UConn Tech Park’s Nursing and Engineering Innovation Center brings nurses and engineers together early in the design process to create healthcare technologies that solve real-world clinical challenges.
UConn Tech Park
UConn Researchers Tackle the Growing Threat of Wildfires to the Power Grid
Led by Junbo Zhao, UConn researchers show how the power grid both supports communities and drives wildfire risks, outlining resilience strategies and advanced monitoring tools in Nature Reviews Electrical Engineering.
Awards Spotlight UConn’s Clean Energy Excellence
UConn earned three awards at the inaugural Connecticut Clean Energy Week and hosted an Innovation Expo showcasing breakthrough sustainability technologies.
Guilherme Bertola Awarded 2025 NERPG Scholarship
Chemical Engineering PhD student Guilherme Bertola received a prestigious NERPG scholarship for innovations in microwave curing of 3D-printed elastomers.
Five UConn Student Teams Innovate Decarbonization This Summer Through Eversource-Supported Challenge
UConn, in partnership with Eversource Energy, has launched its third annual student innovation challenge to design clean energy solutions and reduce carbon emissions.
UConn AUKUS Scholars Explore Undersea Vehicle Technology, International Collaborations in Australia
Five UConn engineering students spent two weeks in Australia through the AUKUS Scholars Program, gaining hands-on experience in undersea vehicle technology, collaborating with peers, and exploring career opportunities in the field.
Eversource Energy Center Faculty Receive Prestigious NSF CAREER Awards
Dr. Diego Cerrai, Interim Director of the Eversource Energy Center and Assistant Professor in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, is advancing the science behind power outage prediction and restoration. His research focuses on improving how utilities forecast outages caused by snow and ice storms — and how they respond. By combining detailed observations of snow density with improved weather models, Cerrai’s work will refine the UConn Outage Prediction Model, already used by major utilities. His project also includes developing a new restoration model that factors in road conditions during winter weather, with the aim of reducing inequities in power restoration for rural communities. Read more about Cerrai’s research.
Dr. Junbo Zhao, Associate Director of the Eversource Energy Center and Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, is tackling the challenges of keeping our power grid stable and secure in an era of rapid growth in renewable energy. Zhao’s CAREER project will improve grid operators’ ability to monitor and control power systems in real time, helping prevent large-scale blackouts like the 2003 Northeast blackout. His integrated research and education plan also includes hands-on training, industry collaboration, and outreach to inspire the next generation of energy innovators. Learn more about Zhao’s research.
How to Partner With Industry (by Really Trying)
Leadership Horizons Workshop Empowers UConn Engineering Grad Students
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
UConn 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:
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Advanced manufacturing and automation services such as machining validation, 3D prototyping, and process optimization
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Materials science support including failure analysis, microscopy, and chemical analysis
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Energy and sustainability assessments including free energy audits and renewable integration strategies
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Data science resources from cybersecurity assessments to AI-driven diagnostics
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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.