OneSky, a portfolio of flying companies that includes Flexjet, Flight Options and Sentient, is working with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to develop a OneSky Innovation Center. The facility will host coding competitions and offer internships to students as it researches new technologies for private aviation. The OneSky Innovation Center will be housed at the John Mica Engineering and Aerospace Innovation Complex (MicaPlex) at Embry-Riddle’s Research Park in Daytona Beach, Florida. OneSky signed on as a tenant partner at the research park.

The Innovation Center will host a number of projects involving emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things, aviation cloud computing and other “big data” initiatives. Full and part-time internships will be offered to Embry-Riddle students studying aviation information technology.

Pointing to OneSky’s track record in developing cutting-edge technologies to support its customers, Embry-Riddle president Barry Butler said, “This is the first step in developing a comprehensive enterprise-to-industry partnership with OneSky.”

The center’s initiatives will be used to complement OneSky’s existing technologies, including new Apple iOS mobile apps in place at Flexjet, Sentient Jet and Skyjet. “We will be adapting the latest existing technologies from other industries into our business,” said OneSky chief technology officer Greg Johnson. “And we will be developing new technologies unique to private aviation built on the foundation of our decades of experience and history of innovation.”

The center will take on a handful of interns this fall. In addition to the internships, the center will host competitions to encourage new ideas and capture interest on campus. OneSky’s IT team will work closely with the center through videoconferencing and other communications tools.