Since establishing a presence in Wichita last year, the Virginia-based cybersecurity and software company Knowmadics has set up another local partnership — this one with Wichita State University on a space security initiative.
Performed through Wichita State's new National Institute for Research and Digital Transformation, the new collaboration is "designed to identify potential anomalies in satellite operations and, if possible, restore an affected satellite to full working order," Knowmadics says.
"Given WSU’s top-notch cyber degree program and their rich history in aerospace research and academics, they’re an ideal partner for this effort," Knowmadics said last month. "We are strong believers in the talent and innovation to be found at WSU. We consider ourselves fortunate to not only be able to leverage their current faculty and student body, but also to access the state-of-the-art resources and equipment at the new Digital Research and Transformation Hub building on the main campus."
In November, Knowmadics opened a Cyber Center of Excellence at Groover Labs in downtown Wichita for national cybersecurity initiatives, and has been growing its local presence since then.
Earlier in 2022, the company signed an agreement with Friends University to help develop cyber training curriculum, which is geared toward active duty and military veterans and their spouses in the Wichita region.
Knowmadics says the new partnership with WSU is the first of several contracts to come with the university.
“We are excited to draw upon both the software and hardware-based R&D expertise at Wichita State,” said Paul Maguire, CEO of Knowmadics.
The program aims to strengthen the collection and transfer of data in satellite constellations and satellite-based communications, the university says.
Through the collaboration, WSU says it will identify and install Internet of Things (IoT) devices, including cameras, routers and satellite communication devices, in and around the new Digital Research and Transformation Hub building on the northeast side of campus.
The new building, opened in July, totals 37,000 square feet and works with strategic partners to facilitate digital transformation research. The hub includes a data center and labs focused on cloud computing, software development, cybersecurity and other areas.
Students at WSU will participate in activities as part of the research with Knowmadics, including capturing and labeling footage, monitoring router traffic, and formatting and validating data, the university says.
“This is an excellent example of the type of collaborations that we envisioned when we created NIRDT at WSU," said Pierre Harter, the associate vice president of research operations for WSU Industry and Defense Programs. "One where industry experts like Knowmadics can couple with multi-disciplinary experts from WSU faculty and research staff to provide innovative R&D solutions, while providing meaningful applied learning opportunities for students.
“Knowmadics is a critical partner for us as we continue our journey in digital transformation."
Cybersecurity is considered one of Wichita's fastest-growing industries.
The talent from the 184th Wing of the Kansas Air National Guard at McConnell Air Force Base, which performs intelligence and reconnaissance operations for the Air Force, has helped attract cyber companies like Knowmadics, Novacoast and Millennium Corp. That's led to new efforts to bolster education and training opportunities in cybersecurity and IT.
"We are very enthusiastic about the possibilities for growth in this dynamic region that has emerged as a national leader in industry innovation and workforce development," Knowmadics said.
