Insitu Opens Innovative, High-Tech Facility in Starkville

Jackson, Mississippi — October 10, 2017 — Insitu held a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the official opening of its new facility in Starkville, Mississippi. The company’s partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration’s Center of Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft Systems at Mississippi State University creates 25 jobs.

“Mississippi continues to make significant strides in the aerospace industry, from helicopters and jet fighters for our nation’s military to unmanned aircraft systems. Insitu further strengthens Mississippi’s position as a leader in the industry and paves the way for continued innovative research and growth in this innovative field,” Governor Phil Bryant said.

Insitu creates and supports unmanned systems and software technology that deliver end-to-end solutions for collecting, processing and delivering superior information.   At Mississippi State University, the company supports a combination of engineering, software development and business development/customer service support functions.

“We are fortunate to be able to collaborate with Mississippi State University, the Mississippi Development Authority, and many others to establish our facility here, while acting as a representative with ASSURE, to help shape the future of unmanned aircraft regulation,” said Insitu President and CEO Ryan Hartman. “Leveraging our collective experiences as research institutions and industry leaders is vital to the successful and safe integration of UAS into the national airspace.“

“Mississippi State is committed to working with business and industry to bring high-tech jobs to our state that benefit not only our graduates, but enhance economic opportunity for every Mississippian. Our partnerships with Insitu and other leading aerospace companies illustrate the transformative power of university-led research and development,” said Mississippi State University Vice President for Research and Economic Development David Shaw.

“The Mississippi Development Authority is proud to partner with Mississippi State University in its role as the Center of Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft Systems to attract leading aerospace companies like Insitu to our state. Mississippi State University’s leadership in aerospace gives our state a huge advantage in attracting Insitu and other aerospace leaders, bringing career opportunities to Mississippians,” said Mississippi Development Authority Executive Director Glenn McCullough, Jr.

In May 2015, the FAA selected Mississippi State University as the location of the Center of Excellence for UAS. The Alliance for System Safety of UAS through Research Excellence, or ASSURE, leads the center. The ASSURE team is comprised of top UAS universities from three countries and more than 100 government and industry partners.

Insitu is located in the Thad Cochran Research, Technology and Economic Development Park at Mississippi State University.