Serving America through critical defense technologies
Research & Technology
America's national security depends on maintaining its technical edge in areas like microelectronics, AI, and cybersecurity—and ASU serves that imperative through research, innovation and training in critical defense technologies to protect our armed forces and defend against emerging threats.
ASU’s approach to research and education is carried out in close collaboration with defense industry partners, government agencies and other academic institutions. Drawing on a large network of faculty and partnerships spanning the nation’s defense ecosystem, ASU accelerates the transition from lab discovery to operational capability, ensuring that breakthrough ideas reach military personnel in the field when and where they're needed most.
229
in Department of War sponsored projects
$98.97 million
in Department of War sponsored project expenditures
6x
increase in Department of War research expenditures over 20 years
200+
faculty experts implementing defense contracts
Advanced Capabilities for National Security Institute: a national leader in defense technology
The Advanced Capabilities for National Security Institute (ACNSI) develops mission-critical technologies that support national security imperatives. Aligning ASU strengths with defense needs, the Institute produces tools, technologies and programs in partnership with the Department of War and defense industry leaders to sustain America’s technological edge over the long term and to translate research into practical applications that address real operational needs.
Experts at ACNSI are heavily engaged in informing the direction of defense and national security research. Executive Director Nadya Bliss is a past chair and current steering committee member of DARPA's Information Science and Technology Study Group, helping to inform DARPA of technological trends that shape future research and development priorities.
$30M+
in annual research expenditures
#1
in nation for DARPA Young Faculty Awards since 2014
50
federal agencies served by ASU
The Institute’s research and education include:
Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering: a national hub for defense education and innovation
As the largest engineering college in the nation, the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering is producing the next generation of high-tech talent and developing the technology to keep America safe. The eight distinct Fulton Schools offer more than 75 degree programs, bringing together expertise from multiple disciplines to solve complex problems in areas critical to national defense and security. As a long-standing partner to the Department of War and defense industries, the Fulton Schools advance capabilities in microelectronics, autonomous systems, energy resilience, cybersecurity and emerging technologies that preserve America’s security.
32,700
Engineering students enrolled (2024–25)
7,450
Degrees conferred (2024–25)
590
Faculty members
The SWAP Hub
Advancing defense-critical microelectronics innovation
Led by Arizona State University, the Southwest Advanced Prototyping Hub is one of eight regional innovation hubs established under the Department of War's Microelectronics Commons—a national strategic initiative to advance the development and production of microelectronics technologies critical to U.S. security and defense.
Awarded to ASU by the Department of War, the SWAP Hub brings together more than 200 partners to accelerate the transition from laboratory research to fabrication and production. By connecting top semiconductor manufacturers, defense firms, national laboratories, leading academic institutions and innovative startups, the Hub creates pathways that turn breakthrough ideas into working technology.
The SWAP Hub also builds the microelectronics workforce of the future through curriculum development, hands-on learning opportunities and clear job pathways—ensuring America has the skilled talent needed to maintain technological leadership in this critical sector.
Expanding frontiers in defense technology
ASU's defense-related research extends across numerous fields — such as biosafety and wireless communications to energy resilience and secure hardware design.