FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Vertx Partners
Vertx Partners connects innovators to secure federal contracts and collaboration with the Department of Defense
Morgantown, WV – Vertx Partners, a collaborator with the Dayton, Ohio nonprofit organization Parallax Advanced Research, has launched operations in West Virginia to support the development of science and technology innovation in the Appalachian Region. Led by U.S. Air Force Retired Colonel Sean Frisbee, Vertx is developing an innovation network that addresses complex issues faced by the Department of Defense through strategic partnerships between government, industry, and academia. The work that Vertx is doing brings economic opportunity to small businesses and research institutions throughout the state of West Virginia and beyond.
“Vertx Partners is a company that connects entrepreneurs, technologies, small businesses, and other entities in trying to solve national security problems – all while working to improve West Virginia’s workforce,” said Sean Frisbee, Vertx Partners President and CEO. “We’re identifying non-traditional problem solvers for the Department of Defense, matching them with funding opportunities and necessary partners, and helping them navigate the complex system of working with the federal government.”
As Vertx Partners builds a comprehensive network of innovators with ties to Appalachia, it commits itself to the mission of providing an easy path toward working with the Department of Defense. From artificial intelligence and big data, to advanced manufacturing, robotics, propulsion, and security, Vertx is not only looking for businesses that are currently in West Virginia but also aims to connect with businesses with ties to West Virginia that currently operate elsewhere.
To better connect innovators in Appalachia, Parallax Advanced Research recently received $9.6 million in federal funding to expand to West Virginia and the Appalachian Region. The funding comes as West Virginia stands on the verge of an economic revamp in the coming decades, with Vertx playing an essential role in those efforts. Parallax’s and Vertx Partners’ work aims to transform Appalachia into a 21st-century powerhouse of research, development, and innovation.
“We’ve seen tremendous success with this approach in Ohio through our APEX program, and we are eager to partner with the Vertx team in West Virginia by bringing science and technology enhancement services like team matchmaking and proposal process navigation and consulting to the innovators of West Virginia and Appalachia,” said Dennis Andersh, Parallax CEO. “The opportunity here is remarkable. Businesses that are in and connected to West Virginia have a valuable resource in Vertx Partners, to help them bring their innovative ideas to fruition through federal funding and U.S. Government and academic collaborations.”
Innovators that may benefit from partnering with Vertx are encouraged to answer a few short questions on the Vertx website about their work. Once this questionnaire is submitted, a representative from Vertx Partners will reach out to learn more and answer questions.
“Unless innovators have a background in working on government contracts, they may not be aware of the funding opportunities that are out there or the problems that the Department of Defense is trying to solve at any given time. Vertx is helping to find and connect those individuals while providing guidance along the way,” said Frisbee. “Innovation is happening in West Virginia; we need to be able to connect the right people to the right opportunities at the right time.”
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Vertx Partners Team
Sean Frisbee, President & CEO
Retired Air Force Colonel Sean Frisbee founded Vertx Partners in 2021 to solve problems for the U.S. Air Force while bettering the economy of West Virginia. A former President & CEO of the WVU Alumni Association and once the Systems Program Director for the Pentagon’s F-22 Raptor program, Sean brings a veritable wealth of insider knowledge and cooperative know-how to Vertx’s mission to transform WV into a powerhouse for the national defense industry.
Scott Rotruck, Vice President of External Relations
Scott Rotruck has a long history of building connections in the Mountain State. His resumé includes serving as Vice President of Chesapeake Energy, funding innovation as an individual Angel Investor, and now serving on boards throughout West Virginia. Scott brings an invaluable level of collaboration to Vertx’s repertoire of services and assists in securing contracts for clients through his breadth of experience.
About Parallax Advanced Research:
Parallax is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that tackles global challenges by accelerating innovation and developing technology and solutions through strategic partnerships with government, industry and academia across Ohio and the Nation. Together with academia, Parallax accelerates innovation that leads to new breakthroughs. Together with government, Parallax tackles critical global challenges and delivers new solutions. Together with industry, Parallax develops groundbreaking ideas and speeds them to market.
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