RIT to house state Center of Excellence

New York state leaders have selected RIT to advance manufacturing with new strategies and technologies. RIT will be home to the state’s Center of Excellence in Sustainable Manufacturing.

The new center will enable expanded research and technology transfer activity between industry and RIT. The technology created by the center will allow New York to compete at the next frontier of manufacturing competitiveness, says RIT President Bill Destler.

“Already a hotbed of talent and technology in clean manufacturing and production, Rochester is in a unique position to capitalize on the economic development potential associated with sustainable manufacturing. The Center of Excellence will continue our region’s efforts to create high-tech, well-paying jobs,” says Senator Jim Alesi, chairman of the State Senate’s Committee on Commerce and Economic Development, whose committee initiated the designation of the center at RIT.

“I was happy to partner with RIT to help make the new center a reality,” says Senator Joe Robach. “It will not only make RIT stronger, but will improve our environment and green job opportunities in our area.”

Assemblyman Joseph Morelle added: “This center will enhance our region’s ability to remain at the forefront of emerging technologies and innovation in manufacturing. Our economy depends on precisely this kind of partnership between great academic institutions such as RIT, state government and the private sector.”

The new center will be part of the Golisano Institute for Sustainability, which will be housed in a new building slated to open this fall.