UNH Hosts New England’s First Aerospace Industry Expo
New England’s aerospace industry took center stage at the University of New Hampshire on October 28 and 29 as the university hosted the region’s first comprehensive space-focused expo, bringing together innovators, researchers, manufacturers, government leaders and the next generation of talent for two days of discovery, collaboration and inspiration.
Photo credit: LMTLSS Media
Presented in partnership with the N.H. Department of Business and Economic Affairs (BEA) and the NH Aerospace & Defense Consortium (NHADC), the inaugural Northeast Space, Technology, Trade, and Research Expo (NE STTAR Expo) transformed UNH’s Memorial Union Building into a hub of cutting-edge technology, groundbreaking research, and industry engagement.
More than 700 attendees learned about emerging technologies, research innovations and workforce opportunities across aerospace, autonomous systems, propulsion, advanced manufacturing, and materials science.
“The aerospace industry is vital to New Hampshire’s economy, supporting good-paying jobs and businesses across the Granite State as our leading export industry,” said U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, who attended the event. “It is thanks to everyone who joined us at the inaugural NE STTAR Expo, especially the University of New Hampshire, the New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs and the New Hampshire Aerospace & Defense Consortium, for the partnerships you all foster between industry, academia and government to ensure we remain on the cutting-edge and a global leader.”
The Expo featured 64 exhibitors, including 50 businesses and 14 university and partner organizations. Approximately 450 industry professionals, exhibitors and other attendees participated, along with 175 students in grades 8-12 and 80 UNH students. The Expo also offered tours of the Space Science Center in Morse Hall and the John Olson Advanced Manufacturing Center throughout both days.
The event highlighted the growing importance of New Hampshire’s aerospace and defense sector, which includes roughly 300 companies, employs more than 10,500 people, and generates an estimated $7.5 billion in economic output statewide.
As a national leader in space research, UNH provided a fitting venue for the event. The university’s work spans mission leadership, instrument development, data analysis, and simulation, with research ranging from Earth’s upper atmosphere to the farthest reaches of the universe.
The first day focused on industry engagement through keynote presentations, technology demonstrations, exhibits, and networking opportunities. The second day shifted attention to workforce development, connecting students with professionals through a career fair, educational programming, and campus facility tours.
The inaugural expo underscored New Hampshire’s growing role in the aerospace and space economy while fostering partnerships that will help drive future innovation and workforce development.
“As we look ahead, we want more New Hampshire companies to see UNH as a resource they can turn to for research, equipment, and highly skilled graduates,” said UNH President Elizabeth Chilton. “And we want more students to have the opportunity to apply what they’re learning alongside the businesses that are helping shape the future of this industry.”