UB leaders to discuss how manufacturing innovation is driving economic development in WNY

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Breakthroughs in advanced materials, nanotechnology and other emerging technologies are driving unprecedented innovation and competitiveness in the manufacturing industry.

This is especially true in Western New York, where the University at Buffalo is bridging gaps between industry, governmental organizations and academia to help revitalize the region’s economy.

A central part of the strategy is UB’s New York State Center of Excellence in Materials Informatics (CMI), a network of more than 50 UB faculty members engaged in materials science research and innovation.

Members of the news media are invited to learn how the center and partners, such as Buffalo Manufacturing Works (BMW), are working to create exciting new technology and businesses in the Buffalo Niagara region.

What: An update on advanced manufacturing in Western New York. Registration for the event has closed for members of the public, but members of the media may attend by contacting Julie Molenda at juliemol@buffalo.edu  or 716-881-7997.

When: 4-5 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 19.

Where: UB’s New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, 701 Ellicott St., Buffalo.

Who: CMI Co-Director Mark T. Swihart, PhD, UB Distinguished Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering; other CMI officials; and BMW President Michael Ulbrich.

Why: “Our mission at the CMI is to facilitate collaboration among academia, industry and the public sector to drive economic development,” says Swihart. “These partnerships are essential to build and maintain a competitive edge in emerging technologies and invest in the future of our manufacturing sector.”

“There’s a manufacturing renaissance happening in Buffalo and I’m excited to be a part of it,” says Ulbrich. “BMW in collaboration with the CMI, Insyte Consulting, World Trade Center Buffalo Niagara and regional training partners will engage industry through innovative fundamental research and will teach member companies how to meet product demand, streamline processes and reduce costs.”

More info on the CMI: Established in 2012, the CMI has worked with more than 200 companies, 10 universities and colleges and five federal agencies to link these organizations with UB’s network of materials science resources, including its researchers, laboratories and economic development officials.

In addition to BMW, which is part of Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s Buffalo Billion economic development plan, the CMI is part of the SUNY Research Foundation’s Materials & Advanced Manufacturing Network of Excellence. The network is one of five designed to drive collaboration among SUNY schools and scholars, facilitate industry partnerships and enhance the student experience.