5 local businesses get NASA tech assistance

August 8, 2015 at 12:08a.m.

YOUNGSTOWN

It’s easy to reflexively think of NASA as being responsible mainly for aerospace research and the civilian space program, but many of the government agency’s support services are much more down-to-earth.

“We want to take aerospace technologies and turn them around to solve problems in manufacturing,” said Eric D. Baumann, an electronics-sector manager with NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland.

Baumann was among NASA scientists, engineers and experts who offered technological assistance, consulting services and expertise to five local businesses during Friday’s seven-hour NASA Roadshow at Youngstown State University’s Williamson College of Business Administration.

The five were Bravura 3D LLC, which provides additive-manufacturing solutions to businesses and consumers; Fireline Inc., a manufacturer for the investment-casting industry; JuggerBot 3D LLC, which makes 3-D printers for additive manufacturing; Smart Digital, which provides technological support; and Start Manufacturing and MegaJoule Storage Inc., a bulk-energy storage developer.

Also on hand were facilitators with the 31-year-old Cleveland-based Manufacturing Advocacy & Growth Network. MAGNET’s core objective is to provide education on and support for manufacturing in Ohio in an effort to transform the region’s economy to make it more competitive globally, said Dennis J. Rosa, project manager.

Expertise was offered in fields such as metallurgy, high-temperature materials, electrical and chemical engineering and research materials, Baumann said.

Another thrust was to get businesses connected with NASA’s experts to solve some of their technical problems and challenges, added Dr. William “Gregg” Sturrus, interim dean of YSU’s College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

The keynote speaker was Dr. Bahman Taheri, chief executive officer for AlphaMicron Inc. of Kent, a high-tech research-and-development company founded in 1997 that specializes in liquid-crystal applications for adaptive windows, dimming mirrors, shutters and electronically controllable eyewear.

“It took us 18 to 20 years to develop materials from scratch,” then develop and test the process against a backdrop of competition, Taheri explained, noting that another challenge for such businesses can be trying to create something of value on a limited budget.

AlphaMicron also formed partnerships with other entities. This “cluster format” often helped the individual companies flourish further, he continued. Taheri, who also encouraged participants to take advantage of local and state resources and incentives, touted some of the Mahoning Valley’s assets.

“I hope you can see that this is a great place for growth,” he said.

In addition, the Valley has grown by reclaiming many brownfields as well as offering some of the land for free, waiving certain fees and providing tax-abatement incentives to businesses, noted T. Sharon Woodberry, Youngstown’s director of community planning and economic development.

Making additional remarks were Dr. Martin A. Abraham, YSU’s interim provost and vice president of academic affairs; and Catey B. Colon, economic-development coordinator for U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan of Howland, D-13th.

In addition to NASA and MAGNET, YSU collaborated with the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber, the Tech Belt Energy Innovation Center, the Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition and the Youngstown Business Incubator for the event.