UNC Charlotte

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte) is a premier public research institution with a strong portfolio of capabilities aligned with the Medical Technology Enterprise Consortium (MTEC) mission. MTEC focuses on accelerating the development and delivery of medical technologies to enhance the health, readiness, and performance of military personnel and civilians through innovative research, prototyping, and technology transition. As a Carnegie Research 1 (R1) institution, UNC Charlotte offers expertise in biomedical engineering, data science, and interdisciplinary research, positioning it as a valuable partner for MTEC’s objectives of advancing medical solutions for trauma care, infectious diseases, and military health systems. Applicable Experience UNC Charlotte’s Division of Research, recognized for its R1 status in 2025, drives innovation in biomedical and health-related technologies through collaborations with industry, government, and healthcare organizations. The university’s proximity to North Carolina’s robust medical and defense ecosystems, including partnerships with the North Carolina Biotechnology Center and regional medical centers, enhances its ability to contribute to MTEC’s mission. Key areas of experience include: • Biomedical Research and Development: UNC Charlotte conducts cutting-edge research in biomedical engineering, bioinformatics, and health informatics, directly supporting MTEC’s focus on medical device development and health system improvements. • Industry and Government Collaboration: Partnerships with organizations like the North Carolina Military Business Center (NCMBC) and the Defense Alliance of North Carolina facilitate connections with Department of Defense (DoD) and medical technology stakeholders. • Workforce Development: UNC Charlotte’s STEM programs, including specialized training in biomedical and health sciences, produce skilled professionals to address MTEC’s need for a robust medical technology workforce. Personnel with Relevant Technical Background UNC Charlotte’s faculty and research staff bring expertise in fields critical to MTEC’s mission: • Biomedical Engineering: Faculty in the William States Lee College of Engineering specialize in biomaterials, medical device design, and tissue engineering, supporting innovations in trauma care and regenerative medicine. • Health Informatics and Data Science: Experts in the School of Data Science and College of Computing and Informatics develop AI-driven solutions for medical diagnostics, predictive analytics, and patient monitoring, enhancing military health systems. • Human Performance and Rehabilitation: Researchers in the Department of Kinesiology focus on human performance optimization, relevant to improving military readiness and recovery from injuries. • Military-Affiliated Expertise: Faculty with experience in military health research, supported by partnerships with the Defense Alliance of North Carolina, ensure alignment with DoD medical priorities. UNC Charlotte’s talent pipeline includes students trained in cutting-edge medical technologies, bolstered by programs for first-generation and military-affiliated students, ready to contribute to MTEC’s workforce needs. Government Contracts UNC Charlotte has secured contracts that demonstrate its ability to deliver on medical and defense-related priorities: • U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) Educational Partnership Agreement: This agreement supports STEM research and education, including biomedical applications for military health. • DoD-Funded Research Projects: While specific MTEC-related contract numbers are not publicly disclosed, UNC Charlotte has participated in federally funded projects through partnerships with the NCMBC, focusing on technology development for health and defense applications. • Health-Related Research Grants: The university has received funding from agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for projects in bioinformatics and medical device prototyping, aligning with MTEC’s goals. These contracts underscore UNC Charlotte’s capacity to execute complex, federally funded projects in support of medical technology advancements. Technical Accomplishments UNC Charlotte has achieved significant milestones relevant to MTEC’s mission: • Medical Device Prototyping: The Center for Biomedical Engineering and Science has developed prototypes for wearable health monitors and diagnostic tools, applicable to point-of-care diagnostics in military settings. • Bioinformatics and AI Applications: Research in the School of Data Science has produced AI models for early detection of infectious diseases and predictive analytics for patient outcomes, supporting MTEC’s focus on combating health threats. • Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering: Advances in biomaterials research have led to innovations in wound healing and regenerative medicine, critical for trauma care and recovery. • Human Performance Optimization: Studies in kinesiology and biomechanics have improved rehabilitation techniques, enhancing recovery protocols for injured service members. These accomplishments highlight UNC Charlotte’s ability to deliver innovative medical technologies for military and civilian applications. Unique Capabilities UNC Charlotte offers distinctive capabilities that align with MTEC’s mission: • Interdisciplinary Research Ecosystem: The university’s R1 status fosters collaboration across biomedical engineering, data science, and health sciences, enabling comprehensive solutions to complex medical challenges. • Regional Medical Ecosystem: Located in a hub for biotechnology and healthcare, UNC Charlotte leverages partnerships with regional medical centers and the North Carolina Biotechnology Center to accelerate technology development. • Technology Transition Expertise: Through collaborations with the NCMBC and DEFTECH, UNC Charlotte supports the transition of medical technologies from research to prototyping and deployment. • Military Health Focus: The university’s military cultural competency training, ensures that research and education programs meet the specific needs of military health systems. • Diverse Talent Pipeline: UNC Charlotte’s focus on training diverse, first-generation, and military-affiliated students strengthens the medical technology workforce, addressing MTEC’s workforce development goals. Conclusion UNC Charlotte’s expertise in biomedical engineering, health informatics, and interdisciplinary research, combined with its strategic partnerships and proven track record in government contracts, makes it a strong contributor to the MTEC mission. By leveraging its R1 research capabilities, regional connections, and commitment to workforce development, UNC Charlotte is well-positioned to accelerate the development of medical technologies that enhance military and civilian health outcomes.