Gov. George E. Pataki visited the Syracuse University
campus April 19 to announce that SU's Center for Computer Applications
and Software Engineering (CASE), one of the state's Centers for
Advanced Technology (CAT), has been awarded $2.1 million to explore
cutting-edge technology that will protect the vast amounts of
information that travel electronically over the Internet, wireless
channels and other media.
"Today's announcement is great news for the Syracuse area and
marks another tremendous step in our efforts to create a comprehensive
and long-term plan that will foster the growth of high-tech and biotech
industries across the state," Gov. Pataki said. "This new
program, combined with our new $1 billion high-tech, biotech initiative
and the unprecedented investments we've made during the past six
years, will help create new jobs and new opportunities across upstate
New York."
"We at Syracuse are confident that New York state can and will
become a national leader in high-technology enterprise," SU
Chancellor Kenneth A. Shaw said. "This grant and other major
funding initiatives from the Governor's Office buoy that confidence
immeasurably. Syracuse University is very proud to join its colleagues
in the development of secure electronic information delivery
systems."
The award to the Syracuse CAT has been made through NYSTAR's $10
million CAT Development program, an initiative that will lead to the
creation of nationally recognized research centers and bring
high-technology innovations to the marketplace.
The research that will be conducted as a result of the investments
made through the CAT Development Program will produce significant
technological improvements that will lead to substantial future economic
development in New York. In addition, the research will earn substantial
support from participating universities and research organizations.
"This has been a very successful program, and the funding will
allow Syracuse University to continue to make advances both
technological and financial that will benefit our community," said
Assemblywoman Joan Christensen (D-119). "The University already has
a network of resources in which it already collaborates, and now the
institution is well poised to expand on the great work it is already
doing."
The Syracuse CAT will use the funds to create the Syracuse University
Prototypical Research in Information Assurance (SUPRIA) to conduct
research, provide fellowships, and develop new technologies in
information assurance.
"I'm excited that good things continue to happen here in
Syracuse," said Assemblyman William Magnarelli (D-120). "The
CASE Center is already a first-rate facility, but today we are taking
steps to make it world-class. As chairman of the Assembly Task Force on
University-Industry Relations, I'm working to spur our economy through
technology initiatives that partner our colleges and universities with
industry associations. We can add this funding to a growing list of new
University-Industry projects like the New York Indoor Environmental
Quality Center here at SU."
The Syracuse team is made up of highly regarded scientists and
researchers. The academic partners include the Air Force Research
Laboratory in Rome and the Computer Forensics Research and Development
Center at Utica College. Industry partners include Welch Allyn Inc.,
Shore Group, Sensis Corp. and Ernst & Young.
"Once again, Gov. Pataki has proven how his policies and his
leadership continue to benefit Central New York," said State Sen.
John A. DeFrancisco (R-49). "This $2.1 million award will provide a
tremendous boost to our economy and help assure that our area will have
an important role to play well into the future with high-tech
development."
NYSTAR received numerous proposals for funding under the CAT
Development Program totaling nearly $40 million. Each CAT across the
state was eligible to submit an application for the program.
The existing CAT program supports university-industry collaborations
in research, education and technology transfer, with a strong focus on
helping New York businesses gain a technological edge on their
competition. There are 14 CATs statewide, each of which receives $1
million annually in state funding. The grant announced today will
supplement this annual support at selected CATs.
"Syracuse University's Maxwell School and Newhouse School have
long been recognized as first in the nation in public policy and
communications," said State Sen. Nancy Larraine Hoffmann (D-48).
"Now with this grant, the Center for Advanced Technology is on the
brink of achieving the same stature in preparing people for the
high-tech world of tomorrow."
The SU announcement builds on Gov. Pataki's unprecedented $1
billion high-technology and biotechnology plan for New York, which he
unveiled during his State of the State address in January. His plan
would allow the state to become a worldwide leader in university-based
research, business creation and job development.
"The CAT Development Program is one of many initiatives
reflecting the vision and leadership of Gov. Pataki and the Legislature
to strengthen research and development in New York State," says Dr.
Russell W. Bessette, executive director of NYSTAR. "The huge
response to the program is an indication of the incredibly dynamic
nature of research and development in the state. We are absolutely
thrilled to fund such wonderful endeavors."
"New York's Centers for Advanced Technology are a critical
part of the state's comprehensive approach to encourage high
technology research and economic development," said Senate Majority
Leader Joseph L. Bruno (R-43). "The investment announced today by
Gov. Pataki will further their groundbreaking research. The CAT program,
when combined with programs such as JOBS 2000, and new biotechnology
initiatives, including the Senate's Gen*NY*sis proposal, enhances New
York state's reputation as a national leader in the fields of high
technology and biotechnology."
Since 1995, New York state has fostered the growth of its high-tech
and biotech industries by investing more than $730 million in the
technology business sector and the state's world-class research and
academic centers.
"It has long been the belief of the Assembly majority that great
campuses are the crossroads where the private and public sectors
converge, where innovation meets commercialization, and where the
workforce of this new millennium will be trained to win the competition
for the high-paying careers of the 21st century," says Assembly
Speaker Sheldon Silver (D-62). "The successful CAT program is a
vital component of ongoing efforts to build on our resources and ensure
that New York state is competitive in our ever-changing global
economy."
