FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 23, 2025 Upper Peninsula, Michigan
CHARGE-UP Lab Debuts: A New Catalyst for Next-Generation Space, Cyber, and AI Innovation
The Chippewa Homestead Aerospace Research and Ground Enterprise (CHARGE) Lab—affectionately known as the CHARGE-UP Lab—proudly announces its debut in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. This state-of-the-art facility is set to become a region-wide resource dedicated to inspiring and developing the next generation of innovators in space, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.
The CHARGE-UP Lab is more than just a research center. It is a dynamic collaborative ecosystem that bridges industry, government, and academia. By leveraging the advanced facilities and IT infrastructure provided by the Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC), the Lab empowers students, start-up entrepreneurs, and seasoned professionals to experiment, innovate, and create resilient technologies vital for tomorrow’s challenges.
A cornerstone of the CHARGE-UP Lab is the Homestead Mission Operations Center (MOC). This facility underpins the Lab’s commitment to Digital Engineering and Digital Twinning development, accelerating breakthroughs in the design and simulation of space and cyber systems. Users of the CHARGE-UP Lab will have the unique opportunity to integrate their innovative concepts, technologies, and hardware/software components within the modular Homestead Digital Engineering environment, showcasing functional and performance capabilities in an operational context.
“We are thrilled to launch the CHARGE-UP Lab at a time when technological innovation is paramount,” said Chris Olson, President at the Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation. “Our mission is to cultivate a robust, collaborative environment where emerging talents and visionary start-ups converge to redefine the frontiers of space, cyber, and AI technologies. By fostering partnerships across diverse sectors, we are investing in our region’s future and empowering pioneers who will lead tomorrow’s innovations.”
The debut of the CHARGE-UP Lab underscores a commitment to bridging the gap between academic research and practical industry applications. Participants will not only gain access to cutting-edge resources and facilities but will also benefit from expert mentorship, collaborative project opportunities, and a platform designed to accelerate the development of transformative solutions.
For more information about the CHARGE-UP Lab, upcoming events, and partnership opportunities, please visit https://www.chippewacountyedc.com/charge-up-lab or contact:
Media Contact: Chris Olson, President (906) 495-5631 chrisolson@chippewacountyedc.com
The CHARGE-UP Lab is poised to be a beacon of innovation in the Upper Peninsula, igniting creative solutions across the intersecting domains of space exploration, cyber defense, and artificial intelligence. As the Lab opens its doors, stakeholders from all sectors are invited to join in shaping a future where digital twin technologies and collaborative engineering drive progress beyond the imaginable.
Additional Information: In the coming months, the CHARGE-UP Lab will host several interactive workshops, seminars, and demonstration projects aimed at showcasing its capabilities. Interested parties are encouraged to engage with these initiatives and contribute to a growing community focused on advancing technological excellence.
