SUNYIT groundbreaking to drive nanotechnology education, research and economic development in the Mohawk Valley

Posted: Oct 15, 2010
SUNYIT groundbreaking to drive nanotechnology education, research and economic development in the Mohawk Valley
(Nanowerk News) Assemblywoman RoAnn M. Destito (D-Rome) today joined SUNYIT President Wolf Yeigh, College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) Senior Vice President and CEO Alain Kaloyeros and nfrastructure Chairman & CEO Daniel T. Pickett III at a groundbreaking ceremony for a $127.5 million, state-of-the-art facility on the SUNYIT campus that will act as a catalyst for nanotechnology education, research and economic development in the Mohawk Valley Region.
A t-shaped, three-story structure that will encompass up to 180,000 square feet, SUNYIT's technology complex will be anchored by the Computer Chip Commercialization Center (Quad-C), which will enable leading-edge research in partnership with private nanotechnology companies to drive advanced technology development and business opportunities related to system-on-a-chip (SOC) technologies. nfrastructure, a Capital Region information technology firm, has already announced plans to locate 75 full-time and 125 part-time positions, and establish its Western New York corporate offices, at Quad-C. The company will occupy temporary space on campus until Quad-C is completed in 2012-2013.
Co-located at the site near SUNYIT's Kunsela Hall and the Cayan Library will be the Center for Advanced Technology (CAT), home to engineering, computer science and other technology-related educational programs that will help build the 21st century workforce to support the innovative research at Quad C. The CAT features a "collaboratorium," which will include a forum-style tiered lecture hall equipped with high-definition screens and projectors, as well as streaming video and recording capabilities for distance education and the capture of course material.
"This SUNYIT project, in partnership with the world-renowned College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, will greatly boost our ability to market the Marcy NanoCenter site, because it will provide a strong workforce development program and academic resources, and it will make our region a center for the commercialization of nanotechnology products," said Assemblywoman RoAnn M. Destito (D/WF-Rome). "This research and educational center will provide the stimulus to attract employers and students to our area. It also is a very important piece in our efforts to make SUNYIT a world-class educational facility in the field of technology."
"Tomorrow is now," said Senator Joseph A. Griffo "The partners who are gathered here today believe that SUNYIT will help this region become part of a high-tech corridor. Some of us have more than just an investment, but we also have made a commitment to making this become a reality. The future is here, and we anticipate more good news on the horizon."
"This announcement is the recognition of a solid public and private partnership that is the key to enhancing the technology corridor that Oneida County is becoming," said Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente, Jr. "This project enhances the quality education that SUNYIT provides and connects the college with companies such as nfrastructure for the emerging technology base. I would like to thank Assemblywoman Destito and UAlbany for their support in this project."
"The CAT and the Quad-C at SUNYIT will be an impressive addition to SUNY's research enterprise, and an important catalyst for innovation and jobs in the region," said John J. O'Connor, SUNY senior vice chancellor and president of the Research Foundation of SUNY. "I commend Assemblywoman Destito and members of the Assembly and Senate from throughout the Mohawk Valley for securing this investment, and look forward to working closely with the campus and its partners in industry to maximize its success."
"This groundbreaking signals an important step forward for an exciting initiative that illustrates the strategic vision and unparalleled leadership of Speaker Silver, Assemblywoman Destito and the New York State Assembly," said Alain Kaloyeros, Senior Vice President and CEO of CNSE. "The UAlbany NanoCollege is delighted to collaborate with SUNYIT to enable unique nanotechnology-related education, research, and economic opportunity and growth, and to help build a highly skilled 21st century workforce that will both support and drive this pioneering effort in the Mohawk Valley region."
"The groundbreaking for this exciting new facility is critical to the future of SUNYIT, for the Mohawk Valley and for all of New York State," said SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher. "Through our strategic plan, The Power of SUNY, the State University is leveraging our vast resources to revitalize the state's economy, and this technology complex will be an important part of reaching our potential."

"Thanks to the support of Assemblywoman RoAnn Destito and our partners at UAlbany's College of Nanoscale Science & Engineering, especially Alain Kaloyeros, this important part of the future campus infrastructure will take shape in the months ahead," SUNYIT President Dr. Bjong Wolf Yeigh told the gathering. Together we are shaping SUNYIT's future direction and creating high-tech jobs in an exciting new field for the Mohawk Valley."
"As the first tenant of Quad-C, NCCIT will position us to develop a workforce for the 21st century, create high-technology jobs and accelerate the commercialization of technologies and services that help public and private enterprises operate smarter," said nfrastructure chairman & CEO Daniel T. Pickett III. "We are thrilled to be breaking ground today as we look forward to opening day and further collaboration with our partners in the New York State Assembly, CNSE and SUNYIT, and the CAT."
"Today's groundbreaking event is a critical piece in the effort to build the R&D and technology capability at SUNYIT. Quad C and CAT perfectly align with our economic development efforts to market and develop Marcy NanoCenter at SUNYIT for the semiconductor, nanoelectronics and advanced manufacturing industries," said Steven DiMeo, President of Mohawk Valley EDGE. "Mohawk Valley EDGE, as part of the Project Development Agreement with the State Parties, agreed to earmark funds that are part of EDGE's obligations under the Marcy NanoCenter Ground Sublease to FSMC for the development of the Quad C project."
Construction will begin in the months ahead as three other building projects on the SUNYIT campus are completed. The Student Center and Field House will be completed and in use in 2011; Oriskany Residence Hall will be home to incoming freshmen in the fall 2011 semester.
SUNYIT-the State University of New York Institute of Technology at Utica/Rome-offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in technology and professional studies on its campus in Marcy, N.Y., and online. Founded in 1966, SUNYIT is New York State's public institute of technology.

Source: CNSE