North Carolina is home to a thriving technology workforce with the IT sector growing more than twice as fast as the national average over the past 5 years. Home to the nation’s largest research park (RTP), North Carolina boasts the highest share of industry-funded research in the nation at our top universities.

With 7 major military bases, NC has numerous university and industry partnerships with the DoD and Intel communities, including USASOC, JSOC, ARL, NSA, and more. These long-standing relationships combined with a robust defense industrial base that invest heavily in future technologies make NC the premier location for defense companies.

Our state is home to numerous statewide offices that facilitate an understanding of and support to national defense. The NC Department of Military and Veteran Affairs ensures that our military members, their families, and our veterans are supported. Public and private partnerships focused on developing and promoting cutting edge defense technologies make NC a leader in national defense.

North Carolina has the 4th-largest active-duty military population in the US, with over 18,000 military personnel re-entering the workforce each year. The majority of individuals leaving the military each year are 30 years old or younger and have in-demand experience in fields such as engineering, information technology, healthcare, communications, research and more.

The lowest corporate income tax in the US makes NC a smart location for defense contractors. Our low cost of doing business makes our state even more business-friendly – from building costs 17% below the national average, electricity costs 14.5% below the national average, and the costs of living is 11% below the national average.

Access to customers is made easy thanks to NC’s prime location on the eastern seaboard. With four international airports, two deepwater seaports and extensive railways and interstates, our unparalleled infrastructure can help you accelerate your growth.