Huntsville-based Torch Technologies and the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory have launched a new partnership aimed at accelerating mission-relevant innovation for national security and strengthening workforce development efforts.
The two organizations announced Monday the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding establishing a collaborative framework to support research, analysis, and technology development aligned with national security priorities.
The partnership will leverage ORNL’s scientific capabilities and Torch Technologies’ engineering and technical expertise supporting federal defense customers.
Under the agreement, Torch Technologies and ORNL will explore joint efforts focused on rapid prototyping and scalable solutions to emerging national security challenges, including those driven by advances in advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and sensing technologies.
The collaboration is designed to improve understanding of mission requirements, identify research and development opportunities, and determine pathways for externally sponsored efforts.
“As national security challenges grow more complex and urgent, collaboration between national laboratories and industry partners is essential,” said Dr. Moe Khaleel, associate laboratory director for National Security Sciences at ORNL. “This partnership enables us to translate the laboratory’s science and technology capabilities — particularly in advanced manufacturing, AI, and autonomy — into real-world solutions at the speed and scale required by the Department of War’s acquisition priorities.”
Torch Technologies officials said the agreement aligns with the company’s mission-driven approach to supporting national defense while investing in the next generation of technical talent.
“By combining Torch’s mission-driven engineering expertise with ORNL’s unparalleled scientific resources, we can accelerate innovation that directly supports the nation’s defense and security objectives,” said Brady Porter, senior vice president of Torch Technologies. “This partnership will enable us to strengthen mission outcomes while also investing in future technical talent.”
The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to speed, flexibility, and integrated execution to deliver decisive capabilities for the warfighter, according to the organizations.
Torch Technologies is a 100% employee-owned company providing research, development, and engineering services to the Department of War and other federal customers. The company is part of the Starfish Holdings family of businesses.
