UConn partners with GE

The University of Connecticut will be teaming up with General Electric in a multimillion dollar project to transform Connecticut’s technology sector and create more innovative electrical distribution products.

The news was announced in a press conference Oct. 9 in Plainville. Both Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and UConn President Susan Herbst spoke at the event.

“With this commitment, GE is forging greater collaboration among world-class scholars, researchers and industry leaders, which is essential to fostering innovation and strong economic growth,” said Herbst in her speech. “Cutting-edge research and education are vital to both UConn and GE as we strive to train leaders and manufacture products that will be successful in the global economy.”

Gillian said in an interview with UConn Today, “This investment in the University of Connecticut is an important step toward creating more meaningful relationships with leading universities.”

Bob Gilligan, the CEO of GE’s Industrial Solutions business, was excited about the partnership. “The collaboration enables GE to partner with a well-respected institution to create the electrical distribution technologies of tomorrow – enabling us to bring our customers more innovative products and manufacture them in a more cost-effective way.”

The GE Initiative includes $7.5 million dollars in philanthropic donations through both sponsorship for UConn Research as well as the UConn Foundation. Out of this sum of money, there will be a $1.5 million endowment for a GE professorship in the School of Engineering, a $2.7 million grant for graduate and undergraduate sponsorships and up to $3.3 million to UConn for GE-directed research in various realms of engineering, according to the UConn Today article.

“I am really impressed by the progress that UConn has made in the past four years,” said Carrie Steinmetz, 7th-semester allied health major. “The university is making great strides. It is good to see the new buildings and even better to see collaboration with major corporations, such as GE.”

This partnership will be heavily research-focused, with a goal of advancing GE’s circuit breaker products. The concentration will be on arc-plasma containment, electrical materials, magnetic and mechanical systems and advanced manufacturing technologies, according to the UConn Today article.

“I think it is great that we are teaming up with General Electric on this project because I can see how it will impact not only our school and its research, but will help advance their company as well,” said Tyler Delano, 3rd-semester finance major. “ I really hope that both parties find success in this research and can further advance society.”