California: Prosperity Through Technology Symposium Garners More Than 300 Attendees

Industry-leading experts and top faculty researchers tackled focus topics: energy, aerospace, biomedical engineering and communications technology

June 6, 2005 – The Henry Samueli School of Engineering at UC Irvine, hosted its fourth annual “California: Prosperity Through Technology” industry research symposium, May 23 and 24, 2005. More than 300 people attended the unique event, developed to create a professional platform for industry leaders and academic visionaries to address significant technological trends and new ideas shaping the state and country.

The two-day symposium was held at the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Center of the National Academies, in Irvine, Calif., and was supported by 37 sponsors from leading companies across the industry.

Key executives gathered together with academic experts in a variety of specialized fields to present, discuss and debate crucial areas of technological convergence, vital to the continual and future prosperity of California and the nation.  Focus topics included energy, aerospace, biomedical engineering and communications technology.

Diverse presentations and panels ranged from new frontiers in aerospace engineering and pervasive communications, to a dynamic panel discussing ways in which American companies can stay competitive in a global economy.  Sessions included:

  • James V. Mazzo, CEO, Advanced Medical Optics
    "Advanced Medical Optics: An Ophthalmic Medical Device Leader”

  • David Whelan, Vice President, Boeing
    “Emerging Technologies: Driving Boeing’s Growth”

  • Vinay Gokhale, Vice President, Impinj Inc.
    “RFID Technology: Challenges and Opportunities”
  • Raouf Y. Halim, CEO, Mindspeed Technologies, Inc.
    “Convergence Trends in Communications:  Implications for CPCC
    and Southern California”

  • Eric J. Amis, Division Chief, Polymers Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology
    “Disruptive Technologies: The Revolutionary Roles Played by Materials”
  • Albert F. Myers, Corporate Vice President, Northrop Grumman Corp.
    “Evolution of Transformation”

  • Bob Kleist, President and CEO, Printronix
    “RFID Enables the Next Generation Supply Chain Management” 

  • James E. Press, President and COO, Toyota Motor Sales
    “Cars and California: Driving Progress for the Future”

“The speakers were engaging, while discussing a broad range of innovative ideas” said Nicolaos G. Alexopoulos, Dean of The Henry Samueli School of Engineering.  “The speakers created dynamic synergy and contagious enthusiasm for the development of future technologies.”

Attendees also had the unique opportunity to hear from many prominent keynote speakers during symposium events including individuals such as Scott A. McGregor, President and CEO of Broadcom Corp., Christina Carlisle Jones, Founder and CEO of Extend Fertility, and C. I. “Jim” Chang, Ph.D., deputy director for Basic Science and Director of the Army Research Laboratory.

McGregor spoke to attendees about the importance of connecting and converging new technologies, while Carlisle Jones discussed her business ventures, sharing the entrepreneurial spirit and talking about the challenges and vast opportunities facing entrepreneurs today. 

Chang spoke about his experiences and talked of military innovations and current research projects, while also focusing on the significance of economic competitiveness.

Following Monday’s events, an awards banquet was held at the Engineering Plaza on the UC Irvine campus in honor of selected outstanding faculty members and students, as well as Dr. Henry T. Nicholas, III, Co-founder and former CEO of Broadcom Corp. who was presented with the prestigious “Engineering the Future Award.” 

Dr. Nicholas was honored for his pioneering efforts in pervasive communications, and his visionary contributions to the advancement of engineering science and leadership in the high tech industry.

"I was particularly pleased to present this distinguished award to an exceptional individual who has significantly contributed to excellence in technology, here in Orange County and beyond,” added Alexopoulos.