Founded with the goal of uniting innovators across sectors, ARI operates at the intersection of research, technology, and commercialization. Based in Bloomington, Indiana, the institute orchestrates dynamic collaborations among state and federal agencies, universities, startups, and established companies to drive technology development and applied research. Through initiatives like DARPAConnect designed to lower barriers for innovators entering the national security space ARI organizes coaching, workshops, pop-up events, and learning modules to empower emerging teams. As a technology project integrator, ARI manages complex R&D and prototype-to-market programs, such as the recently delivered Acquisition Business Model prototype, while also supporting regional tech-hub designations and ecosystem infrastructure.