DURHAM, N.H.—The University of New Hampshire will host one of its bi-annual industry “sandpits” on the topic of advanced manufacturing Thursday, May 23, 2019, from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the John Olson Advanced Manufacturing Center. “Sandpits” encourage innovation and industry/university collaboration by providing companies with direct access to UNH researchers working in the same field. It is free to attend but registration is required.

This day devoted to advance manufacturing is designed to help companies and researchers identify and develop potential projects and partnerships, solve business challenges and accelerate scientific innovation in advanced manufacturing research and technology. Attendees will learn about UNH research in the areas of industrial internet of things, biomanufacturing, rapid prototyping, automation/robotics, machining, electronics manufacturing, composites, materials characterization and more. Activities will include networking/speed dating opportunities to interact and exchange ideas, an expo of research and business resources, and a networking social hour. There will also be tours of the university’s John Olson Advanced Manufacturing Center, Space Science Center, University Instrumentation Center and InterOperability Lab.

“UNH has expertise in rapid prototyping, automation/robotics, biomanufacturing, machining, electronics manufacturing, composites, materials characterization and more,” said Marc Sedam, associate vice provost for innovation and new ventures and managing director of UNHInnovation. “We know many local companies could benefit from that expertise in their pursuits to innovate and commercialize new ideas. This day gives us the opportunity to showcase the university’s resources, labs and manufacturing related research with the goal of building business/academic partnerships that result in commercialization and economic development.”

The UNH Advanced Manufacturing Day is administered by UNHInnovation in partnership with the N.H. Department of Business and Economic Affairs, the Business and Industry Association of NH and the NH Manufacturing Extension Partnership.