Top researchers and scientists to come together Sept. 22 in Cortland to forecast technology trends and spotlight new innovations

Top researchers and scientists to come together Sept. 22 in Cortland to forecast technology trends and spotlight new innovationsSeptember 14, 2005Kelly Homan Rodoskikahoman@syr.edu

The Emerging Technology Alliance (ETA) will bring together some of the top regional university researchers and scientists on Sept. 22, to forecast trends and to showcase technology innovations happening in this region, where more than $1 billion in annual university research is tackling some of the most intriguing challenges of our times.

“Technology & Innovation: Transforming Upstate” will be held from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Holiday Inn in Cortland. Sponsored by the ETA, a consortium of NYSTAR-funded university research centers and regional technology development centers, the event is open to anyone who wants to be part of building a competitive region. Registration is $10 and includes a continental breakfast and lunch. Registration is required; call (607) 756-5005 or e-mail eta@cortlandbusiness.com for more information.

“Technology trends in energy, life sciences, information technologies and microelectronics in the next decade will shape our lives,” says Roger Trabucco, associate director of Syracuse University’s CASE Center. “Our region is at the forefront of exciting R&D breakthroughs in these areas, with world-class universities in our backyard. This gives us the unique opportunity to become a highly competitive region in an era of globalization, by forming industry/education/community partnerships to leverage that brainpower into a long-term, innovation-based regional development strategy. This event will bring together business and community leaders to learn about our strengths in these emerging technology clusters-and hear how innovation and entrepreneurship are transforming the Upstate economy.”

The program, which will be moderated by Marilyn Higgins, vice president of economic development for Niagara Mohawk, A National Grid Company, will include morning plenary sessions that will include opportunities for audience participation. The first plenary session, which will focus on trends in information technologies and wireless innovations, will be presented by SU professors Lee McKnight and Jae Oh, representing SU’s CASE Center.

Other plenary sessions will focus on trends in life sciences, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals (Cornell University Center for Life Science Enterprise); trends in microelectronics (Binghamton University Integrated Electronics Engineering Center); and the energy challenge (Cornell University Center for Materials Research). The luncheon keynote speaker will feature a keynote address byRobert J. Daino, president and CEO of WCNY and president of Promergent.

An updated conference agenda is available at http://www.ny-eta.com.WCNY Public Broadcasting will record the event for broadcast, sponsored by the New York Science & Technology Law Center at SU’s College of Law.