OORI showcases the resources, partnerships, and commercialization support helping USC researchers advance the next generation of space technologies.
Author – Ethan Bochicchio
The University of Southern California’s Office of Research and Innovation (OORI) participated in the inaugural USC Space Engineering Research Center (SERC) Industry Open House at the USC Information Sciences Institute on July 15, reinforcing its commitment to helping researchers transform breakthrough discoveries into real-world technologies. The event brought together researchers, students, startup founders, industry leaders, and members of Southern California’s aerospace community to showcase the cutting-edge research taking place at USC and explore new opportunities for collaboration.
Throughout the day, attendees toured SERC’s research laboratories, experiencing firsthand the innovative work underway in space robotics, artificial intelligence and autonomous systems, satellite technologies, advanced sensing and sensor networks, space cybersecurity, communications systems, and orbital infrastructure. The tours featured more than a dozen laboratories and research projects, highlighting student-built technologies alongside breakthroughs in AI and robotics. Researchers participating in these projects ranged from high school students to doctoral candidates, with many working toward publishing their findings.
Across three guided laboratory tours, participants saw students, faculty, and industry collaborators working together to tackle some of the aerospace sector’s most complex challenges. The demonstrations reflected both the depth of technical expertise at USC and the collaborative environment that helps move innovative ideas from the laboratory toward real-world applications.
A central focus of the event was demonstrating how partnerships across academia and industry can accelerate innovation. OORI highlighted the resources and support available to help USC researchers navigate the path from research to impact, including commercialization, intellectual property protection, startup formation, strategic partnerships, and connections to funding opportunities. During the program, Robyn Hejmej, Executive Director of Research & Innovation Strategy, shared how OORI works across the university to strengthen research collaborations and connect innovators with the people, programs, and resources needed to advance promising technologies. Erin Overstreet, Executive Director of the USC Stevens Center for Innovation, discussed how the Stevens Center supports researchers in protecting intellectual property, evaluating commercial potential, licensing technologies, and launching startup companies that bring USC innovations to market.
Robyn Hejmej highlighted the success of the event, noting it was indicative of the exciting ventures taking place at USC that are supported by OORI. In her words, “Events like the SERC Industry Open House highlight the importance of connecting great research with the resources needed to help it succeed. At OORI, we support USC researchers by building strategic partnerships, connecting them with funding and commercialization resources, and helping turn discoveries into real-world impact. We are looking forward to more events like this in the future!”
The event also featured remarks from David A. Barnhart of Arkisys and the USC Space Engineering Research Center, who emphasized the importance of collaboration between universities and industry in advancing the next generation of space technologies. Together, the presentations underscored the value of an integrated innovation ecosystem where research excellence is matched with commercialization expertise and industry engagement.
For OORI, events like the SERC Industry Open House are an important opportunity to connect researchers with the university’s broader innovation ecosystem. By fostering strategic partnerships, supporting technology commercialization, and expanding access to entrepreneurial resources, OORI helps ensure that USC discoveries have the greatest possible impact beyond campus.