Award Abstract # 2305684
NSF Engines Development Award: Advancing cyber security technologies for the maritime system (SC)

NSF Org: ITE
Innovation and Technology Ecosystems
Recipient: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
Initial Amendment Date: May 9, 2023
Latest Amendment Date: September 11, 2023
Award Number: 2305684
Award Instrument: Cooperative Agreement
Program Manager: Aparna Gupta
agupta@nsf.gov
 (703)292-7146
ITE
 Innovation and Technology Ecosystems
TIP
 Directorate for Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships
Start Date: May 15, 2023
End Date: October 31, 2025 (Estimated)
Total Intended Award Amount: $998,073.00
Total Awarded Amount to Date: $998,073.00
Funds Obligated to Date: FY 2023 = $998,073.00
History of Investigator:
  • George Skipper (Principal Investigator)
    eskipper@uscb.edu
Recipient Sponsored Research Office: University of South Carolina at Columbia
1600 HAMPTON ST
COLUMBIA
SC  US  29208-3403
(803)777-7093
Sponsor Congressional District: 06
Primary Place of Performance: University of South Carolina Beaufort
One University Blvd.
Bluffton
SC  US  29909-6085
Primary Place of Performance
Congressional District:
01
Unique Entity Identifier (UEI): J22LNTMEDP73
Parent UEI: Q93ZDA59ZAR5
NSF Program(s): NSF Engines - Type 1
Primary Program Source: 01AC2324DB R&RA DRSA DEFC AAB
Program Reference Code(s): 9150
Program Element Code(s): 200Y00
Award Agency Code: 4900
Fund Agency Code: 4900
Assistance Listing Number(s): 47.084

ABSTRACT

This Regional Innovation Engines Development Award is focused on developing the vision and plans for creating a world-class maritime cybersecurity capability for South Carolina and subsequently adopted across the nation's maritime transportation industry. The project intends to be at the vanguard of research, education, workforce development, outreach, and product creation. Innovation efforts will include cybersecurity education, research, experimentation, investment, and commercialization of products and services with national impact. Key partners in this collaboration include the University of South Carolina Beaufort, South Coast Cyber Center, Clemson University, South Carolina State University, the University of South Carolina, South Carolina Council on Competitiveness, Technical College of the Lowcountry, and the South Carolina Research Authority. South Carolina's ports, rail, interstate highways, and strategic position in the southeast United States make it an ideal location for this Development award. The state's maritime transportation system enables critical economic activity for firms and households nationwide. The project's goals include building collaborative partnerships with academia, industry, and government to understand the interdependencies, vulnerabilities, and risks to drive the development of technologies and services that build critical resiliency into the ecosystem.

This project will identify and develop commercially viable maritime cybersecurity solutions and services in concert with building a robust cadre of cybersecurity professionals and technology to drive sustainable and equitable economic growth. A key priority will be the development of a strong cybersecurity workforce among traditionally disadvantaged members of society. The outcomes of this award will more clearly define the current maritime cybersecurity needs and gaps; innovations and solutions to address the gaps; and establish tangible innovation, technology, and workforce development plans needed to address industry challenges.

This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.

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