Military and aerospace manufacturer and designer Lockheed Martin recently announced plans to double its venture capital fund to $200 million. The company is especially focused on providing opportunities for companies in the early stages of providing autonomy and advanced manufacturing services, products, and technology. The company describes the focus of this fund as investing in companies that can grow Lockheed’s business and “disrupt our industry.”
The venture fund increase is part of $460 million that Lockheed is investing as a direct result of tax reform savings. According to the company, the tax reform legislation has and will allow it to improve its global competitiveness, including investing in “transformative technologies.”
Some of the other initiatives coming to fruition include:
- An additional $100 million for early-stage companies in the areas of sensor technologies, autonomy, artificial intelligence, and cyber technology.
- $100 million in educational plans and employee training over the next five years.
- A $50 million investment in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education enrichment, including the establishment of a new Lockheed Martin STEM Scholarship Fund.
- $10 million for the launch of the Lockheed Martin Innovation Prize competition, which hopes to “inspire individuals to help solve the nation’s most challenging problems.”
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