SAVE THE DATE
EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES FORUM
October 23, 2026
Event Overview
Gain perspective on future trends from industry and education experts
Learn about opportunities and develop tools to support career pathways in emerging tech
Participate in conversations on Quantum and AI, and the impacts on our future
Emerging Technologies Forum (ETF) will encompass the growing regional sectors of Quantum, Artificial Intelligence, and Life Sciences.
Located at 101 College Street, in the heart of New Haven’s emerging technology ecosystem, this conference will bring together leaders from education and industry with university faculty, school teachers, students, and community stakeholders.
Together, we will ensure that today’s students are prepared to join the thriving innovation ecosystem here in Connecticut.
Goals
1. Foster engagement among students, educators, community stakeholders, and industry professionals around educational and career pathways in emerging technologies in Connecticut.
2. Support understanding around emerging technologies to facilitate collaborative workforce development efforts.
2025 Agenda
Registration
Registration, networking, and light refreshments
Opening remarks
- Julia Irwin, Interim Provost and VP for Academic Affairs at Southern Connecticut State University
- Legairre Radden, Scientist III in the Immunology and Inflammation group at Boehringer Ingelheim
- Norma Padrón, Vice President of Innovation & Startup Banking at JP Morgan Chase
Panel Discussion
- Jodie Gillon, President at CEO at BioCT
- Vincent Pieribone, Co-CEO at OceanX and Senior Research Scientist at SCSU
- Amit Savkar; Associate Professor-in-Residence of Mathematics; Director of the Quantitative Learning Center at UConn; Workforce Co-Lead at QuantumCT
- Shiang-Kwei Wang, Campus President at CT State Community College Gateway
- Moderated by Colleen Bielitz, Associated Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and Outreach at Southern Connecticut State University
Break
Breakout Sessions for Students
Breakout Sessions for Educators
Educators and Industry Professionals: facilitated discussion around industry needs and emerging technologies in use and forthcoming, and how educators can best prepare students
Networking & Tapas
Closing Remarks
- Christine Broadbridge; Professor of Physics & Executive Director of Research & Innovation at Southern Connecticut State University; Leadership Team at QuantumCT
2025 Panelists
Jodie Gillon – President & CEO, BioCT
Vincent Pieribone – Co-CEO, OceanX
Amit Savkar – Assc. Professor-in-Residence of Mathematics & Director of the Quantitative Learning Center, University of Connecticut; QuantumCT
Shiang-Kwei Wang – President, CT State Community College Gateway
2025 Moderator
Colleen Bielitz – Associate Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and Outreach, Southern CT State University
Partners
2025 Internal Partners
FAQs
Absolutely! Please register in advance to receive communications leading up to the event.
***The event has reached capacity, and registration is now closed. Please contact innovation@southernct.edu with questions or changes to your registration.
Nearby parking is available in the CT State Community College Gateway garage located at 170 Crown St, New Haven CT 06510. Refer to the following PDF for images, a map, and more instructions: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1sYjqOgFaHHqr7Yc-Oz772NrkQ0IVnVRM
If you accidentally park in the Temple Street Garage (located at 1 Temple St. New Haven CT 06510). Please be sure to stop by the security desk inside CT State Community College Gateway to have your ticked validated before you exit the garage.
Two faculty members will be operating the campus vans on a shuttle schedule that morning. Please refer to the following flyer for exact times and more information: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1sYjqOgFaHHqr7Yc-Oz772NrkQ0IVnVRM
If you have questions, please email innovation@southernct.edu
Another option is the free campus shuttle to Union Station, or the 243 CT Transit bus which is free with your UPass (see the Card Office to claim your UPass).
Looking get involved? Send an inquiry to innovation@southernct.edu to start the conversation.
At this time, all components of the conference are scheduled to remain in-person.
There will be light refreshments in the morning during registration and tapas served at noon.