Torch Technologies and the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have executed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a framework for collaboration on research, analysis, and technology development related to national security and workforce development.

Under the agreement, the organizations will explore joint efforts that align ORNL’s scientific and research capabilities with Torch Technologies’ experience providing engineering and technical support to federal agencies. The collaboration is intended to address emerging national security challenges driven by rapid technological advances across advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and sensing technologies.

Through this MOU, the organizations will work together to better understand mission requirements, identify research and development opportunities, and determine appropriate paths forward for externally sponsored efforts.

“As national security challenges grow more complex and urgent, collaboration between national laboratories and industry partners is essential,” said Dr. Moe Khaleel, Associate Laboratory Director for National Security Sciences at ORNL. “This partnership enables us to translate the laboratory’s science and technology capabilities — particularly in advanced manufacturing, AI, and autonomy — into real-world solutions at the speed and scale required by the DoW’s acquisition priorities.”

“By combining Torch’s mission-driven engineering expertise with ORNL’s unparalleled scientific resources, we can accelerate innovation that directly supports the nation’s defense and security objectives,” said Brady Porter, Senior Vice President, Torch Technologies. “This partnership will enable us to strengthen mission outcomes while also investing in future technical talent.”

The collaboration is intended to emphasize speed, flexibility, and coordinated execution in support of defense mission requirements.