The ICS partners with organizations across industry, government, education, and communities to advance cybersecurity readiness, research, and workforce development. Partnerships connect classroom learning with real-world applications, strengthen digital resilience, and create opportunities for hands-on experience and applied innovation. Through these collaborations, ICS creates pathways for student experience, applied research, and practical cybersecurity solutions that meet the needs of partners and the region.

Partner Spotlight

DroneTrace

The ICS collaborates with DroneTrace, LLC to advance research in drone forensics, cyber-aviation security, and unmanned systems analysis. This partnership gives students and researchers access to real equipment, flight data, and hands-on investigative opportunities that strengthen both academic learning and operational capability. DroneTrace supports the institute’s mission by bridging real-world aviation threats with classroom innovation.

Learn More

Maximus

The ICS partners with Maximus on initiatives that advance applied cybersecurity research, innovation, and community impact. Through shared exploration of emerging technologies and security challenges, Maximus helps support ICS efforts that connect student learning, workforce development, and practical cybersecurity solutions.

Learn More

VICEROY Scholars Program

The ICS participates in the Viceroy Scholars Program, a Department of Defense initiative that provides scholarships, mentoring, and experiential training for students preparing for cybersecurity careers in support of national defense. This partnership enhances workforce pipelines, strengthens hands-on learning, and connects students with service-oriented opportunities.

Learn More

Building Cybersecurity Together

Our partners play a critical role in helping the ICS expand cybersecurity readiness, improve regional capability, and create opportunities for students and professionals. By working together, we combine academic expertise with operational insight to support cybersecurity across West Virginia and beyond.

Collaboration in Action

The ICS partnerships fuel hands-on learning, applied research, and real-world cyber readiness across West Virginia and the Appalachian region. Through collaborative projects, ICS brings together students, practitioners, faculty, and industry experts to solve active cybersecurity challenges.

Key areas of collaboration include:

Applied cybersecurity and digital forensics research
Cyber range technical simulations and IT/OT defensive training
Drone trace and cyber-aviation innovation
Community and statewide cybersecurity outreach
Workforce development and student pathways

This work strengthens regional capability, accelerates innovation, and ensures that learning directly supports operational mission needs.

Our goal is to turn operational experience into academic innovation. By putting these drones directly into the hands of researchers and students, we’re creating a proving ground for the next generation of cyber-aviation defense.

Liam Bowers , CEO of DroneTrace

Partner With Us

The ICS welcomes partnerships with organizations that share our commitment to cybersecurity education, research, and workforce development. Whether you represent industry, government, critical infrastructure, education, or community organizations, the ICS can collaborate with you to strengthen cyber readiness.

Partnership opportunities include:

Applied research collaborations
Cyber range engagements and training
K–12 and community outreach
Workforce development and internships
Innovation initiatives and technical projects

Become a Partner – Contact ICS