Aerospace conglomerate to open $300M ‘digital accelerator’ in Dumbo

United Technologies Corporation announced yesterday it will be investing big time in the Brooklyn tech world.

The Connecticut-based corporation will be opening a the United Technologies Digital Accelerator, in which it says it will invest $300 million and 250 jobs.

According to a release, the company will focus on “developing software solutions for UTC’s world-class product and service portfolio.” That portfolio includes military and commercial jet propulsion, aerospace and defense products, elevators, escalators and more. “United Technologies Digital is recruiting hi-tech professionals specializing in product management, software development, data science and more.”

The courtyard at Empire Stores at 55 Water St. (Courtesy photo)

The company will take space at 55 Water St., in a development called Empire Stores, which sits right on the water. The building is a six-story factory built in 1869 and renovated heavily in the last two years, according to Brownstoner.

The meaning of the word “accelerator” in the title is a little unclear, as there is no mention in the press release or on the website of an attempt to accelerate the life cycles of any outside startups, or of whether United Technologies would take equity in them.

We’ve reached out to the company for comment, but have not heard back as of publication. All the materials on the company’s site and in the press release sound like the space will look more like a research and development facility for the company.