ROME, N.Y. — A Friday ceremony in Rome formally launched ORION, a technology accelerator and innovation ecosystem aimed at augmenting the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DoD) ability to develop, secure, deploy, and utilize IoT technology.

ORION is short for Open-Architecture Resilient IoT for Operational Networks and is described as the region’s first cross-organizational tech partnership focused on the Internet of Things (IoT).

IoT connects everyday devices and objects to the internet, allowing them to communicate with each other. This technology “enhances our lives by making everyday tasks more convenient and efficient, such as controlling home devices remotely or tracking health metrics,” per the Griffiss Institute announcement.

ORION is a congressionally funded initiative between the Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate (AFRL); Assured Information Security (AIS); Quanterion Solutions, Inc.; the Griffiss Institute; and the New York State Technology Enterprise Corporation (NYSTEC).

Friday’s ceremony was held at ORION’s NTROPEE facility located at 99 Langley Road in Rome.

“Leading ORION has been a rewarding experience, as it has allowed us to demonstrate how innovation and collaboration can transform the IoT landscape. The ORION lab within the Innovare Advancement Center, alongside the NTROPEE facility, plays a crucial role in this mission, offering our ecosystem partners the tools and environment to create cutting-edge solutions,” Anthony Macera, senior computer engineer/senior program manager at AFRL Information Directorate, said in the Griffiss Institute announcement. “Additionally, these facilities provide valuable opportunities to educate and inspire guests visiting Griffiss Institute for tours, showcasing the groundbreaking work happening right here. We’re ensuring seamless integration and making a meaningful impact on our national security.”

The NTROPEE facility is described as “more than just a 20,000-square-foot hangar; it’s a hub where large-scale IoT systems — from unmanned aircraft to industrial controls —find a home for development and testing,” per the website orionassured.com.

Those involved say ORION is set to “transform the local tech landscape and extend its influence statewide and nationally” by addressing key challenges in the IoT industry. Friday’s event highlighted ORION’s role in boosting economic growth, creating job opportunities, and attracting investment, “thus enhancing the region’s tech reputation.”