New initiative strengthens industrial capacity, workforce readiness, and advanced technology integration to support the nation’s maritime and defense manufacturing needs.
RALEIGH, N.C. — October 27, 2026 —North Carolina State University Industry Extension Services (IES) and the North Carolina Military Business Center (NCMBC) are working alongside a growing network of statewide partners to build a collaborative North Carolina maritime manufacturing ecosystem. Through the North Carolina Maritime Manufacturing Initiative (NCMMI), IES and NCMBC are helping bring together industry, workforce development, education, government, and other key stakeholders to strengthen the state’s maritime manufacturing capabilities and position North Carolina businesses and workers to meet growing national maritime and defense industrial base needs.
Initial efforts focus on the Submarine Industrial Base (SIB) to supply a trained workforce to meet increased demand for submarine construction. By 2028, the Navy plans to build one Columbia-class submarine and two Virginia-class submarines. This growth, plus surface ship construction and fleet sustainment, requires a stronger maritime industrial base.
Launched in October 2025 and partnering with BuildSubmarines.com, NCMMI brings together industry, education, workforce development, and economic development partners to address critical manufacturing needs, expand opportunities for North Carolina businesses, and strengthen the state’s role in domestic maritime supply chains. As the U.S. faces evolving global security threats, a strong, resilient submarine force remains a cornerstone of American naval power. The SIB program’s investment in workforce development is crucial to ensuring the submarine industrial base can meet the Navy’s ambitious production goals in the years ahead. From the smallest components to the most complex vessels, maritime manufacturing plays a crucial role in ensuring the strength and reliability of our nation’s naval capabilities.
In addition, NCMMI is partnering with Elizabeth City State University and UNC-Wilmington to host listening sessions in eastern North Carolina, bringing that effort directly to Congressional District 1 and District 7 to align regional strengths, address localized challenges, and refine a regional strategy that feeds into the statewide vision. Events in more regions of North Carolina are in planning for 2027.
Read the NCMMI strategic plan.
The initiative focuses on three strategic pillars: Industrial Capacity, Agile Workforce Readiness, and Advanced Technology Integration. Through these priorities, NCMMI aims to help manufacturers identify new opportunities, develop the capabilities needed to compete in the submarine industrial base, and prepare workers for evolving industry demands.
“North Carolina has the manufacturing expertise, technical resources, and workforce development capabilities needed to make meaningful contributions to the nation’s maritime industrial base,” said Fiona Baxter, NC State Industry Extension Services Associate Executive Director, IES. “NCMMI is designed to connect these resources, address barriers to participation, and help North Carolina companies become more capable and competitive suppliers.”
NCMMI Strategic Priorities
GOAL 1: Fortify the North Carolina Maritime Industrial Base Supply Chain
NCMMI works to identify and strengthen the capabilities of North Carolina manufacturers that can support maritime production and defense-related supply chains. The initiative emphasizes supplier readiness, domestic manufacturing capacity, and opportunities to connect businesses with emerging industry needs.
GOAL 2: Strengthen the Maritime Talent Pipeline & Workforce Development
Developing a skilled, adaptable workforce is essential to meeting maritime manufacturing demands. NCMMI supports collaboration among employers, educational institutions, and workforce partners to connect people with relevant training, technical skills, and career pathways, from K–12 education through community colleges and universities.
GOAL 3: Accelerate Maritime 4.0 & Advanced Technology Integration
NCMMI promotes awareness and adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies and practices that can help businesses improve productivity, quality, resilience, and competitiveness. Priorities include cybersecurity and Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) readiness, automation, artificial intelligence, and other technologies relevant to modern manufacturing.
GOAL 4: Advance Cybersecurity Compliance to Maximize Contract Opportunities
NCMMI helps manufacturers understand and navigate cybersecurity requirements, including CMMC and other federal contracting standards. By supporting compliance readiness and strengthening cybersecurity practices, the initiative helps businesses protect sensitive information and position themselves to compete for defense and maritime contracts.
GOAL 5: Inform Policy & Strategic Economic Expansion
NCMMI identifies policy priorities, industry needs, and strategic investment opportunities to strengthen North Carolina’s maritime manufacturing sector. Through collaboration with industry, government, and economic development partners, the initiative supports policies and initiatives that expand manufacturing capacity, attract investment, and position North Carolina for long-term growth in the maritime industrial base.
Connecting North Carolina Businesses to Submarine Industrial Base Opportunities
Through collaboration with industry and regional partners, NCMMI helps North Carolina manufacturers understand maritime market requirements, assess their capabilities, identify training and technology needs, and explore opportunities within the domestic maritime and defense industrial base.
The initiative also supports efforts to strengthen supply chain resilience and expand awareness of North Carolina’s capabilities. By connecting manufacturers with technical assistance, workforce resources, and industry networks, NCMMI helps build a stronger foundation for long-term participation in maritime manufacturing.
NC State University Industry Extension Services provides technical assistance, training, and consulting expertise to help North Carolina businesses improve operations, adopt advanced technologies, strengthen quality systems, and address manufacturing challenges. Through its partnership with NCMBC, the initiative connects these capabilities with North Carolina’s broader defense and military business ecosystem. As national attention increasingly focuses on rebuilding domestic manufacturing capacity and strengthening maritime supply chains, NCMMI provides a coordinated approach to aligning North Carolina’s industrial, workforce, and technology resources with these priorities.
BuildSubmarines.com offers resources for educators, employers, and future employees that highlight the skills training and opportunities of maritime-adjacent career pathways.
Media Contact:
Fiona Baxter
Associate Executive Director, IES
NC State University Industry Extension Services (IES)
[email protected]
Learn more: NC State University Industry Extension Services | North Carolina Military Business Center | BuildSubmarines.com
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