iDEa: Emerging Industries in BlueTech and Photonics
In partnership with: Delaware Foundation for Science & Mathematics Education
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Opening Remarks
The Landscape and Regional Strength Fireside Chat on BlueTech Panel Discussion |
Event Agenda
4:00 p.m. | Registration & Networking Connect with fellow attendees before the program begins. 4:30 – 4:45 p.m. | Opening Remarks Technology Forum of Delaware and Lt. Governor Kyle Evans Gay 4:45 – 5:05 p.m. | The Landscape & Regional Strength Speaker: Dr. Jason Gorman, NIST 5:05 – 5:30 p.m. | Fireside Chat: Light Beneath the Surface Moderator: Dr. Tod Sizer, Nokia Bell Labs Speaker: Dr. Dylan Temple, Integer Technologies 5:30 – 6:20 p.m. | Panel Discussion: Photonics as a Regional Growth Engine Moderator: Dr. Christine Galib, Princeton University Panelists: Dr. Tingyi Gu (University of Delaware), Dr. Dennis Prather (Phase Sensitive Innovations & University of Delaware), Dr. Hjalti Skulason (Qnity), and Dr. Robert Chimenti (Rowan University) 6:20 – 6:30 p.m. | Audience Q&A 6:30 – 7:00 p.m. | Networking Reception |
Meet the Speakers
Opening Remarks
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Lt. Governor Kyle Evans Gay
Lieutenant Governor | State of Delaware Lt. Governor Kyle Evans Gay is Delaware's 27th Lieutenant Governor, attorney, former State Senator, and lifelong public servant. She has dedicated her career to strengthening opportunities for Delaware families and communities through leadership in government, workforce development, and public service.
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The Landscape & Regional Strength
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Dr. Jason Gorman
Division Chief, Microsystems and Nanotechnology Division | NIST Dr. Jason Gorman serves as Division Chief of the Microsystems and Nanotechnology Division at NIST's Physical Measurement Laboratory. His research focuses on micro- and nanomechanical systems, integrated nanophotonics, and precision sensing technologies that support innovation across a range of industries. At iDEa, he will discuss the region's growing leadership in BlueTech and Photonics.
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Fireside Chat
Light Beneath the Surface: How Photonics Powers the Blue Economy
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Dr. Theodore Sizer
Head, Optical System and Device Research | Nokia Bell Labs Dr. Theodore (Tod) Sizer leads the Optical System and Device Research Lab at Nokia Bell Labs, where he oversees research and innovation in optical systems and devices supporting communications across terrestrial, submarine, satellite, and data center networks. A recognized leader in optics and wireless research, he brings decades of experience advancing technologies that are shaping the future of global connectivity.
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Dr. Dylan Temple
Vice President of Research | Integer Technologies Dr. Dylan Temple serves as Vice President of Research at Integer Technologies, where he leads applied research and innovation in maritime autonomy, power and energy systems, sensing, and cyber-physical resilience. Working across government, industry, and academia, he helps transition emerging technologies into real-world capabilities that address critical national and commercial challenges.
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Panel Discussion
Photonics as a Regional Growth Engine: From Research to Real World Impact
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Dr. Chistine Galib (Moderator)
Director, Innovation Infrastructure and Programs & Advancing Photonics Technologies | Princeton University Dr. Christine Galib serves as Director of Innovation Infrastructure and Programs & Advancing Photonics Technologies at Princeton University, where she helps foster innovation and supports the growth of emerging technologies. An experienced startup advisor and ecosystem builder, she works to connect research, entrepreneurship, and industry to accelerate innovation.
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Dr. Tingyi Gu
Associate Professor, Electrical Engineering | University of Delaware Dr. Tingyi Gu is an associate professor of electrical engineering at the University of Delaware, where her research focuses on silicon photonics for optical communications and sensing. Her work advances high-speed, reconfigurable photonic technologies that support next-generation communications and sensing applications.
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Dr. Dennis Prather
Co-founder and President | Phase Sensitive Innovations, Inc. Alumni Distinguished Professor | University of Delaware Dr. Dennis Prather is Co-Founder and President of Phase Sensitive Innovations and College of Engineering Alumni Distinguished Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Delaware. An internationally recognized leader in photonics, his research focuses on photonic devices and their applications in imaging, radar, and wireless communications.
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Dr. Hjalti Skulason
Optical Material Platform Leader | Qnity Dr. Hjalti Skulason is Optical Material Platform Leader at Qnity, where he focuses on advancing optical materials for applications in displays and communications. With extensive experience in product development and commercialization, he has helped guide innovations from early research through real-world applications across advanced materials and photonics.
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Dr. Robert V. Chimenti
Assistant Professor & Photonics Coordinator | Rowan University Dr. Robert Chimenti is an Assistant Professor and Photonics Coordinator at Rowan University, where his research focuses on Raman spectroscopy, advanced optical materials, and photonic technologies. With experience in both industry and academia, he is helping advance new applications for photonics in manufacturing, sensing, and materials science.
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Board Members
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Greg Plum - Chairperson
Director, Strategist Recruiting | Bridgepointe Technologies Rich Kenney - President Cofound & VP | TechSolutions Inc. Karly Keenan - Secretary Account Executive Jonathan Arena - Treasurer President | White Clay Technology Erica Crell Sr. Innovation Manager | Delaware Prosperity Partnership Roddy Flynn Chief of Staff | Congresswoman Sarah McBride Buyan Thyagarajan Director | Eigen X, LLC Patrick O’Neill Marketing Dave White Director of IT | Capano Management Kristin Knowlton Sr. Account Executive | Partner's Consulting, Inc. Lindsay Pennington Government Procurement Business Analyst | APEX Accelerator Delaware Jessica Bell Marketing Strategist and Owner | QuBella Designs |
Thank You To Our Supporting Sponsor
Delaware Prosperity Partnership drives the state’s economic growth by attracting, expanding, and supporting businesses while building a thriving innovation and talent ecosystem.
Thank You To Our Contributing Sponsor
The Innovation Space fuels the growth of science-bases startups and entrepreneurs through best-in-class labs and customized support.
Thank You To Our Community Sponsors
G-Squared Partners provides outsourced CFO, outsourced accounting, and investment banking services for venture-backed and entrepreneurial companies.
Think Different Nation is an ideation platform and creative coaching initiative founded by innovator Tye Glover. Through content, podcasts, and proven methodologies, it helps creatives turn bold ideas into real-world solutions.
Future Events
End of Summer Social | September 23 | Makers Alley | Wilmington, DE
Holiday Party | December 2 | University & Whist Club | Wilmington, DE
Holiday Party | December 2 | University & Whist Club | Wilmington, DE
About Tech Forum
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