PROFILE <strong>Syracuse</strong> usairwaysmag.com May 2006 Garden that is partnering with the Research Foundation <strong>of</strong> the State University <strong>of</strong> New York to commercialize technologies in biosciences, life sciences, medical devices, and more, and the Technology Garden’s PreSeed Workshop, which puts university technologists through an intensive review with business coaches, intellectual property lawyers, and MBA students. Sixteen potential companies have gone through the program in <strong>Syracuse</strong>, and some have <strong>of</strong>fered jobs to the MBA students. Says <strong>Syracuse</strong> Mayor Matthew Driscoll, “We were progressive before it was fashionable, and now people across Get Connected Visitors to <strong>Syracuse</strong> in October can see more <strong>of</strong> its technology potential at fuse2007, a two-day showcase at the Oncenter <strong>of</strong> the area’s business potential. Go to fuse2007.com ANA <strong>US</strong> Air 07.qxd 7/25/07 3:57 PM Page 1 180 the country are looking at how progressive <strong>Syracuse</strong> has become.” Irwin Davis agrees. “I’m convinced that, a century from now, historians will look back on this period as a golden era for <strong>Syracuse</strong> and the entire central upstate region,” says Davis, president and CEO <strong>of</strong> the Metropolitan Development Association. “We’re building on a tradition <strong>of</strong> innovations that influenced the world. We have some <strong>of</strong> the most exciting new companies in the country, developing products that will shape the 21st century as much as Willis Carrier’s invention <strong>of</strong> the air conditioner shaped the last century.” Going places? Funny, so are we. ZEROING IN ON RADAR When your plane touches down safely today, remember this: Somebody in <strong>Syracuse</strong> probably helped make it possible. The central New York region is home to a collection <strong>of</strong> businesses that make systems to keep you safe in the air and on the ground. The systems watch for threats against U.S. soldiers abroad and to the quality <strong>of</strong> our drinking water at home. Companies here include Sensis, which makes air-traffic control and air defense systems, and SRCTec, which makes a counter-mortar radar and a device for jamming radio-controlled explosives. Lockheed Martin also runs a facility in the area making undersea radar. Sensis started 22 years ago with five employees from a former General Electric radar operation in <strong>Syracuse</strong>. Jud Gostin, its CEO, says that if he tried to move the business now, he’d face a mass revolt. “I’d lose half my technical talent,” he says. That talent has helped the company grow to 570 employees with more than $100 million in annual sales. Where is he finding it? Among other places, at <strong>Syracuse</strong> University, where Gostin sits on the board <strong>of</strong> advisers for its College <strong>of</strong> Engineering. SRCTec was spun out <strong>of</strong> a company founded by the university 50 years ago. SRCTec president, native Syracusan Mary Ann Tyszko, credits the area’s engineering heritage, its strong manufacturing base, and its educational resources. “You can further your education and be in touch with leading-edge research here,” says Tyszko, who did graduate work at SU. Another local firm, Anaren, develops radar technology for space and defense purposes. But it also employs the basic technology <strong>of</strong> radar — RF signals and their high-frequency counterpart, microwave signals — in developing components for cell-phone towers and for consumer electronics such as handsets. An air traffic controller uses Sensis’ Airport Surface Detection Equipment Model X Program (ASDE-X) and display. So a city known for its snow is actually on to some fairly hot radar technology. As Sensis’s Gostin says, “the systems-engineering capabilities, the problem-solving capabilities — there is no place that does that better than <strong>Syracuse</strong>.” — VC C o u r t e s y o f S e n s i s C o r p o r a t i o n usairwaysmag.com MAY 2006 181 Anaren is a fast-growing, <strong>Syracuse</strong>-based global leader in RF/microwave technology for the wireless, space, defense, and consumer electronics sectors. Our culture <strong>of</strong> innovation, technical excellence, and compassion for employees are keys to our success – and the reason we have openings for numerous highly motivated individuals who are interested in working in our fast-paced, innovative, challenging, and rewarding environment. Want to be part <strong>of</strong> a company that’s going places? Visit anaren.com today! EOE M/F/D/V Openings include: Engineers, Supply Chain, Quality, Production, and more! 800-411-6596 > www.anaren.com
This wind power farm in Fenner, east <strong>of</strong> <strong>Syracuse</strong>, supplies energy to city residents who request the Community Energy product through National Grid. P h o t o b y b o b m e s c a v a g e usairwaysmag.com September 2007 182 usairwaysmag.com September 2007 183 Emerald <strong>City</strong> by Having the foresight to “go green” pays <strong>of</strong>f for businesses and the community. Virginia Citrano
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