Technology and Innovation Expo is Oct. 19

The Saluki Times

October 12, 2012

By Christi Mathis

 

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- The 2012 Technology and Innovation Expo next week will celebrate the innovative spirit and discovery that are an intrinsic part of Southern Illinois University Carbondale, a top-tier research University. 

The fourth annual expo, "Sustaining Our Community," is Friday, Oct. 19, and will highlight the ways the University fuels growth and development in the region and beyond Southern Illinois. The event is from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center, 1740 Innovation Drive in Carbondale. Registration and a continental breakfast start the day. 

University faculty members will present their technology innovations, giving participants an opportunity to view exciting patented and patent-pending inventions, concepts and more. Michael Marlaire, an SIU Carbondale alumnus and NASA Research Park director, will present the keynote address, and there will also be a panel discussion that focuses on "Leveraging Knowledge and Technology for Sustainable Property." John Caupert, a University alumnus and director of the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center, will serve as moderator for the discussion. 

The Innovation Awards presentation will recognize the Inventor of the Year, Innovator of the Year, Startup of the Year and Student Startup of the Year. During the afternoon, teams led by SIU students will showcase their ingenuity, originality, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit as they compete for cash prizes in the Saluki Idea Competition. 

Teams have developed a variety of ideas for new products or services in conjunction with the theme of the day. Online voting is under way for the contest and continues until 11:49 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 14. Visit http://siu.launcht.com/ to see the original Saluki ideas and cast your ballots. The top five vote recipients will highlight their work at the Tech Expo as they vie for prizes of up to $500. 

Registration for the expo is $25 per person, and includes a catered luncheon featuring regional food and drink favorites and the afternoon reception. Participants will enjoy learning about the latest technological innovations and research advances at the University and networking with others in business, industry, finance, economic development, academia and other venues. 

Details about the expo, registration and the event's live webcast are available at http://tie.siu.edu/. More information is also available from Amy McMorrow Hunter at amcmorro@siu.edu or by calling 618/453-4556.