Microelectronics Forum

August 5, 2025 | 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Innovare Advancement Center
Griffiss Institute
592 Hangar Rd
Rome, NY 13441 

Join us at the 2025 Microelectronics Forum, organized by Upstate Defense—a collaboration between NYSTAR, FuzeHub, CenterState CEO, the Griffiss Institute, Syracuse University, and funded by the DoD Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation. This forum is a prime opportunity for networking, gaining industry insights, and exploring growth opportunities. 

Why Attend?


Supply chain disruptions, global microchip shortages, and abrupt shifts in demand have highlighted the critical need for domestic microelectronics manufacturing. New York State is leading the charge with major players like GlobalFoundries, Wolfspeed, and Micron establishing cutting-edge facilities here. However, the industry thrives on local activities and collaboration.

What to Expect


Attendees will have the chance to:

• Network with Industry Leaders: Connect with key players in the microelectronics industry.

• Gain Insights: Hear from experts about the latest trends and challenges in the field.

• Learn About Entrepreneurial Initiatives: Discover programs and initiatives that support innovation, workforce and supply chain industry sectors.

• Navigate the Federal Procurement Process: Get practical advice on how to engage with federal procurement opportunities.

• Explore Funding Opportunities: Learn about current funding sources and how to access them.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to be part of the conversation shaping the future of microelectronics in New York State. Register now to secure your spot and take advantage of all the valuable resources and connections this event has to offer! 

Event Agenda

7:45 AM – 8:30 AM

Breakfast & Registration 

8:30 AM – 9:30 AM

Welcome


Keynote 


Panel Discussions

9:30 am – 10:00 am

Break

10:00 am – 10:45 am

Workforce Discussion

10:45 am – 11:30 am

Supply Chain Discussion

11:30 am – 12:15 pm

Innovation Discussion

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM

Lunch

 

 

Optional Afternoon Activities

Tours of Quantum Laboratories – 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM 

Introduction to DoD Supply Chain Workshop – 2:00PM to 4:30PM

Led by TDO

Upstate Makes Partner Meeting – 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM 

Speakers

Hiwot Gebremariam

Program Activity Lead for the Defense Manufacturing Community Support Program, Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation

Jennifer Waters

Senior Director of Industry Development, Strategic Business Development, Empire State Development

Joseph Nehme

Sr. Manager External Affairs, Micron Technology

Satyavolu Papa Rao

Vice President for Research, NY CREATES

Michael Frame

Executive Vice President, MACNY

Kaylon Paterson

CEO, Paterson Aerospace Systems

Herb Dwyer

CEO, Empeq

Aimee Durfee

Vice President of Workforce Innovation, CenterState CEO

Tim Thomas

Chief Academic Officer, Griffiss Institute

Mike Bianchi

Senior Director, Education and Career Training, for the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), Syracuse University

Craig Marcinkoswki

Director of Strategy, Saab USA

David Rooney

Principal, DMR Group

Don Lynch

Senior Project Manager, TDO

James D’Agostino

MEP Center Director, TDO

John Liddy

Vice President of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, CenterState CEO

Seth Mulligan

Chief Operating Officer, Griffiss Institute

Ben Weinberg

Engineering Solutions Specialist, FuzeHub 

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