Center for Electronic Imaging Systems Receives $2 Million From State to Dramatically Grow Local Biomedical Imaging Businesses

The University of Rochester's Center for Electronic Imaging Systems (CEIS) has received $2 million from the state of New York to strengthen research, development, and commercialization of biomedical electronic imaging systems—such as 3-D medical scanners and optical sensors that can detect bacteria in just minutes.

The New York State Office of Science, Technology and Academic Research (NYSTAR) estimates that the award could increase the economic impact of CEIS on the Rochester area by more than $200 million over the next four years.

CEIS benefits the regional economy by matching researchers at the University of Rochester and other regional institutions with New York State- and Rochester-region businesses, including smaller companies that might not be able to afford hiring full-time scientists. The center looks for a good fit between the work a researcher is doing in the lab and work that is needed by local companies, and helps facilitate a sharing of knowledge and resources. The businesses benefit by receiving cutting-edge research, while the scientists benefit by having additional funding to carry out their research.

"This new program allows us to expand our academic and industrial partner base," said Eby G. Friedman, CEIS director. "It will accelerate the impact of the center's resources and expertise in the rapidly growing field of biomedical electronic imaging. We already have 25 potential projects from a variety of New York State companies and faculty."

This new biomedical imaging program will manage and conduct biomedical research that encourages and supports collaboration with small, entrepreneurial companies as well as local giants like Kodak and Bausch & Lomb.

"I would like to congratulate the University of Rochester for winning this prestigious CAT Development award," says Michael J. Relyea, executive director of NYSTAR. "These awards will help the university commercialize new technologies and create new jobs and companies in the region."

The University of Rochester, the Rochester Institute of Technology, and the University of Buffalo will work together in support of the NYSTAR mission, vision, and strategic objectives that focus on supporting academic research sponsored by industry partners for the greatest economic impact within the state.

For more information about CEIS and the biomedical imaging program (CAT-BIO), contact Carl Schauffele, at (585) 275-0547.