Syracuse CAT receives $2.1 million to expand research and development activities

Syracuse CAT receives $2.1 million to expand research and development activitiesApril 21, 2001Kevin Morrowkdmorrow@syr.edu

Gov. George E. Pataki visited the Syracuse University campus April 19 to announce that SU’s Center for Computer Applications and Software Engineering (CASE), one of the state’s Centers for Advanced Technology (CAT), has been awarded $2.1 million to explore cutting-edge technology that will protect the vast amounts of information that travel electronically over the Internet, wireless channels and other media.

“Today’s announcement is great news for the Syracuse area and marks another tremendous step in our efforts to create a comprehensive and long-term plan that will foster the growth of high-tech and biotech industries across the state,” Gov. Pataki said. “This new program, combined with our new $1 billion high-tech, biotech initiative and the unprecedented investments we’ve made during the past six years, will help create new jobs and new opportunities across upstate New York.”

“We at Syracuse are confident that New York state can and will become a national leader in high-technology enterprise,” SU Chancellor Kenneth A. Shaw said. “This grant and other major funding initiatives from the Governor’s Office buoy that confidence immeasurably. Syracuse University is very proud to join its colleagues in the development of secure electronic information delivery systems.”

The award to the Syracuse CAT has been made through NYSTAR’s $10 million CAT Development program, an initiative that will lead to the creation of nationally recognized research centers and bring high-technology innovations to the marketplace.

The research that will be conducted as a result of the investments made through the CAT Development Program will produce significant technological improvements that will lead to substantial future economic development in New York. In addition, the research will earn substantial support from participating universities and research organizations.

“This has been a very successful program, and the funding will allow Syracuse University to continue to make advances both technological and financial that will benefit our community,” said Assemblywoman Joan Christensen (D-119). “The University already has a network of resources in which it already collaborates, and now the institution is well poised to expand on the great work it is already doing.”

The Syracuse CAT will use the funds to create the Syracuse University Prototypical Research in Information Assurance (SUPRIA) to conduct research, provide fellowships, and develop new technologies in information assurance.

“I’m excited that good things continue to happen here in Syracuse,” said Assemblyman William Magnarelli (D-120). “The CASE Center is already a first-rate facility, but today we are taking steps to make it world-class. As chairman of the Assembly Task Force on University-Industry Relations, I’m working to spur our economy through technology initiatives that partner our colleges and universities with industry associations. We can add this funding to a growing list of new University-Industry projects like the New York Indoor Environmental Quality Center here at SU.”

The Syracuse team is made up of highly regarded scientists and researchers. The academic partners include the Air Force Research Laboratory in Rome and the Computer Forensics Research and Development Center at Utica College. Industry partners include Welch Allyn Inc., Shore Group, Sensis Corp. and Ernst & Young.

“Once again, Gov. Pataki has proven how his policies and his leadership continue to benefit Central New York,” said State Sen. John A. DeFrancisco (R-49). “This $2.1 million award will provide a tremendous boost to our economy and help assure that our area will have an important role to play well into the future with high-tech development.”

NYSTAR received numerous proposals for funding under the CAT Development Program totaling nearly $40 million. Each CAT across the state was eligible to submit an application for the program.

The existing CAT program supports university-industry collaborations in research, education and technology transfer, with a strong focus on helping New York businesses gain a technological edge on their competition. There are 14 CATs statewide, each of which receives $1 million annually in state funding. The grant announced today will supplement this annual support at selected CATs.

“Syracuse University’s Maxwell School and Newhouse School have long been recognized as first in the nation in public policy and communications,” said State Sen. Nancy Larraine Hoffmann (D-48). “Now with this grant, the Center for Advanced Technology is on the brink of achieving the same stature in preparing people for the high-tech world of tomorrow.”

The SU announcement builds on Gov. Pataki’s unprecedented $1 billion high-technology and biotechnology plan for New York, which he unveiled during his State of the State address in January. His plan would allow the state to become a worldwide leader in university-based research, business creation and job development.

“The CAT Development Program is one of many initiatives reflecting the vision and leadership of Gov. Pataki and the Legislature to strengthen research and development in New York State,” says Dr. Russell W. Bessette, executive director of NYSTAR. “The huge response to the program is an indication of the incredibly dynamic nature of research and development in the state. We are absolutely thrilled to fund such wonderful endeavors.”

“New York’s Centers for Advanced Technology are a critical part of the state’s comprehensive approach to encourage high technology research and economic development,” said Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno (R-43). “The investment announced today by Gov. Pataki will further their groundbreaking research. The CAT program, when combined with programs such as JOBS 2000, and new biotechnology initiatives, including the Senate’s Gen*NY*sis proposal, enhances New York state’s reputation as a national leader in the fields of high technology and biotechnology.”

Since 1995, New York state has fostered the growth of its high-tech and biotech industries by investing more than $730 million in the technology business sector and the state’s world-class research and academic centers.

“It has long been the belief of the Assembly majority that great campuses are the crossroads where the private and public sectors converge, where innovation meets commercialization, and where the workforce of this new millennium will be trained to win the competition for the high-paying careers of the 21st century,” says Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver (D-62). “The successful CAT program is a vital component of ongoing efforts to build on our resources and ensure that New York state is competitive in our ever-changing global economy.”