How OAI’s long-term investment in research, education, and workforce development is strengthening Ohio’s aerospace economy and building the talent pipeline through real-world R&D
The Ohio Aerospace Institute’s (OAI) commitment to aerospace research, education, and workforce development extends far beyond individual programs—it represents a sustained investment in Ohio’s economic future. Through strategic research initiatives and partnerships that integrate students directly into real-world R&D, OAI is helping grow the state’s aerospace sector while developing a workforce aligned to industry and government mission needs.
The Ohio Aerospace Institute (OAI) was founded in 1989 as a unique collaboration among NASA Glenn Research Center, the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, the State of Ohio, ten Ohio universities with doctoral programs in aerospace-related fields, and leading aerospace companies. For more than three decades, OAI has connected industry, government, and academia to drive research, innovation, and economic growth in Ohio’s aerospace sector. Along with the mandate for conducting cutting edge research and transitioning that research into use by industry, OAI has also been a leader in aerospace education and workforce development.
The Ohio Space Grant Consortium (OSGC) was established in 1989 with OAI as the lead organization in Ohio, by the United States Congress and is part of the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program known as “Space Grant” administered through the Office of Education at NASA Headquarters. There are 52 consortia, one in each state, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Space Grant is a unique national network of colleges and universities working to expand opportunities for Americans to understand and participate in NASA’s aeronautics and space projects by supporting and enhancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) through scholarships, fellowships, higher education, research infrastructure, precollege (K-12), and informal education public outreach efforts. The Space Grant National network includes over 1,000+ affiliates from universities, colleges, industry, museums, science centers, and state and local agencies.
With the Parallax/OAI affiliation, another successful education and workforce development program was added under the Ohio Federal Research Network (OFRN), operated by Parallax. OFRN’s Student Experiential Engagement (SEE) program, integrates interns and graduate researchers into real-world research and development teams. Participants gain hands-on experience supporting project testing, modeling, simulation, fabrication, and data analysis. The SEE program cultivates the next generation of Ohio’s defense and aerospace workforce while increasing the technical capacity of OFRN-funded projects. By integrating 171 students across 15 Ohio colleges and universities into real-world R&D teams, the SEE program strengthens the state’s future talent pipeline and increases the technical capacity of companies and research organizations participating in OFRN projects.
OAI is also seen as a leader in the aerospace industry through its partnership with JobsOhio. Supporting the JobsOhio mission of economic development, the Parallax/OAI team has provided expertise for aerospace industry engagement and opportunities. Parallax/OAI continues to be an active partner in the rapid growth of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) across the state of Ohio and as a national leader and contributor to conversations about technology and workforce.
Read about our JobsOhio collaborative efforts here:
- 2021 Ohio Advanced Air Mobility Showcase event recap
- Ten Ohio companies tapped for drone-focused defense accelerator (2021)
- City of Hilliard, LIFT Aircraft, GhostWave Inc. and Parallax Advanced Research propose new, life-saving technology on Ohio’s first flying car (2021)
- Ohio is already planning how flying cars and drones can deliver health care faster and better (2022)
- Ohio Booth Showcasing Aerospace Innovation and Capabilities at the International Paris Air Show 2023
- GLASTA Symposium 2023: Event Summary
- Celebrating Innovation: The Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub: Ohio Ribbon Cutting Ceremony (2023)
- Event Recap: The 2024 Global Aerospace Industry Outlook and Update
- The Ohio Aerospace Institute and Parallax Advanced Research build global connections at the Farnborough International Airshow (2024)
- Quebec Aerospace Delegation Visit to Ohio (2025)
- Parallax Advanced Research and the Ohio Aerospace Institute (OAI) were participants at the International Aerospace Innovation Forum in Montréal (2024)
Working with academic and industry partners, the Parallax/OAI team supports leading aerospace research through programs like the Digital, Research, Innovation, Validation and Experimentation (DRIVE) Consortium, the AeroAcoustics Research Consortium (AARC), the Distributed Engine Controls Working Group (DECWG®), Propulsion Instrumentation Working Group (PIWG), and Glenn Engineering and Research Support (GEARS) contract, etc. Working with students across these programs provides a pathway to employment with either industry or government.
Why this Matters
Together, these efforts reflect a long-term commitment to Ohio’s future—one that recognizes talent as the state’s most critical infrastructure. Through integrated STEM education, experiential workforce development, and mission-driven research, Parallax and the Ohio Aerospace Institute are building pathways that connect students directly to the work shaping the aerospace and defense enterprise.
What sets Parallax/OAI apart is not a single program, but a systems-level approach à Research investments inform workforce needs à Workforce programs strengthen industry partnerships à Academic collaboration accelerates innovation à The result is an ecosystem where students are not just learning about aerospace—they are actively contributing to it.
As Ohio continues to expand its leadership in aerospace, defense, and advanced air mobility, the demand for adaptable, highly skilled talent will only grow. Parallax and OAI stand at that intersection, aligning federal priorities, industry requirements, and academic excellence to ensure Ohio’s workforce is prepared not just to meet the future—but to help define it.
By connecting STEM education, workforce development, and applied research, Parallax Advanced Research and the Ohio Aerospace Institute are not only growing Ohio’s aerospace workforce—they are strengthening the state’s economic future and national leadership in aerospace innovation.
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About Parallax Advanced Research & the Ohio Aerospace Institute
Parallax Advanced Research is a research institute that tackles global challenges through strategic partnerships with government, industry, and academia. It accelerates innovation, addresses critical global issues, and develops groundbreaking ideas with its partners. In 2023, Parallax and the Ohio Aerospace Institute, an aerospace research institute located in Cleveland, OH, formed a collaborative affiliation to drive innovation and technological advancements across Ohio and the nation. The Ohio Aerospace Institute plays a pivotal role in advancing aerospace through collaboration, education, and workforce development.