As automation and global distribution networks have proliferated over the past two decades, a new challenge has emerged. Namely, reducing cyber risk while maintaining economic competitiveness in the manufacturing sector. GTMI has played a pivotal role in a large-scale, joint proposal effort to establish a national cybersecurity institute called “SecureAmerica.” This effort is being led by Texas A&M University (TAMU), and involves several other universities. The proposal is being made to Manufacturing USA®, a network of 14 public/private manufacturing institutes, each with a focus on a different advanced manufacturing technology area. If accepted, this proposed institute would establish the 15th such institute. The US Department of Energy currently sponsors 4 of the existing institutes. SecureAmerica would be the fifth under this public/private partnership.

The manufacturing and industrial sector consumes about 25% of the Nation’s energy. The DOE estimates that the adoption of automated controls and sensors could improve energy efficiency up to 15% in this sector. However, such a high level of integration and automation across the supply chain increases its vulnerability to cyber-attacks. The SecureAmerica Institute is proposed to help US industry in enhancing cybersecurity in manufacturing which will minimize risk, reduce costs, and efficiently scale up to accelerate industry adoption of best cybersecurity practices and technologies.

The thought leadership from GT (including GTMI, GTRI, and other academic units), TAMU, and other academic and industry partners were the driving force behind a strong proposal team and a comprehensive effort. The DOE is sponsoring up to $70M over five years for the establishment of the new institute. This unique public/private model will require a cost share from industry of approximately 20%. Georgia Tech’s role is to develop and coordinate the proposed Institute’s road-mapping activities, which will be especially critical for the first year of operations. Professor Chuck Zhang, Harold E. Smalley Professor at the H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial & Systems Engineering and a GTMI-affiliated faculty, will serve as the Chief Technology Officer for the Institute. A final decision is anticipated by the end of 2019.