Purdue, special operations experts join forces to drive defense innovation at Purdue@WestGate
March 28, 2018
ODON, Ind. – Special Actions Technology Group (SATG) could drive innovation in southern Indiana with its relocation to Purdue@WestGate and involvement in Purdue University’s Institute for Global Security and Defense Innovation. SATG is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned small business composed of retired special operations personnel, scientists, engineers and defense acquisition and requirement experts. “Special Actions Technology Group will be a key asset at Purdue@WestGate in order to bridge the gap between leading-edge technology and Department of Defense needs,” said Mike Dodd, the managing director for the Institute of Global Security and Defense Innovation. “Combined with our cross-cutting research capabilities and Purdue’s core competences in STEM, SATG brings a wealth of knowledge that will put the latest tech in the hands of our warfighters.” Michael Cooper, founder and chief executive officer, established SATG in 2009 as a consulting firm to assist industry in mapping technical strengths to technical requirement gaps of special operations forces, Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security and across government. “National security requires agile and rapid development of advanced technologies to defeat emerging threats both overseas and within our borders,” Cooper said. “To counter these dangers, we will work directly with Naval Surface Warfare Center Craneand WestGate will provide us the necessary environment to fill this critical need.” Cooper has 22 years of service in United States Army Special Forces and more than 30 years of tactical, operational and strategic knowledge in United States Special Operations Command. SATG is the newest member of the co-working space at WestGate Academy, the Lock & Key. SATG has a second location in Ft. Myers, Florida. About Purdue@WestGate Purdue@WestGate is an economic development accelerator formed by the partnership between WestGate Authority, Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division (NSWC Crane), Purdue University and Purdue Research Foundation. The Indiana-based collaboration combines strengths to advance educational, research and development and technology commercialization across Indiana and elsewhere. Purdue@WestGate offers tools for startups, entrepreneurial experts, programs, educational opportunities and workforce development to help southern Indiana businesses grow and thrive. For more information about the resources available to businesses, visit Purdue@WestGate.### Writer: Sarah K. Miller, 812-863-2756, skmiller@prf.org Sources: Mike Dodd, 212-729-6959, doddm@purdue.edu Michael Cooper, 813-283-8821, mcooper@satgllc.com