On May 5, California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) and the U.S. Navy’s Naval Surface Warfare Center, Corona Division, will officially enter into an Education Partnership Agreement (EPA), marking a significant milestone in regional collaboration between academia and the nation’s defense sector.

The formal signing ceremony will take place at the university and will include remarks from university President Tomás D. Morales, U.S. Navy leadership, local elected officials and representatives from the business, civic and academic communities.

This new agreement positions CSUSB as a strategic partner in defense technology innovation, workforce development and the commercialization of cutting-edge research. The partnership will involve close collaboration with CSUSB’s School of Entrepreneurship and the Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship (IECE), deepening the university’s engagement in applied research and economic development across the region.

Key highlights of the agreement include:

  • Technology Transfer and Commercialization: The agreement creates a structured pathway for translating defense-related research into commercial applications, accelerating innovation and startup formation/retention within the Inland Empire.
  • Regional Ecosystem Growth: The collaboration aligns with ongoing efforts to position the Inland Empire as a hub for defense/duo-use technology, entrepreneurship and applied research, leveraging partnerships with San Bernardino/Riverside counties, IECE and industry stakeholders.
  • Workforce Development and STEM Engagement: CSUSB students and faculty will gain access to hands-on research application opportunities, internships and mentorship programs with Navy STEM professionals, ensuring a stronger talent pipeline in advanced technologies and its commercialization outcomes.

Anticipated outcomes

This partnership lays the foundation for sustained collaboration between CSUSB, the Navy and the region’s business community through internship programs, mentorship opportunities and joint, market-driven research and development initiatives. These efforts will strengthen ties between industry and academia while providing students with valuable hands-on experience.

Additionally, the agreement is expected to fuel a stronger innovation and startup ecosystem by creating clear pathways for technology commercialization. By supporting emerging ventures and fostering connections between defense research and entrepreneurial activity, the collaboration will help turn groundbreaking ideas into viable, real-world solutions.

By combining the Navy’s technological expertise with CSUSB’s entrepreneurial leadership, the partnership will also elevate the Inland Empire’s role as a hub for deep-tech innovation – boosting the region’s economic vitality and long-term competitiveness.

Furthermore, the agreement will open new avenues for faculty and student research, with joint projects focused on high-impact areas, such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, remote sensing and advanced manufacturing.