JCATI Fact Sheet
The Joint Center for Aerospace Technology Innovation (JCATI) is a Washington legislature funded program for WA aerospace industry-university College of Engineering collaborations to move innovative technologies into production.
JCATI prefers to fund Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4-7 technology challenges consisting of component validation in laboratory or operational environment moving on to full system prototype testing. JCATI provides a place for industry to test technology ideas by leveraging academic expertise. University engineering faculty receive funding to work on their industry partner's challenges which ensures that company production levels are unaffected. The goal is a transition of the technology from academia to industry within 1-2 years (often much sooner).
Aerospace companies of all sizes and expertise have benefitted from JCATI collaborations. Potential projects are submitted in February, undergo review before selection, and begin July 1. For details, visit the Funding page.
JCATI resources are available to all public Washington State four-year institutions of higher education and is enacted by the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 28B.155.010. In 2020, the legislature reauthorized JCATI under SSB 6139 with a new sunset date of July 1, 2030.
Annual Symposium
Since 2012, JCATI has provided over $18M in funding to 199 projects in areas such as composites, biofuels, space, commercial flight and manufacturing. JCATI supported research is highlighted at its annual April symposium. The event features expert aerospace speakers, student elevator pitch contest, poster session, and networking. The 2026 JCATI symposium will be held April 9 at the DoubleTree City Center in Spokane. For more information, visit the Symposium page.