Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program portfolio company Archem demonstrates live jet turbine
Archem, LLC, a portfolio company of BRF’s Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program (EAP) and resident of BRF’s InterTech Park, hosted its JetPace Showcase in partnership with Louisiana Tech University at Ruston Regional Airport in March. The showcase featured a live jet turbine demonstration and focused discussions on the future of aerospace innovation. Archem is currently executing a Phase III Small Business Innovation Research contract with Air Force Global Strike Command’s A5N, Commercial Capabilities Integration & Transition (CCIT) division.
Louisiana Tech and Archem JetPace Showcase advances regional aerospace innovation
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.”
About BRF’s defense mission: BRF’s defense mission is to build a regional defense industry cluster in North Louisiana to promote innovation and solve U.S. Air Force challenges while enhancing the economic vitality of the region and state. Since 2020, BRF has worked with the Louisiana congressional delegation to direct nearly $100 million in federal funding to Air Force Global Strike Command for initiatives that solve key technology challenges.
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.
