Two major materials challenges: integrating advanced semiconductors with high-performance substrates that can withstand the conditions and dissipate heat, and developing durable, oxidation-resistant alloys that can withstand extreme-temperature environments including hypersonic flight.
What it powers: the materials that survive extreme heat, speed and stress. The enabling layer behind hypersonic flight, atmospheric re-entry, and next-generation aerospace and defence.
Why it matters: in these systems, the materials themselves are the limiting factor. Better materials directly unlock new capability.
Refractory alloys for hypersonicsWhat it powers: the specialised chips behind radar, electronic warfare, and high-power defence and energy systems.
Why it matters: the most demanding applications are outgrowing what today's technology can deliver, leaving a clear performance gap to close.
Wide-bandgap semiconductor integrationPenn State and Battalion Advanced Technology Ltd have entered into two research agreements worth up to $6 million. Battalion will provide up to $1 million per year for each project. The agreements went into effect on 16 July 2026 and will run for three years.
The collaboration draws on the University's interdisciplinary materials research community, as well as specialised facilities and technical capabilities available through the MRI and other University research units.
The research agreements provide Battalion with a right to earn a 100% perpetual global exclusive licence on all intellectual property developed over the three-year sponsored research period.
“Penn State materials brings together expertise in semiconductor science, computation, manufacturing and characterization. This collaboration allows us to apply that breadth to two complex materials challenges with direct implications for U.S. technological leadership and national security.”
Two three-year programmes, up to $1 million per year each.
100% perpetual global exclusive licence earned on all developed IP.
Defence, aerospace, energy and industrial partners.
“The projects reflect MRI's role in connecting researchers and facilities across Penn State with external partners to move materials discoveries toward technologies that can operate in demanding, real-world environments. This is an important step for MRI's and Penn State's research future.”
Joshua A. Robinson · Director, Materials Research Institute
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