NCNGM Attends New Haven Connecticut Events

3 days ago

3 min read

University of New Haven Center for Innovation and Applied Technology

The National Science Foundation funded National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing was invited to the University of New Haven's Open House for its Center for Innovation and Applied Technology. Stakeholders from across Connecticut were present at the construction site. This forthcoming initiative will allow the academic community to engage in hands-on learning, help industry enhance their workforce skills, and introduce future manufacturing technologies to prospective middle and high school students. The Center will be situated in a 130,000 square foot commercial space right next to the University’s main campus in West Haven.

In July, the University appointed Paul Lavoie as its first vice president of innovation and applied technology, responsible for the center's development. He joined the University after his role as Chief Manufacturing Officer for the State of Connecticut and has been recognized as one of the Top 5 Chief Manufacturing Officers globally. The Center will concentrate on supporting Connecticut’s advanced manufacturing sectors and the crucial intersection of university research, innovation, and workforce development. It will allow private industries to engage with the university in a completely new way.

Southern Connecticut State University Innovation Hub

Emerging Technologies Forum (ETF) serves as a pivotal platform that encompasses and highlights the rapidly evolving regional sectors of Quantum Computing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Life Sciences. Situated in the vibrant and dynamic heart of New Haven’s burgeoning technology ecosystem, this conference is designed to foster collaboration and innovation among a diverse group of participants. It brought together influential leaders from various sectors, including education and industry, creating a unique opportunity for cross-pollination of ideas and expertise. The ETF is not just a gathering of professionals; it also includes university faculty who are at the forefront of research and development in these cutting-edge fields. Their involvement ensures that the latest academic insights and breakthroughs are shared with industry practitioners, fostering a rich dialogue that can lead to practical applications and innovations.

Additionally, the presence of school teachers highlights the importance of education in these disciplines, as they play a crucial role in inspiring and preparing the next generation of innovators. Students, who are the future leaders and thinkers of our society, are also a key focus of the ETF. The conference provides them with invaluable exposure to the latest advancements in technology and science, as well as networking opportunities with industry leaders and educators. This interaction is essential in equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in an increasingly complex and competitive job market. Moreover, community stakeholders are an integral part of this event, as they represent the broader societal implications of technological advancements. Their involvement ensures that the discussions not only focus on economic growth but also consider ethical, social, and environmental factors that accompany technological progress. By engaging a wide array of participants, the ETF aims to create a comprehensive understanding of how these emerging technologies can be harnessed to benefit society as a whole.

Pictured above are students attending the breakout session "Technologies Students Should Prepare for and How", presented by The Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT) and Alexion. The Emerging Technologies Forum was a crucial initiative aimed at ensuring that today’s students are not only aware of the exciting developments in Quantum Computing, Artificial Intelligence, and Life Sciences but are also well-prepared to join and contribute to the thriving innovation ecosystem in Connecticut. This event underscored the importance of collaboration among educators, industry professionals, and community members in fostering a culture of innovation and preparing the workforce of tomorrow.