The economic growth and prosperity of America depends on our capacity to innovate. Thanks to the presence of Idaho National Laboratory and the Center for Advanced Energy Studies, many promising technological advancements are taking place in our own backyard.

One of the key objectives of INL and CAES is to create new business opportunities through engagement with the private sector. That’s why the upcoming Idaho Research Symposium Feb. 5 and 6 at the CAES building in Idaho Falls is a valuable opportunity for business leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators. Registration for the Idaho Research Symposium is open through Jan. 25 at www.idahotechcouncil.org/calendar.

This is the third annual Idaho Research Symposium, which is organized by CAES and the Idaho Technology Council. The event was founded to create awareness of emerging industry trends, provide networking opportunities for researchers and business leaders, and help inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs interested in capitalizing on promising new research. This year’s event is an unprecedented opportunity to learn about how INL and CAES can help support your business. The tagline for the conference is, “Where capability meets opportunity.” This is an apt description of INL and CAES, whose world-class facilities make it possible to advance and commercialize promising new technologies.

For example, INL researchers validate and verify vehicle performance and fuel use in various climates and geographical regions. They also test whole vehicle systems, fueling infrastructures, energy-storage devices and other subsystem components, and they analyze effects on local and national electric distribution systems.

Results are reported to DOE to help the agency validate its technology research funding decisions. They’re also provided to the public, manufacturers and other stakeholders. Electric Vehicle Project Manager Jim Francfort says his team is gathering about a million miles of road data every eight days, making it the biggest program of its kind in the world.

The success of INL’s research could spawn a host of new businesses and jobs to boost our state’s economy. We want to build awareness of how INL can help the private sector.

Professionals who attend will have the chance to learn how private business can work with INL and CAES to best leverage their considerable resources. Top researchers across the state will present their findings on emerging technologies, such as advanced transportation, hybrid energy systems, and advanced computation and cyber security, giving attendees the opportunity to stay current on industry trends that could affect their businesses. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with top researchers and gain insights on how their applied research could transform industry. Attendees will also have the chance to tour the new Energy Systems Laboratory, which contains laboratory and research space for groups studying biomass, renewable energy, energy transportation systems and energy storage, and hybrid energy systems testing.

INL leaders recognize the value in strategic partnerships with Idaho’s industry to generate regional technology-based economic development. That’s why INL’s strategic plan for 2013 is focusing prominently on creating opportunities to engage the private sector. We hope that many professionals will take advantage of this rare opportunity to attend the Idaho Research Symposium and learn how INL, CAES and the private sector can work together to develop a first-tier, world-class knowledge economy for Idaho.

Ric Gale, principal at Gale Energy Consulting LLC and co-chair of the Idaho Technology Council Energy Consortium. Ric.Gale@Gale-Energy.com; 870-5017