The inaugural Technology Showcase at the University of Connecticut spotlighted the state’s evolving innovation landscape, blending a legacy of industrial strength with emerging advancements in quantum computing and artificial intelligence. Held on September 18 at the UConn Tech Park, the event attracted nearly 200 attendees, including university officials, state leaders, entrepreneurs, and researchers. Organized by UConn’s Technology Commercialization Services (TCS), the gathering emphasized the institution’s role in bridging academic research with commercial applications.
The program celebrated Connecticut’s industrial heritage and its recovery from economic downturns, while spotlighting growth areas poised to redefine its future. Daniel O’Keefe, the state’s Economic Development Commissioner and Chief Innovation Officer, pointed to the state’s expertise in manufacturing complex systems, particularly photolithography machines essential for semiconductor production. “Every advanced semiconductor—no exaggeration—is made right here in Connecticut,” he stated.
O’Keefe identified quantum technology as a cornerstone of future economic development. He cited the joint QuantumCT proposal by UConn and Yale, both R1 research institutions, which recently advanced as a finalist for a $160 million grant from the National Science Foundation. He attributed Connecticut’s potential leadership in this field to decades of expertise in material science, mechanical engineering, and chemical engineering.
“That’s our core competency,” O’Keefe explained. “When you combine AI with quantum, which we anticipate will have widespread commercial impact in the next decade or two, it could represent a transformative moment akin to the rise of Silicon Valley.”
Provost Anne D’Alleva linked UConn’s land-grant mission to its growing reputation as a hub for technological advancement. She highlighted the Technology Incubation Program, the largest startup accelerator for tech ventures in the state, as a key driver of innovation. “It’s the pioneering work we do that propels both our state and nation forward,” she said, praising the university’s infrastructure and collaborative networks with industry.
The event provided a platform for startups to present their ideas to potential investors. Expert panels evaluated pitches in life sciences and physical sciences, offering feedback and awarding monetary prizes. Additional components included panel discussions, faculty-led presentations, and a poster exhibition in the IPB lobby.
Abhijit Banerjee, Associate Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship, expressed hope that the showcase would become an annual tradition. Beyond showcasing UConn’s technological breadth, he emphasized its role in connecting academic achievements with broader communities. “That’s where we gain our strength, passion, and public support,” Banerjee remarked.
— news from UConn Today
— News Original —
Tech Showcase Celebrates UConn’s Economic, Innovative Impact
UConn’s debut Tech Showcase highlighted Connecticut’s bright future of innovation and industry while paying tribute to an infrastructure built on manufacturing and security. n nThe Showcase, held at the UConn Tech Park on Sept. 18, drew almost 200 people, including University and state leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators. It was hosted by UConn’s Technology Commercialization Services (TCS), the wing of the Office of the Vice President for Research that facilitates tech transfer, intellectual property, other facets of entrepreneurship and innovation. n nThe event celebrated Connecticut’s industrial history, economic recovery from recession, and promising trends for a state amid a technological renaissance in areas such as quantum technology and artificial intelligence. n n“It’s because we have this incredible hundred plus-year legacy of making incredibly complicated things here. That is where we have a true comparative edge,” said Daniel O’Keefe, the state Commissioner of the Economic Development and Chief Innovation Officer. n nO’Keefe highlighted the state’s production of photolithography machines, which are machines that make semiconductors. “Every advanced semiconductor, not hyperbole, is made right here in Connecticut.” n nThe commissioner tied Connecticut’s future success largely to its embracing and integrating quantum technology. He highlighted the collaboration between UConn and Yale – the state’s two R1 research universities – for the QuantumCT proposal, which was just named a finalist for a $160 million National Science Foundation award. O’Keefe said Connecticut can be a leader in quantum, developed over decades of integrating material science, mechanical engineering, and chemical engineering. n n“That’s what we do here. If you actually boil it down, that’s the skillset our workforce has built over the last 100-plus years,” O’Keefe said. “This combination of AI and quantum which we expect to happen and impact on a broad commercial scale in the next 10 to 20 years, I think that is a Silicon Valley moment.” n nProvost Anne D’Alleva, reflecting on her 26 years at the University, connected UConn’s mission as a land-grant university with its emergence as an innovation engine. She highlighted initiatives like the Technology Incubation Program, which is the largest incubator of tech startup companies in the state. n n“This is the innovative, groundbreaking work that we do that pushes our state forward and pushes our nation forward,” D’Alleva said, also lauding UConn’s resources and infrastructure. “We are continually on the leading edge bringing leading-edge technologies and experts here to Connecticut to work in partnership with industry.” n nThe Showcase was an opportunity for startups to make pitches to investors as backers of their companies and innovations. Expert panels served as judges and advisors, grading the presentations and offering constructive feedback. Thousands of dollars in prizes were awarded to pitches in business and technology in the life science and physical science fields. n nThe full-day event also featured panel discussion, faculty presentations and pitches, and a poster showcase in the IPB lobby. n nAbhijit Banerjee, the Associate Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship, said he hoped the Tech Showcase was the first of many to come annually. In addition to demonstrating UConn’s breadth of technology and initiatives, it provided a priceless opportunity to bridge that success with communities. n n“That’s where we derive our strength, our passion, and our support,” Banerjee said.