Technology Corridor Happenings

The Innovation Connection (IC) engages participants in focused discussions on topics related to innovation, bringing together University of Connecticut faculty and students through facilitated introductions with members of the private sector with similar or shared interests. 

In 2009, a small group of Connecticut professionals involved in research, funding, higher education and private businesses decided there was an unmet need in coordinating conversations. Conversations were a beginning to building bridges and collaborative relationships that would lead to new opportunities, jobs, revenue and a renewed interest in innovation in a difficult economy. An initial event was held with a small, diverse group to discuss what might happen if you started with informal conversations to see what could be built.

Some assumptions:

• Technology and manufacturing companies are looking to innovate.
• Students are looking for experience and employment opportunities in the real world.
• There’s a growing interest within universities in entrepreneurship and technology transfer.
• Entrepreneurs are challenged to find out how/who to work with in education.
• There is funding available for innovation from the government, universities and other sources.
• Innovation management in small/mid-sized companies is often managed on an ad hoc basis and is self-funded.

Purpose:

Build collaborative relationships between interested and interesting people in education and private business that lead to products, services, jobs and revenue.

Strategy:

Start small and informal, create personal relationships within the “community,” identify and assist development of programs and opportunities, expand to a variety of schools, expand to a diverse set of innovative companies and support the creation of meaningful programs.

Calendared monthly, these networking sessions occur at various locations throughout the State, stimulating a variety of conversations on the subject of innovation. 

At an October IC event held at Central Connecticut State University (CCSU), jointly sponsored by CCSU and the UConn School of Engineering, students from Eastern Connecticut State University (ECSU), CCSU, UConn and the University of Hartford engaged in a new business idea poster competition with successful teams moving on to discussions with Angel Investors and sources of investment capital.

Other IC networking events have been held at private firms like Industrial Airflow Design in Glastonbury, KTI in South Windsor and Nerac, in Tolland. 

IC events taking place at UConn this year included discussions at the Center for Clean Energy and Engineering (C2E2) and the kickoff of the McFee Lecture Series which was held at the Chemistry Building. The September IC event included several students presenting their business plans for new ventures. 

Look for news about future IC events which can be found on the calendar of the UConn School of Engineering Web site.