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University of Connecticut and Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT) Celebrate New Collaboration Agreement
Representatives from the University of Connecticut (UConn) and the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT) recently met at UConn Tech Park’s Innovation Partnership Building to commemorate the signing of a new collaboration agreement. The meeting served as an opportunity to discuss potential joint projects and celebrate the partnership.
A Partnership to Pursue Valuable Regional Funding Opportunities
UConn and CCAT, both recognized as significant powerhouses in technology development, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in March 2023. The MOU encourages open communication between the state’s flagship research university and the applied technology demonstration and training center. The goal is to align resources and join forces in pursuing valuable regional funding opportunities for technology development.
The Importance of Collaboration
Ron Angelo, a UConn economics program graduate and current president and CEO of CCAT, highlighted the significance of the meeting. Having worked together on technical projects for many years, the collaboration between UConn and CCAT is aligned on the most important issues facing the industrial base. This partnership aims to leverage their joint resources to drive maximum impact.
Transformative Solutions for Connecticut Manufacturing Companies
CCAT, located in East Hartford in close proximity to Connecticut’s manufacturing and technology hubs, has been delivering transformative solutions to the state’s manufacturing companies for nearly two decades. With this collaboration, UConn will also have access to Connecticut’s manufacturing base in industries such as aerospace engineering, shipbuilding, and medical device manufacturing.
Exploring Synergistic Opportunities
UConn’s interim vice president for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship, Pamir Alpay, emphasized the complementary nature of the two institutions. UConn is known for its technical research, while CCAT excels in creating practical applications for that research. Together, they plan to explore synergistic opportunities in manufacturing technologies, automation, robotics, and materials engineering.
Active Collaborative Research and Future Opportunities
The partnership between CCAT and UConn has already led to active collaborative research projects, such as controlling manufacturing variability using physics-informed artificial intelligence. They are also exploring opportunities for future federally funded projects like DOE Regional Hydrogen Hubs, EDA Regional Technology & Innovation Hubs, and the CHIPS and Science Act.
Innovation and Creativity
Kylene Perras, Assistant Dean of the School of Engineering, highlighted that the MOU allows for great creativity and innovation. With the combined resources of CCAT and UConn, they anticipate greater access to regional and federal funding opportunities.
Transforming Companies, Communities, and Career Pathways
CCAT’s chief technology officer, Jackie Garofano, who also serves on the external advisory board of UConn’s Connecticut Manufacturing Simulation Center (CMSC), expressed shared commitment to transforming companies, communities, and career pathways. CCAT not only provides manufacturing companies with technology adoption but also supports employers in recruiting and upskilling their talent.
Expanding Presence in Clean Energy and Sustainability
At the recent meeting, various UConn faculty presented projects that aligned with CCAT’s goals and expertise. UConn Tech Park expressed its eagerness to expand its presence in clean energy and sustainability, engaging with both small manufacturers and large centers. Exciting sustainability projects were shared, including hydrogen research and an initiative to convert food waste into biochar production.
Unlocking Opportunities for Applying and Commercializing Innovations
The partnership between UConn and CCAT unlocks more opportunities for applying and commercializing transformative innovations from UConn’s research. The focus is not just on research and development, but also on improving technologies and implementing them across the region in collaboration with companies and manufacturers.
