In a move designed to fortify the foundation of the American economy, the University of New Haven and i5 Services have announced a strategic alliance to launch a national “Supply Chain Resiliency Hub.”
The partnership, formalized through a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), merges the university’s academic rigor with the digital power of the Connex Marketplace platform to help U.S. manufacturers navigate an increasingly volatile global landscape, the organizations said in a statement.
Related Stories
Terms of the partnership were not disclosed.
The organizations said the new Hub will be headquartered at the University’s Elevation Center, where it will serve as a “digital fortress” for domestic producers. By utilizing Connex Marketplace’s supplier databases, the initiative aims to solve critical vulnerabilities through comprehensive risk assessments, the discovery of local sourcing alternatives and data-driven support for companies looking to reshore their operations.
Beyond these technical tools, the Hub will also offer specialized workforce training programs designed to modernize logistics and procurement strategies.
Alan Davis, president of i5 Services, said U.S. manufacturers “are the backbone of our national economy, yet too many small and midsized companies lack access to the tools and insights they need. This partnership gives us a powerful on-the-ground presence to deliver real solutions.”
Beyond industrial support, the Hub serves as a massive laboratory for the University of New Haven’s student body. President Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D., said the university aims to place students at the center of real-world problem-solving. Dr. Frederiksen said this collaboration allows students to tackle genuine industry challenges while providing manufacturers with the expertise needed to build more resilient operations, effectively bridging the gap between classroom theory and industry needs.
The organizations said the Hub is moving on an aggressive schedule to provide immediate relief to the manufacturing sector. Following a period of pilot manufacturer assessments, a full national launch is slated for the fourth month of the three-month agreement.
This partnership model includes commissions for the university on new referrals and consulting projects, while both organizations plan to pursue joint grants and sponsored research to drive future manufacturing innovation.
