Sep 9 2010
New York State Assemblyman Al Stirpe (121st district) today announced an exciting new partnership that will bring high-tech jobs and economic growth to the CenterState New York region through the creation of the Nanotechnology Innovation and Commercialization Excelerator (NICE) at Electronics Park, in Salina.
A partnership between Lockheed Martin, the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) of the University at Albany, and the CenterState Corporation for Economic Opportunity (CenterState CEO), the $250 million NICE initiative will enable the creation of 250 new high-tech jobs and position the region to become a leader in the nanotechnology industry by building on the growing cluster of nanoscale education, research and development, and commercialization assets in upstate New York.
"Central New York job creation and retention is my top priority. Securing $28 million from the Assembly to facilitate this important new partnership between CNSE and Lockheed Martin is a critical first step in creating a high-tech corridor in Central New York to rival any in the nation," said Stirpe. "Fully capitalizing laboratory space and attracting experts in the field will transform Building #3 at Electronics Park into a state-of-the-art small business nanotechnology accelerator, extending the $6.5 billion public and private investment in CNSE's Albany NanoTech Complex west to Central New York, and across the state."
Of the $28 million, $16 million to CEO is designated for the build-out and renovation of 100,000 square feet of space at Building #3, an 18 month construction process expected to begin in early 2011. The remaining $12 million to CNSE will fund specialized equipment and resources to accelerate the development and commercialization of nanotechnology by Lockheed Martin and firms locating in the Excelerator.
Through the establishment of Electronics Park Building #3 (also known as the Electronics Laboratory) as a 21st century business incubator and technology accelerator, the NICE initiative will create lab space for technology collaboration and integration, enabling the development of nanoscale applications for commercial deployment. By leveraging Lockheed Martin suppliers and integrators, NICE will support the innovative enterprises of small and mid-sized businesses, including women and minority businesses. The project is also expected to improve the overall competiveness of Lockheed Martin MS2 operations, proactively supporting the company's long-term retention and growth in Syracuse.
"We could think of no more appropriate location for this project than the iconic Electronics Laboratory in Electronics Park," said Carl Bannar, vice president and general manager, Radar Systems, at Lockheed Martin in Syracuse. "We are serious about our small business and university partnerships, and alongside CNSE, we plan to leverage our broad supplier base to attract a new generation of small nanotechnology businesses to conduct applied research beside us in Syracuse."
"This groundbreaking public-private partnership further underscores the pioneering vision, unparalleled leadership, and steadfast support of Speaker Silver, Assemblyman Stirpe and the New York State Assembly in establishing upstate New York as a global hub for nanotechnology education, innovation, and economic opportunity and growth," said Dr. Alain E. Kaloyeros, senior vice president and CEO of the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering. "Through the NICE initiative, the UAlbany NanoCollege looks forward to working with Lockheed Martin and CenterState CEO to accelerate critical 21st century technologies and to attract additional nanotechnology jobs, companies and investment to Central New York."
"This collaboration epitomizes the type of commitment and investment that is needed to accelerate CenterState New York's growth in emerging high technology industries," said Robert M. Simpson, president and CEO of the CenterState Corporation for Economic Opportunity. "This effort, led by Assemblyman Stirpe and Speaker Silver, leverages the strength of the region's largest private sector employer and expertise of academic anchors across the region to advance the commercialization of new technologies that will increase our competitiveness in the global marketplace."
NICE has already secured a commitment from Group4 Labs, Inc., currently based in California's Silicon Valley, to be the first tenant at the facility. The company, which makes advanced nanoelectronics devices for use in a variety of commercial, defense and clean energy applications, will initially locate seven employees in the Syracuse area, and plans to quickly grow to 14 jobs in the region.
"As an emerging nanotechnology company for which access to world-class intellectual capital and state-of-the-art technological infrastructure are essential, there is no better location for Group4 Labs, Inc. to establish development and manufacturing operations than upstate New York," said Dr. Felix Ejeckam, chairman, CEO and co-founder of Group4 Labs. "We wish to thank Assemblyman Stirpe for his leadership and vision in making this venture possible, and we look forward to working closely with the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering and Lockheed Martin to accelerate the research and commercialization of our advanced technologies, with an eye toward further growth in the Central New York region."