Johnson County’s Innovation Ecosystem Driving National Security

Johnson County, Kansas, is often recognized for its top-tier schools, strong economy, and high quality of life but just beneath the surface is a thriving innovation ecosystem that’s playing a critical role in strengthening national defense. As part of the Kansas City metro area and the state’s economic engine, Johnson County is a hub of advanced technology, engineering, research, and skilled talent. It’s also a growing contributor to the Department of War’s modernization mission.

At the Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub: Kansas, we see firsthand how this region’s capabilities are accelerating U.S. defense objectives. From private-sector innovation to academic partnerships and public infrastructure, Johnson County exemplifies the type of community where defense innovation can thrive.

The county is home to a diverse base of globally recognized companies specializing in cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, engineering, and communications technology. Firms like Garmin, Black & Veatch, Butler National Corporation, T-Mobile, Honeywell FM&T, and MRIGlobal are building solutions that directly support defense applications from avionics and secure navigation to critical infrastructure, defense engineering, and national security research. These companies are not just commercial leaders. Many of them are active contributors to Department of War programs, helping meet the nation’s need for dual-use, mission-ready technologies.

But innovation in Johnson County doesn’t stop at industry. The region’s educational and research institutions are deeply engaged in advancing national security goals. Johnson County Community College (JCCC), the University of Kansas – Edwards Campus, and Kansas State University – Olathe Campus all serve as vital partners in developing the workforce and technology that defense agencies rely on. These institutions provide cutting-edge programs in cybersecurity, engineering, advanced manufacturing, and biosciences, while also serving as R&D collaborators on applied defense challenges.

Local employers and government agencies actively partner with these institutions to align classroom learning with real-world defense needs. Companies like Garmin, Black & Veatch, and Butler National collaborate with universities on internships, research, and technical training. Meanwhile, agencies such as Fort Leavenworth, the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, the Kansas National Guard, and the Department of Homeland Security engage in leadership development, operational planning, and cybersecurity preparedness efforts with local schools. JCCC and others have also partnered with Honeywell FM&T and MRIGlobal to provide students with direct exposure to high-security, high-impact defense work.

What truly sets Johnson County apart is its culture of collaboration. Public-private partnerships, cross-sector initiatives, and economic development organizations like the Kansas Department of Commerce, the Kansas City Area Development Council (KCADC), and the Kansas APEX Accelerator are working together to strengthen regional alignment with federal priorities. Innovation coalitions such as KC Rising and BioNexus KC bring together leaders from business, academia, and government to grow key industries that support defense including engineering, secure communications, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing. Startup support programs like LaunchKC and defense innovation partners like FirePoint connect emerging companies with pathways into the Department of War innovation ecosystem.

In Johnson County, business leaders, educators, and public officials share a clear understanding: national security is a shared responsibility, and innovation is most powerful when built across communities. Whether it’s a student entering the cybersecurity workforce, an engineer developing next-generation defense systems, or a startup commercializing dual-use tech, everyone plays a role.

The Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub: Kansas is proud to partner with the innovators, institutions, and companies of Johnson County. This is a region not only contributing to America’s defense industrial base but helping lead it into the future.