BINGHAMTON, NY – Binghamton University’s Integrated Electronics Engineering Center’s (IEEC) designation as a New York State Center for Advanced Technology (CAT) was extended for an additional 10-year term by Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology and Innovation (ESD/NYSTAR). The IEEC, founded in 1991, has been classified as a CAT since the mid-1990s. As a result of the re-designation, the Center will receive nearly $10 million in NYSTAR funding over the next decade.

The IEEC, part of the University’s New York State-designated Center of Excellence (COE) in Small Scale Systems Integration and Packaging (S3IP), pursues research in electronics packaging in partnership with private industry. The market demands increasingly robust, inexpensive and efficient products. Research conducted by the University with both large and small industries (a complete list can be viewed at IEEC Membership,) has led to significant technological advances in devices that are smaller, faster and greener than their predecessors. Current projects focus on topics such as cybersecurity, 3D packaging, flexible electronics, power electronics and batteries.

The IEEC connects the intellectual prowess of academic researchers and students with experts at more than 70 companies to foster economic development and create jobs by speeding the transfer of new technologies to the commercial market. Advancements in packaging and manufacturing processes from Binghamton’s CAT will continue to increase the pace and value of industry innovation.

In renewing the CAT designation for another 10 years, ESD officials said the University’s proposal was among the best.

"Binghamton University’s Integrated Electronics Engineering Center (IEEC) has once again been designated a Center for Advanced Technology (CAT)," said Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Howard Zemsky. "We congratulate Binghamton and look forward to IEEC’s continued development of advanced electronics and cybersecurity for years to come."

"We are delighted to once again be recognized for the work conducted by our IEEC and all of its private-sector partners," Binghamton University President Harvey Stenger said. "This is yet another confirmation of the important work being done here on campus in collaboration with industry."

Binghamton continues to be a leader in working with industry. In 2013-14, 9.5 percent of sponsored research at Binghamton was funded by corporate partners. That compares to about 5 percent of university R&D nationwide.

"Our researchers here on campus are highly respected by industry, and that is why they continue their association with Binghamton year after year," said Bahgat Sammakia, Binghamton University’s vice president for research. "We are honored to once again receive the CAT designation and look forward to catalyzing many new and significant technological advancements working side by side with industry."

"Binghamton University is once again being recognized as an outstanding research institution and the CAT designation is a well-deserved award," said Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo.  "Private industry working alongside University researchers is the best way to advance products and processes that will have a positive impact on society. Getting new, in-demand products manufactured and to the marketplace faster is the best way to grow our economy and stimulate job growth."

Daryl Santos, director of the IEEC and professor of systems science and industrial engineering, noted that the center also offers unique educational opportunities for Binghamton University students.

"Undergraduate and graduate students from several disciplines immerse themselves in research with direct applications to private companies and make connections that spark discoveries while advancing their careers," said Santos.

Since its founding, the IEEC has provided a more than 60-to-1 return on investment for New York state. In fact, between 1994 and 2014 (the latest figures available) the IEEC and its partners generated more than $1 billion in statewide economic activity. Partner companies attribute the creation and retention of 1,890 jobs to activity generated by Binghamton’s CAT.