The fourth annual Forge University Research Park and Innovation District Summit — a conversation on the possibility of bringing more tech industry to the Killeen area — is scheduled to take place Jan. 9.
“The tipping opportunity is upon us,” said Richard Rhodes, interim president at Texas A&M University-Central Texas, which is hosting the annual summit. “The collective impact that we have to take advantage of the growing industry interest in Killeen and Central Texas, including semiconductors, data analytics, health care, cyber security and advanced manufacturing has never been more important.”
The seminar will run from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the campus, 1001 Leadership Place in south Killeen, and is open to the public. Researchers and industry professionals wishing to engage in the transfer and commercialization of innovation and divergent ideas should plan to attend.
There will be two keynote speakers — Rob Stone, executive director of the Operational Test Command at Fort Cavazos, and Col. Vito Errico, director of Army Software Factory for Army Futures Command in Austin.
There will be two panels of speakers that will be available for questions following a brief presentation. Panel one will include Charley Ayres, director of Industry/Education Partnerships at Workforce Solutions; John Crutchfield, retired CEO and president of the Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce; and Christy Ponce, president of Temple College.
The second panel includes Abdul Subhani, CEO and President of Centex Technologies; Scott Connell, current CEO and President of the Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce; Van Sullivan, CEO at Trideum Corporation; and Larry Smith, Chairman of the Board at Tokyo Electron America, Inc.
“Workforce development is a critical factor in the success and growth of the Forge Research Park,” Ayres said in the release. “It not only supports the existing businesses within the park but also helps attract new ones, fosters innovation, and contributes to regional economic development.”
The Forge Research Park at A&M-Central Texas aims to capitalize on collaborations with Fort Cavazos, the Operational Test Command and the technology industry to bring intellectual property, products and services to market at the speed of innovation.
For tickets to the summit, which are $25 each, and additional information regarding the annual summit, visit the Killeen Chamber of commerce website.