Investment Complements "Southern Tier Soaring" - The Region's Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy

Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that its Division of Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR) has awarded a Center for Advanced Technology (CAT) designation to Binghamton University. The school's Center for Flexible Hybrid Medical Device Manufacturing (FlexMed) will assist with job creation through the development and commercialization of technologies in New York State. NYSTAR will provide the center with nearly $8.8 million in funding over the course of the ten-year designation.

Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, "Binghamton University is a gem of the SUNY system, consistently ranking as one of the best public universities in the country. We are proud to support Binghamton's place at the center of medical and pharmaceutical device manufacturing – a rapidly emerging industry cluster that will continue to expand and create the foundation for new companies to form and grow." 

The FlexMed CAT will serve as the nucleus of a manufacturing industry cluster in the quickly-emerging field of medical and pharmaceutical device manufacturing. It will enable industry partners to scale up flexible-hybrid electronics technologies and present them to the marketplace more quickly, while harnessing wide-ranging academic capabilities for product development and commercialization, workforce development and job creation efforts for New York State.

The FlexMed CAT will also develop a comprehensive system to support the state's existing workforce development initiatives. Among its intended goals, the CAT will offer training, workshops and academic classes that support the vision and mission of the FlexMed CAT, provide support to encourage companies of various sizes and stages to locate in New York State, and foster collaboration between FlexMed CAT members including materials suppliers, tool designers, systems integrators, device manufacturers and academic partners.

Mark Poliks, Binghamton University Empire Innovation Professor of Engineering/Director Center for Advanced Microelectronics Manufacturing (CAMM) said, “The FlexMed CAT will allow researchers at Binghamton University and our industry partners to build on more than a decade of experience in designing and manufacturing flexible electronics.  We have unique facilities and expertise in partnering with industry that will enable us to make contributions to New York companies' R&D right away. This investment, combined with our ongoing work as the New York node of the NextFlex manufacturing institute, establishes us as a major resource for large and small firms that are interested in flexible, wearable medical and industrial devices.  As an educator, I'm also excited about the workforce development aspect of this center.  Students at Binghamton and at SUNY Polytechnic Institute will have opportunities to learn state-of-the-art techniques and will be prepared for careers in this vital and growing economic sector when they graduate."

The CAT designation funding will be used to directly support economic impact in New York State through applied research, development and technology transfer. The funds are focused on budget items benefitting industry through support for CAT infrastructure, staffing, and direct research support to New York State companies.

Senator Fred Akshar said, "Advancements in medical technology and manufacturing create enormous potential for new jobs and economic development in the Southern Tier. Time and again, Binghamton University shines brightest in the SUNY system and opportunities like this help light new paths toward prosperity for our community."

Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo said, "Binghamton University has been at the cutting edge of this exciting new technology for some time. The FlexMed CAT designation is well deserved and comes at a time when demand for these types of products is on the rise.The ongoing research occurring at BU's Innovative Technologies Complex adds enormous value to our region's economic recovery, providing workforce development opportunities and game changing innovations."

Broome County Executive Jason Garnar said, “This is another great, well-deserved, recognition for Binghamton University. The university plays an integral role when it comes to economic development and job-growth in Broome County, and I’m excited to see continued success with the help of this funding over the next decade.”

Binghamton Mayor Richard David said, “Binghamton University continues to be a hub for job creation. This investment in high tech manufacturing will support or community’s revitalization and grow Binghamton University’s reputation as a global leader in applied research and innovation. We thank Governor Cuomo and Empire State Development for their recognition of the University’s economic impact on our region.”

Contact:

ESD Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313