Canandaigua, N.Y. - A group of technology leaders is spending billions on research and development in New York State; part of it will go to Canandaigua. IBM and Intel are leading the $ 4.4 billion push.
The Smart System Technology and Commercialization Center, or STC, in Canandaigua is expected to add roughly 300 jobs through the partnership.
STC works with Microelectromechanical systems or MEMS, tiny machines used in medicine, communications among other applications.
SUNY Albany's Nanoscale and Science Engineering officials are partners with STC, combining nanotechnology resources with MEMS.
"The potential economic benefit is immense," said Paul Tolley, Executive Director of STC.
Finger Lakes Community College recently began two academic programs geared toward work in tech center laboratories.
“Over fifteen high-tech businesses offer internships required for the program, to prepare graduates to help accelerate the rate of innovation in diverse sectors such as precision manufacturing, precision optics, electronics systems, telecom, aviation, biomedical instrumentation, automation control, remote control of processes, aerospace and defense industries,” said Sam Samanta, Chairman of FLCC’s Department of Science and Technology.
In six to 12 months, Tolley expects entry-level jobs to begin at the tech center.
"This will help that center sustain and grow and add jobs. Some of them are very high level," said Ontario County Economic Developer, Mike Manikowski.
Tolley would not say how much his company will receive, but said the funding would come from private investment, not tax dollars.
In a news release, Governor Cuomo's office said private companies will not receive state funding:
"To support the project, New York State will invest $400 million in the SUNY College for Nanoscale and Science Engineering (CSNE) in Albany, including $100 million for energy efficiency and low cost energy allowances."
