Author: Melanie Noble

Leadership Horizons Workshop Empowers UConn Engineering Grad Students

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UConn Tech Park was pleased to host the Leadership Horizons: Exploring Paths Beyond Graduation leadership workshop from the UConn Engineering – John Lof Leadership Academy on May 13. The workshop was designed to educate graduate students from the UConn College of Engineering about leadership opportunities in various career sectors (industry, academia, and entrepreneurship).

Attendees heard from guest speakers from both industry and academia, who discussed the opportunities and hurdles students may face as they move forward in their careers. Thank you to all speakers for your invaluable expertise and guidance!

Supporting Small Businesses in CT – Manufacturing Leadership Roundtables at UConn Tech Park

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Mfg Roundtable March 2025 AttendeesUConn Tech Park’s collaborations with the State of Connecticut and Chief Manufacturing Officer Paul Lavoie aim to introduce Tech Park resources to Connecticut’s small manufacturers. “Supporting CT’s small businesses is a key mission for UConn Tech Park,” says Tech Park business development manager Mike DiDonato. “Through outreach like this, we connect with businesses that can leverage Tech Park resources to innovate new products and improve existing ones. We want businesses to know that Tech Park can help them stay competitive. UConn is here to support you.”

That objective was set in motion on March 20 with the kickoff of the 2025 Manufacturing Leadership Roundtable series at UConn Tech Park. This ongoing, invitation-only series brings together C-level leaders from manufacturing companies across the state to network, share challenges, and explore how UConn’s research and innovation capabilities can support their growth.

Participating manufacturers represented a range of specialties—from aerospace and electronics to precision engineering and metal fabrication. The roundtable format allows these leaders to see firsthand how UConn can provide support in areas like advanced manufacturing, materials testing, energy management, data science, and more.

Tech Park offers:

  • Advanced manufacturing and automation services such as machining validation, 3D prototyping, and process optimization

  • Materials science support including failure analysis, microscopy, and chemical analysis

  • Energy and sustainability assessments including free energy audits and renewable integration strategies

  • Data science resources from cybersecurity assessments to AI-driven diagnostics

  • Training and consulting tailored to business needs, along with access to engineering senior design teams for small-scale projects

“Many small and mid-sized manufacturers don’t realize how accessible and practical UConn’s resources can be,” says DiDonato. “Whether you’re troubleshooting a process, validating a design, or looking to explore AI or automation, UConn Tech Park can help.”

Interested in participating in a future roundtable?
> If you are the General Manager, President, or CEO of a Connecticut manufacturing company, please reach out to Paul Lavoie. Participation is by invitation only.

Want to learn more about Tech Park support for small businesses?
> View the flyer with detailed resources and services.
> Contact Mike DiDonato, Business Development Manager, UConn Tech Park

UConn Tech Park – Powering Innovation for Connecticut’s Small Businesses.

Exploring the Future of Digital Twins in Manufacturing

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Group of scientistsOn November 12–13, 2024, UConn’s Pratt & Whitney Institute for Advanced Systems Engineering (PW-IASE) brought together researchers, industry leaders, and practitioners for the Workshop on Digital Twins for Manufacturing, held at the Innovation Partnership Building at UConn Tech Park. Hosted in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) and the National Science Foundation (NSF), the event served as a global platform to explore the transformative potential of Digital Twin (DT) technologies in modern manufacturing.

Participants engaged in a dynamic exchange of ideas through keynote presentations, interactive panels, and collaborative working sessions. The workshop’s agenda was designed to address pressing challenges and opportunities in manufacturing, with a focus on the development and application of DTs—virtual models that mirror physical systems to optimize products, processes, and production throughout their lifecycle.

Digital Twin technologies are revolutionizing how manufacturers approach design, production, and maintenance. By enabling real-time data integration and predictive analytics, DTs support informed decision-making and proactive solutions, critical for industries navigating the complexities of modern supply chains and innovation demands. “As the manufacturing sector evolves, DTs provide critical tools for innovation, enabling real-time data integration, predictive analytics, and proactive decision-making,” noted Dr. George Bollas, associate dean of Research for UConn’s College of Engineering and director of PW-IASE.

The workshop tackled key themes, such as improving system efficiency, enhancing resilience, and leveraging DTs for sustainability in manufacturing. Notable speakers and panelists represented a wide array of expertise, from academic research to practical applications in aerospace, defense, and energy sectors. Participants worked toward actionable outcomes, including drafting a strategic roadmap to guide the future development of DT technologies and fostering collaborations across academia, industry, and government.

By hosting this event, UConn reaffirmed its position as a leader in advancing cutting-edge manufacturing technologies. The workshop highlighted Connecticut’s rich industrial heritage, particularly in aerospace, defense, and shipbuilding, while showcasing how innovations like DTs will shape the future of these sectors.

The Workshop on Digital Twins for Manufacturing not only provided a forum for sharing knowledge but also underscored the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in driving technological progress. As digital twins continue to mature, they hold the promise of transforming manufacturing into a more agile, efficient, and sustainable industry.