SUNY Potsdam alumnus Joe Kelly '16, left, talks with alumnus Jeff McGrath '84, the vice president of the Nicholville Telephone Company, during the Economic Fusion event last year.
The State University of New York at Potsdam will host its third annual Economic Fusion event on April 13, 2017 at the College's Performing Arts Center (PAC). Economic Fusion aims to create a spirit of innovation and creativity and allow students to engage with community and regional employers.
Economic Fusion will kick off with the Innovation Idea Competition at 1 p.m. in the PAC's Proscenium Theater. Students will present PowerPoint presentations to share their business ideas, with the hopes of turning their concepts into fully functioning businesses. Judges will evaluate the five finalists' presentations for a chance to win $1,000 for 1st place, $500 for 2nd place and $250 for 3rd place.
Dr. Lotfi Belkhir, a physicist, inventor and entrepreneur, will provide the keynote address at 3 p.m. Belkhir will discuss how to launch game-changing, innovative startup businesses that are beneficial to society and the environment. He will present a fresh perspective on how to achieve a sustainable world through the lenses of disruptive innovation and eco-entrepreneurship. Additionally, he will provide a practical framework and design principles on how to embed sustainability into the DNA of a startup business.
Economic Fusion will conclude with a highly successful career networking event in the PAC lobby at 4 p.m. Students will have the opportunity to interact and network with regional employers and community leaders. This invaluable opportunity will allow students to receive professional feedback on their "elevator pitch,” resume and general career preparation.
For more information and to register for the event, please visit www.potsdam.edu/economicfusion.
About the Keynote speaker:
Dr. Lotfi Belkhir is a physicist, inventor, entrepreneur and currently the Endowed Chair in Eco-Entrepreneurship at the Walter G. Booth School of Engineering Practice at McMaster University. Belkhir's current research and teaching has a core mission focusing on the advancement of a sustainable society through innovation, entrepreneurship, design and policy. Recently, his school's Master's in Entrepreneurship program received the coveted Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award by the International Council of Small Business & Entrepreneurship (ICSB) (see story at http://dailynews.mcmaster.ca/article/w-booth-school-wins-international-entrepreneurship-award/).
Belkhir is also a proven practitioner; in 2001, he founded Kirtas Technologies, the maker of the world's first and fastest automatic book scanner, which under his leadership, ranked as of one of Inc. 500's fastest growing companies in America two years in a row. Belkhir is a regularly featured speaker on the subjects of entrepreneurship, innovation, sustainability and corporate social responsibility at many venues. He holds a Ph.D. in physics and a master's in Management of Technology. Originally from Algeria, Belkhir is fluent in English, Arabic and French.
Founded in 1816, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of America's first 50 colleges-and the oldest institution within SUNY. Now in its third century, SUNY Potsdam is distinguished by a legacy of pioneering programs and educational excellence. The College currently enrolls approximately 4,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Home to the world-renowned Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam is known for its challenging liberal arts and sciences core, distinction in teacher training and culture of creativity. To learn more, visit www.potsdam.edu.