrium of UCF’s Engineering I building, will serve as a learning hub, classroom. and the practice center for UCF’s Cyber Defense Club. A public ribbon cutting ceremony and associated Cyber Security Summit is planned for February 2019.