MALTA — The Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership, the county’s designated economic development agency, announced last week a critical step forward in advancing its innovative Next Wave Center project: the formation of an advisory council made up of leading technology and business executives to guide the center’s development, launch and operation.
The Next Wave Center is a physical location that would house companies in the semiconductor supply chain, advanced manufacturing, nanotechnology and clean energy industries. In addition, it would provide education and technical training, a range of business support services, and include a co-working space to serve companies in a wide variety of complementary and collaborative businesses.
The Next Wave Advisory Council will be chaired by Dr. Gary Patton, chief technology officer and a senior vice president at GLOBALFOUNDRIES.
“I am pleased to chair this advisory council and work with the Saratoga Partnership, technology and business leaders to move this important project forward,” Patton said in a statement. “GLOBALFOUNDRIES will provide industry leadership in advanced semiconductor manufacturing to help direct this project and continue to build the ecosystem of supply chain companies that are vital to high-tech growth in the region and state.”
The council will offer input on issues ranging from the scope and level of tenant and program development to leveraging the investment made by GLOBALFOUNDRIES and New York State in the semiconductor industry to attract additional jobs and companies to Saratoga County.
“We are thrilled to advance the Next Wave Center through the expertise and guidance of world-class business and technology executives who are committed to expanding economic and workforce development opportunities in Saratoga County and beyond,” said Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership President Marty Vanags. “Under the leadership of Dr. Gary Patton, we look forward to developing a premier space to serve emerging technology companies, and to provide critical training and services that prepare individuals and businesses to grow and prosper.”
The Saratoga Partnership is working with Tom Nardacci, founder of the Troy Innovation Garage, to establish the co-working space.
For more information, visit the website www.saratogapartnership.org.
