Newswise — Binghamton University officials today joined regional business and political leaders for the formal opening of the first building of the campus' new Innovative Technologies Complex (ITC). The facility will aid the University in its efforts to encourage and facilitate cutting-edge research in the biotechnology and biomedical fields and help move innovation from the laboratory to the marketplace.
"The opening of this building signifies Binghamton University's unwavering commitment-- through education, research and engagement—to embracing and fulfilling its key role in the economic future of New York State," said President Lois B. DeFleur. "This innovative facility supports the University's innovative research in biotechnology and engineering research, and the discoveries and technologies developed here will result in significant return on investment for New York State and the Southern Tier."
At 92,000 square feet, the first building of the ITC is dedicated to advancing multidisciplinary research in biomedicine, bioengineering, biosensors and biotechnology. It houses collaborative research laboratories and related offices, a clinic for clinical trials, pre-incubators to support University-initiated or University related businesses, as well as support for grant applications and administration. It offers modern facilities using the newest technology, which involves modular-styled laboratories. The flexibility of these laboratories provides fast and easy setup and reconfiguration, allowing faculty quick access to the ITC's research facilities.
In addition, the ITC provides low-cost start-up office space, equipment and services for Binghamton University faculty research related spin-off companies. The latest companies to move into this suite include NSC Technology, which focuses on the development of materials for chemical/biological sensor and fuel cell catalysts; and NanoMas Technologies Inc. (NMTI), which specializes in the biological aspects of nanotechnology research and development, and nanomaterials engineering.
"The opening of the ITC is important because it makes possible tremendously exciting research opportunities in the biotechnology and biomedical fields," said Gerald Sonnenfeld, vice president for research. "The applied research that will be done here will find its way to the marketplace within five years, offering a broad range of applications to the man on the street."
The land that comprises the ITC and the existing building on that parcel were purchased from NYSEG in 2002. Building renovations were then made possible through a $15 million Gen*NY*sis " Generating Employment Through New York Science - grant obtained by State Senator Thomas W. Libous.
"Back in 2002, I was pleased to be able to help Binghamton University secure the funding to renovate this building," said Senator Libous. "The new Innovative Technologies Complex will be an anchor in spurring new high-tech research and creating jobs here in our community. With the addition of the new science and engineering building that's currently being planned, the University is becoming a world-class institution that can unlock our potential for growth here in Greater Binghamton."
The plans to add the second building to the ITC are already underway. Funding for a $66 million engineering and science facility, with support from Senator Libous and Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, D-Endwell, was secured from New York State earlier this year.
"This new ITC center expands Binghamton University's educational opportunities, focusing on advancements and innovations in technology and research," said Lupardo. "Along with Binghamton University's extended downtown location, ITC is an integral part of this community's future transformation and economic growth. I am very exited about this groundbreaking step and I can only see us moving forward."
The addition of the ITC to campus facilities underscores the University's strong commitment to the promotion and expansion of interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research opportunities. In the past decade, sponsored research activity at Binghamton University has more than doubled. This past fiscal year alone, the University logged a 24 percent increase in external funding and posted a 53 percent increase in licensing income, the second highest in this category in the 64 campus SUNY system.
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