New STEM fellowship program at the MOST has Micron support

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — It’s a program designed to “inspire and support the next generation of innovators” in Central New York. The Micron Teacher Fellowship at the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology (MOST) is a hands-on STEM program. STEM is short for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The MOST and the Micron Foundation […]

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — It’s a program designed to “inspire and support the next generation of innovators” in Central New York.

The Micron Teacher Fellowship at the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology (MOST) is a hands-on STEM program. STEM is short for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The MOST and the Micron Foundation announced its launch on Oct. 30.

The Micron Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Boise, Idaho–based Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: MU), which plans to build a massive semiconductor-manufacturing campus at the White Pine Commerce Park along Route 31 in the town of Clay.

The new initiative is a first of its kind for the Central New York (CNY) community and made possible by a $100,000 grant from the Micron Foundation, the MOST said in its announcement. It will pay for year-long fellowships for two Central New York STEM educators.

Fellows will deliver programming and provide support in the areas of semiconductor and STEM education at K-12 schools, MOST programs and exhibits, and other key community events. They will also continue in their full-time positions with area school districts during the course of their fellowship.

“This is a transformational moment for STEM education in our region,” Lauren Kochian, president of the MOST, said in the museum’s announcement. “These fellowships will help us reach more students and deliver unforgettable experiences that make STEM come alive around their communities, and within the walls of the MOST. We’re thrilled to expand our partnership with Micron on this groundbreaking initiative.”

Inaugural fellows

The program’s inaugural fellows — Alexis Williams from Syracuse and Brian Heffron from Clay — were selected for their leadership in STEM education and their “commitment to inspiring the next generation of innovators in CNY.”

Williams is a technology educator at North Syracuse Central School District, where she has led hands-on STEM and robotics instruction for middle and high-school students. Williams has played a key role in developing curriculum for the Advanced Technology Framework, a “ground-breaking” curriculum-development partnership between Micron and educators’ unions that aims to broaden STEM and career and technical-education offerings in New York state, the MOST said.

Williams holds a bachelor’s degree in technology education from SUNY Oswego and a master’s degree in curriculum development and instructional technology from SUNY Albany.

Formerly an instructor and principal at Oswego County P-TECH, Heffron is the administrator of workforce development and community relations at CiTi BOCES, where he leads county-wide STEM and workforce-readiness initiatives.

With more than 14 years of experience in career and technical education, he has developed numerous STEM programs for local K-12 students. Heffron holds degrees from Middle Tennessee State University, the College of Saint Rose, and Le Moyne College, and is also certified as a New York State School District Leader.

“Micron’s partnership with the MOST, which began in 2023, has already introduced semiconductors and advanced manufacturing in an engaging and accessible way to tens of thousands of Central New York students,” April Arnzen, executive VP and chief people officer at Micron and president of the Micron Foundation, said in the MOST announcement. “This new fellowship program will afford young people in the region even more opportunities to learn, explore, and see a future for themselves in the semiconductor industry by engaging with leaders already known in the academic community.”

The fellowship expands the growing partnership between Micron and the MOST and reflects a shared mission to prepare students for careers in the rapidly expanding semiconductor industry in Central New York. Most notably, the 1,500-square-foot interactive DECONSTRUCTED exhibit presented by Micron is a guide through the hidden world of microchips and how they power the world around us.

The MOST and Micron also have partnered to present programming such as Micron’s Going Tech and Chip Camp offerings for area children.

“This fellowship program is about making STEM both exciting and accessible [relatable] for young people in Central New York,” Rosita Najmi, head of global social impact and community engagement at Micron, and executive director of the Micron Foundation, said in the announcement. “We want students to see themselves in these STEM careers, and we believe the MOST, and these local, trusted and seasoned educators and subject matter experts are the ideal partners to make that vision a reality.”

Area private schools to receive funds for on-campus projects

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ALBANY, N.Y. — State funding for on-campus projects is coming to 35 private colleges and universities, including Syracuse University, Le Moyne College, Cornell University, and Clarkson University. The state awarded a total of $49 million through the Higher Education Capital Matching Grant Program (HECap). The funding supports projects that will upgrade facilities, create modern laboratory

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ALBANY, N.Y. — State funding for on-campus projects is coming to 35 private colleges and universities, including Syracuse University, Le Moyne College, Cornell University, and Clarkson University.

The state awarded a total of $49 million through the Higher Education Capital Matching Grant Program (HECap). The funding supports projects that will upgrade facilities, create modern laboratory and research spaces, and invest in instructional technology and equipment, the office of Gov. Kathy Hochul said in the Oct. 24 announcement.

When combined with the colleges’ matching funds, more than $195 million will be invested in New York’s higher-education communities through this round of awards.

The awards are “ensuring that New York’s higher education institutions remain at the forefront of innovation and opportunity,” Hochul’s office said.

Funding awards

With its announcement, the state provided a list of all the schools that were awarded, the dollar amounts, and how the schools will use the grant awards.

The state awarded Syracuse University more than $1.5 million for renovations to Grant Auditorium including upgrades to its technology and the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system.

Cornell University in Ithaca will use its $1.75 million award for renovations to its library.

The state awarded Clarkson University in Potsdam $5 million for the first phase of renovations to the Engineering and Science Complex.

Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva will use a $5 million award for the construction of a new science building and adjacent science facilities.

In addition, LeMoyne College in Syracuse will use an award of more than $611,000 for the purchase of technology equipment.

Keuka College will use more than $60,000 to help pay for the purchase of furniture and equipment, including the purchase of a vehicle.

The state awarded Alfred University in Alfred more than $198,000 for the purchase of equipment for the Saxon Hill Athletics Complex.

Upstate Neurological Institute brings experts together under one roof

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Upstate Medical University says the new Upstate Neurological Institute brings “all of its brain and nervous system experts together under one roof.” It’s located on the second floor of the Upstate Health Care Center at 90 Presidential Plaza in Syracuse. Nearly 50 physicians, all members of the Upstate Medical University faculty, serve

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Upstate Medical University says the new Upstate Neurological Institute brings “all of its brain and nervous system experts together under one roof.”

It’s located on the second floor of the Upstate Health Care Center at 90 Presidential Plaza in Syracuse. Nearly 50 physicians, all members of the Upstate Medical University faculty, serve the Institute.

The new Neurological Institute streamlines care, improves patient access to specialists, and enhances collaboration between neurologists and neurosurgeons on complex cases, Upstate contends. By housing these experts together, Upstate aims to deliver the region’s “most advanced and coordinated” neurological care.

The Institute is also expected to boost recruitment of top neurosurgeons and neurologists while “elevating Upstate’s national and international profile,” the organization stipulates.

“Bringing neurology and neurosurgery together in one coordinated, collaborative environment allows us to deliver the full spectrum of brain-health care — from diagnosis through surgery to recovery — with continuity, clarity and speed,” Dr. Luis Mejico, chair of neurology at Upstate Medical University, said in the announcement.

Under the new configuration, neurosurgery has relocated from several sites across campus to join neurology in a newly renovated space spanning more than 20,000 square feet. The facility doubles the number of exam rooms — from 23 to 49 — and includes a modern nursing unit, physician offices, and dedicated telehealth suites for patients who face travel challenges.

In addition to neurosurgical and neurological services, the Upstate Neurological Institute also offers on-site services such as physical and occupational therapies, social work, genetics, and respiratory services.

The Neurological Institute also includes the Upstate Comprehensive Stroke Center and the regional Telestroke Network, which supports stroke care at a dozen hospitals across New York.

“The creation of this Institute signals to patients that Upstate offers a true one-stop shop for neurological care — with an integration of services not found anywhere else,” Dr. Robert Corona, CEO of Upstate University Hospital, said. Corona also serves as the John B. Henry Professor of Pathology and senior associate dean of the Norton College of Medicine.

Hartwick provost to become school’s next president in July 2026

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ONEONTA, N.Y. — The VP for academic affairs and provost at Hartwick College in Oneonta will become the school’s 13th president in mid-2026. The college’s board of trustees on Nov. 10 said it chose Laurel Bongiorno, who will assume the presidency on July 1, 2026. Bongiorno will succeed James Mullen, Jr., who has served as

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ONEONTA, N.Y. — The VP for academic affairs and provost at Hartwick College in Oneonta will become the school’s 13th president in mid-2026.

The college’s board of trustees on Nov. 10 said it chose Laurel Bongiorno, who will assume the presidency on July 1, 2026.

Bongiorno will succeed James Mullen, Jr., who has served as Hartwick’s interim president since 2023. Under Mullen’s leadership, Hartwick College has continued to make strides in enrollment and retention, academic program development and philanthropy, the school said.

In her current role since 2022, Bongiorno has provided overall academic leadership for Hartwick, working with the president, faculty, and senior leadership to advance institutional priorities, the college said.

Her portfolio includes the Office of Academic Affairs, the Stevens-German Library, the Student Success and Career Center, the Griffiths Center for Collaboration and Innovation, the Center for Global Education, the Pine Lake campus, the Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness, the Office of the Registrar, and the Yager Museum of Art and Culture, per the Hartwick announcement.

“President-elect Bongiorno is an exceptional leader whose integrity and deep understanding of the Hartwick experience make her uniquely qualified to guide the College into its next chapter,” Kathy Fallon, chair of the Hartwick College board of trustees, said in the announcement. “She has been instrumental in strengthening our academic programs, enhancing student success and advancing the innovative Life Balance College model that defines Hartwick’s future. The board is confident that under her leadership, Hartwick will continue to thrive.”

Under Bongiorno’s leadership, Hartwick has launched eight new majors and six minors; restructured academic departments; and strengthened collaborative, data-informed planning across academic affairs.

She has also enhanced budget-stewardship practices, led college-wide efforts to improve student success and retention, and “fostered a culture of shared governance and transparency through the introduction of appreciative inquiry principles,” Hartwick said.

“I am deeply honored and humbled to serve as Hartwick’s next president,” Bongiorno said. “Hartwick College is a remarkable community, defined by its commitment to students, its dedication to academic excellence and its belief that education can transform lives. I am inspired every day by the collaboration and care that define this campus. I look forward to continuing to work alongside our faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends to build on Hartwick’s strong foundation and exciting trajectory.”

Before joining Hartwick, Bongiorno spent more than two decades at Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont, where she held key leadership roles, including dean of the Division of Education and Human Studies and dean of the Stiller School of Business.

Renzi estate donates $12M to CNY Community Foundation

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HOMER, N.Y. — The estate of Nicholas and Agnes Renzi of Cortland has donated $12 million to the Central New York Community Foundation (CNYCF). The bequest will combine with their lifetime giving fund to create two endowed funds at the Community Foundation, ensuring charitable support for Cortland County residents continues for generations. The Nicholas and

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HOMER, N.Y. — The estate of Nicholas and Agnes Renzi of Cortland has donated $12 million to the Central New York Community Foundation (CNYCF).

The bequest will combine with their lifetime giving fund to create two endowed funds at the Community Foundation, ensuring charitable support for Cortland County residents continues for generations.

The Nicholas and Agnes Renzi Charitable Fund will provide lasting support to the couple’s favorite nonprofits. The larger Nicholas & Agnes Renzi Fund for Cortland County, totaling more than $14 million, will expand the Community Foundation’s Community Grants program into Cortland County for the first time.

“Nick and Agnes believed deeply in giving back to the community that became their home,” Melanie Littlejohn, president and CEO of the Central New York Community Foundation, said in the announcement. “Their generosity will empower nonprofits in Cortland County to create lasting change. We are honored to steward their legacy and ensure their impact continues in perpetuity.”

CNYCF announced the bequest on Nov. 7 at the Homer Center for the Arts.

About the Renzis

Nicholas and Agnes Renzi moved to Cortland in 1971. Nicholas, who was born and raised in the Bronx, was a scholarship student at City College of New York and later earned a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Columbia University. His career with Pall Corporation spanned decades, where he advanced to senior VP, overseeing operations in Cortland and Puerto Rico.

Nick, who passed away earlier this year, directed in his will and estate plan that the Community Foundation serve as the steward of their charitable legacy.

Agnes, who predeceased Nick in 2020, was a certified braille transcriber, dedicating thousands of volunteer hours over two decades to making literature accessible for blind children.

Grantmaking expansion

The Community Foundation’s Community Grants program traditionally supports innovative projects in Onondaga and Madison counties targeting arts and culture, civic affairs, education, health, human services and the environment.

In 2024, more than $2 million was awarded through this program, CNYCF said.

Beginning in fall 2026, Cortland County nonprofits will be eligible to apply for Community Grants ranging from $10,000 to $150,000, with about $600,000 available annually from the Renzi Fund earmarked specifically for Cortland County nonprofits.

The first round in which organizations are eligible to apply will open on July 6, 2026, and close Aug. 28, 2026. Each round will include clear priority areas: the fall cycles will emphasize health, human services and economic development, and the spring cycles will focus on arts and culture, environment, animals, civic engagement and education.

To assist with this rollout, the Community Foundation will hire an additional staff member in 2026 to expand capacity for Cortland County grantmaking and help nonprofits navigate the process.

Grant applicants are required to schedule a pre-grant meeting with Community Foundation staff before applying. Appointments for Cortland County nonprofit organizations will open in the spring.

Participatory budgeting project

In addition to community grantmaking, the Renzis’ gift will introduce participatory budgeting to Cortland County for the first time in April 2026.

Residents will be invited to join planning sessions, and learn about local issues and design proposals. The process will culminate in a community-wide vote awarding a $75,000 grant to one project chosen by residents.

This builds on the success of the Community Foundation’s 2023 participatory budgeting project in Syracuse, which focused on childhood lead poisoning prevention and drew nearly 500 votes.

Cortland County residents can volunteer as a participatory budgeting participant by completing the form at https://cnycf.org/pbform.

Advisory group

To help guide the transition of the Community Grants program to Cortland County, CNYCF will form a Cortland County advisory group to provide input on local priorities and nonprofits.

Community members may self-nominate to serve by completing the form at https://cnycf.org/advisecortland. While advisory in nature, this committee will play an important role in helping the Community Foundation become acquainted with Cortland’s nonprofit landscape.

New IAED leader begins duties in January

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ITHACA, N.Y. — Ithaca Area Economic Development (IAED) describes its next president as someone who brings more than three decades of economic-development experience across the U.S. and a “proven track record of attracting business investment” to the role. IAED on Nov. 4 announced it has selected Kurt Foreman to lead the organization beginning in January

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IAED on Nov. 4 announced it has selected Kurt Foreman to lead the organization beginning in January 2026. Foreman has been leading the Delaware Prosperity Partnership (DPP) as president and CEO since 2018.

Foreman assumes the role that Heather McDaniel previously held before she stepped down from IAED on March 31. McDaniel is now serving as chief economic-development officer at the Center for Economic Growth in Albany.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kurt to Ithaca, Tompkins County, and IAED,” Jodi Lee Denman, chair of the IAED board of directors, said in the announcement. “His proven experience and leadership ability will help guide our organization as we continue to evolve and bolster the local economy.”

The IAED chose Foreman after a national search led by Jorgenson Pace — a search firm specializing in economic development, community development, and nonprofit organizations — and guided by a search committee chaired by former board member Greg Hartz, the IAED said.

“After a comprehensive search process, Foreman emerged as the ideal candidate to lead IAED into its next chapter,” Hartz said. “His strategic vision, collaborative approach, and proven ability to deliver results make him perfectly suited to advance economic development in Tompkins County and regionally.”

Under Foreman’s leadership, DPP attracted more than $3.5 billion in capital investment and supported the creation or retention of 11,000 jobs while strengthening Delaware’s business community and entrepreneurial ecosystem.

His experience also includes economic-development leadership roles in Oklahoma, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and the Washington D.C. metro area. Foreman is also a “proficient” site selector, well versed in supporting companies with their location and expansion decisions, the IAED said. He was also formerly an executive recruiter with a global search firm supporting senior-level placements across industries.

“I’m excited to relocate to Tompkins County and join the highly competent IAED team,” Foreman said. “I look forward to supporting this vibrant community by helping businesses grow, thrive, and create quality employment through smart partnerships and innovative solutions. There’s so much energy here, and I can’t wait to get started.”

A graduate of Franklin & Marshall College, Foreman earned his master’s degree in business from Wake Forest University.

Tech Farm II expansion wraps up at Cornell Agriculture and Food Technology Park in Geneva

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GENEVA — Crews have completed their work on the expansion of Tech Farm II at the Cornell Agriculture and Food Technology Park in Geneva. The project doubles the park’s current capacity and further bolsters food, beverage, and agricultural innovation in the Finger Lakes, Empire State Development (ESD) announced on Nov. 5. Tech Farm II offers

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GENEVA — Crews have completed their work on the expansion of Tech Farm II at the Cornell Agriculture and Food Technology Park in Geneva.

The project doubles the park’s current capacity and further bolsters food, beverage, and agricultural innovation in the Finger Lakes, Empire State Development (ESD) announced on Nov. 5.

Tech Farm II offers 20,000 square feet of customizable manufacturing and ancillary space for food and agriculture businesses. It’s designed for research, product development, and small-scale manufacturing, ESD said.

In addition to providing “badly needed” manufacturing and food-processing space for businesses accessing the resources of Cornell AgriTech, the new facility will additionally provide space for onsite companies that have outgrown the CAFTPC’s existing incubator facility.

The new building is the third facility at the 72-acre park, joining the original 20,000-square-foot Tech Farm incubator building and Finger Lakes Community College’s Viticulture and Wine Center.

Located adjacent to Cornell AgriTech, the facilities are part of an ecosystem of world-renowned research and resources, providing a focused environment for startups and established businesses to grow, ESD said. The Technology Farm opened in 2005, and to date has assisted more than 40 current and former tenants to launch and grow their businesses, it added.

“The current Tech Farm has been at or near capacity since it opened in 2005, demonstrating the need for this much-anticipated expansion,” Michael Manikowski, chairman of CAFTPC, said in the ESD announcement. “Tech Farm II will bring new jobs to the region and provide up-and-coming businesses with the tools they need to thrive. We’re excited to usher in a new era of food and agriculture innovation and economic development in the Finger Lakes.”

ESD supported the project with a $1.4 million grant. The project received federal funding, along with support from the City of Geneva, the Ontario County Economic Development Corporation, and other private financing. The total project cost was placed at $3.5 million, ESD said.

The CAFTPC is one of 20 New York State-certified business incubators, allowing for additional resources for tenant and member companies and a greater impact on the food and agriculture industries across the Finger Lakes region, per the announcement.

PAR Technology posts narrower net loss in third quarter

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NEW HARTFORD, N.Y. — PAR Technology Corporation (NYSE: PAR) recently reported a net loss of nearly $18.2 million for the third quarter ending Sept. 30. It was a narrower loss than the more than $19.8 million loss (or almost $20.7 million for continuing operations only) that the New Hartford–based company posted in the third quarter

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NEW HARTFORD, N.Y. — PAR Technology Corporation (NYSE: PAR) recently reported a net loss of nearly $18.2 million for the third quarter ending Sept. 30.

It was a narrower loss than the more than $19.8 million loss (or almost $20.7 million for continuing operations only) that the New Hartford–based company posted in the third quarter of 2024.

PAR Technology reported a net loss per share of 45 cents in this year’s third quarter, compared to 56 cents in the year-ago earnings period, or 58 cents for continuing operations.

Total net revenues at PAR Technology rose 23 percent to nearly $119.2 million in the latest quarter from $96.75 million in the third quarter of 2024. Subscription service revenues increased to almost $74.8 million from $59.9 million, while hardware revenues went up to $29.9 million from $22.65 million.

“PAR continues to scale our business as [annual recurring revenue] approaches $300 million and [total] revenues in the quarter increased by 23 percent from Q3 last year. We continue to feel confident in our ability to grow our revenue base well above our market, while making progress on large tier 1 deals, all while maintaining strong financial discipline,” PAR Technology CEO, Savneet Singh said in PAR’s Nov. 6 earnings report. “In Q3 we launched PAR AI, a new intelligence layer embedded directly into the PAR product Suite. PAR AI delivers real-time intelligence across the restaurant tech stack without the need for extra apps or training. We expect our ability to utilize AI along with our ‘Better Together’ multi-product strategy will drive better outcomes for enterprise customers and allow us to win new market share and increase [average revenue per user] with existing customers.”

PAR Technology is a food-service technology provider, whose products and services include point-of-sale, digital ordering, loyalty, back-office, payments, and hardware. The company says its solutions help restaurant and retail clients to streamline operations, drive higher engagement, and strengthen guest experiences.

PAR’s stock price was down more than 45 percent year to date through Nov. 11, and off 48 percent over the last year.

The Agency starts planning process for manufacturing workforce-training center

Education & Training, Employee Benefits & Human Resources, Manufacturing & Engineering, New York News, Nonprofits, Small Business, Southern Tier, Sports, Entertainment & Tourism, Subscriber Only, Technology

DICKINSON, N.Y. — The Broome County Industrial Development Agency (The Agency) on Nov. 12 issued a request for qualifications and proposals (RFQ/RFP) to plan the creation of a regional advanced manufacturing workforce-training center. The Agency describes it as a “first-of-its-kind facility designed to strengthen the Southern Tier’s growing innovation and manufacturing economy.” The proposed hub

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The Agency describes it as a “first-of-its-kind facility designed to strengthen the Southern Tier’s growing innovation and manufacturing economy.”

The proposed hub in the greater Binghamton area will serve as the cornerstone of a regional workforce network preparing residents for high-demand careers in advanced manufacturing. The effort aligns with major state and federal initiatives such as the federal tech hub for battery innovation and the Smart corridor supporting advanced electronics in New York State.

“Providing access to foundational skills is essential for preparing the next generation of talent for meaningful careers,” Stacey Duncan, CEO of The Agency and the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce, said. “We’re grateful to Governor Hochul for her continued commitment to strengthening workforce development across New York. With collaboration from state and community partners, this center will ensure people in our community can step into the industries shaping the state’s future, keeping the Southern Tier competitive and innovative.”

The center will focus on offering resources, particularly for those unemployed or underemployed. They include the provision of foundational technical training, credentialing, and essential skills development, while offering wraparound supports that could include financial literacy and other services to “remove barriers to participation.”

It’s described as a plan modeled in part after the Northland Workforce Training Center in East Buffalo.

The Agency will focus on one property in particular for its analysis — the former Titchener manufacturing building on Clinton Street in the city of Binghamton.

The long-term plan will be to expand into a regional network of workforce centers throughout the Southern Tier, including Elmira/Corning, Ithaca, and the eastern portion of the region in areas like Norwich and Delhi.

The initiative comes as major manufacturers expand across the region. They include Amphenol Aerospace, BAE Systems, Toyota Raymond, Siemens Mobility, Alstom, Corning, CAF USA, Lockheed Martin, and Universal Instruments — creating thousands of new jobs requiring specialized technical skills.

Funding for this initiative comes from the Agency and Empire State Development, which has provided $150,000 in planning funds to match the Agency’s contribution.

“This is about designing a workforce system that works for everyone — employers and jobseekers alike,” Omar Sanders, regional director of Empire State Development’s Southern Tier office, said. “The Southern Tier is positioned to lead the state in advanced manufacturing and clean energy workforce readiness.”

The planning process is supported by the Agency and the Upstate Revitalization Initiative, with a project budget of $300,000. The selected consultant will create a roadmap for facility design, curriculum development, partnerships, and long-term operations.

ANDRO wins patents in cyber/electromagnetics technologies

Manufacturing & Engineering, Law, Accounting & Taxes, Mohawk Valley, Small Business, Subscriber Only, Technology

ROME, N.Y. — The United States Patent Office recently awarded ANDRO Computational Solutions, LLC of Rome two utility patents in the area of wireless cyber, command/control, and communications networking that exploits novel radio frequency machine learning operations (RFMLOps) technologies. The patented invention, titled, “Radio Frequency Fingerprinting Using Attentional Machine Learning” (U.S. Patent No. 12,369,038) applies

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The patented invention, titled, “Radio Frequency Fingerprinting Using Attentional Machine Learning” (U.S. Patent No. 12,369,038) applies artificial intelligence / machine learning (AI/ML) to enhance identification techniques associated with a radio frequency (RF) transmission by computing a specialized parameter using “attentional-AI” to predict the type of RF electronic source, ANDRO said in an Oct. 1 announcement.

Attentional-AI has direct implications in identifying and discriminating among an array of disparate RF devices in use and isolating anomalies or determining potential cyber threats that may be present, the company notes. This fingerprinting method captures, processes, and classifies RF electronic signals existing in complex electromagnetic operational environments with increased efficiency and accuracy providing benefits to tactical battlespace awareness with applicability to improving electromagnetic radio spectrum situational awareness in commercial wireless applications.

The second patent, called “Authentication of Device In Network Using Cryptographic Certificate” (U.S. Patent No. 12,425,391) is applicable to networks of interconnected devices distributed over a geographical area — also known as Internet of Things (IoT) networks — to enhance data collection and environmental awareness, autonomous operations, coexistence, command, and/or mission security controls, according to ANDRO. The method employs a novel distributed authentication with network segmentation and dynamic authorization techniques. The patented technology can be used with IoT devices operating in physically unprotected environments that may pose a higher risk of security attacks such as counterfeiting, communication channel “sniffing,” eavesdropping, identity spoofing, and even credential theft. The patented invention further exploits novel methods of ensuring the identity and authenticity of the IoT network devices and appropriate authorization for accessing network resources.

ANDRO says it continues to leverage its growing portfolio of patents and military heritage of products to expand its operations. The independently-owned, Rome–based company, founded in 1994, provides research, engineering, and technical services to defense and commercial industries. ANDRO focuses on research, development, and application of advanced computer software and hardware solutions in the joint communications, command, control, cyber, and computing (C5) space for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance applications.

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