NEWS

Archem, LLC, a Shreveport-based aerospace energy company, hosted its JetPace Showcase in partnership with Louisiana Tech University. Held at the Ruston Regional Airport on March 19, the event marked a key milestone in the growing collaboration between industry, academia, and defense partners in North Louisiana.

The JetPace Showcase featured a live jet turbine demonstration, a campus tour, and focused discussions on the future of aerospace innovation. The event drew a distinguished group of attendees, including Maj. Gen. Jason Armagost Commander, Eighth Air Force, and Commander, Joint-Global Strike Operations Center, Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana Tech University President Jim Henderson, Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker, Minden Mayor Nick Cox, Camp Minden Deputy Post Commander Jason Medcalf, and representatives from Air Force Global Strike Command and Louisiana’s Congressional delegation.

“The JetPace Showcase was a powerful reflection of what happens when innovation is supported by strong partnerships,” said Alex Burke, CEO of Archem. “Louisiana Tech and Onyx Aerospace have been critical to moving this effort forward, and we’re excited about what’s next for the region.”

Archem’s partnership with Louisiana Tech is part of the University’s Innovation Enterprise initiative, which provides companies with access to research facilities, faculty expertise, and student talent. Onyx Aerospace, serving as Archem’s engineering partner, has supported testing and development, adding key technical capacity to the initiative.

“This collaboration is exactly what the Innovation Enterprise was designed to support,” said Donna Johnson, chief innovation officer at Louisiana Tech. “By bringing together our students, researchers, and regional partners like Archem and Barksdale Air Force Base, we’re helping create a pipeline of innovation with national impact.”

Earlier this year, Louisiana Tech formally announced its partnership with Archem to support research, equipment access, and joint development projects focused on advanced aerospace solutions. The collaboration includes support from the University’s College of Engineering and Science, Barksdale Air Force Base, and the Ruston Regional Airport — creating a unique ecosystem for innovation and hands-on student learning.

Archem is currently executing a Phase III Small Business Innovation Research contract with Air Force Global Strike Command’s A5N, Commercial Capabilities Integration & Transition division. As an Innovation Enterprise tenant, Archem continues to provide real-world research opportunities for Louisiana Tech students, particularly in fields related to aerospace systems and energy resilience. The JetPace Showcase represents the latest step in building a dynamic innovation corridor in North Louisiana — one grounded in regional collaboration, applied research, and national security priorities.