The 2025 Department of Defense Northeast Regional Council (DoD NERC) Conference brought together hundreds of leaders from government, industry, and small business to strengthen the defense industrial base. Over two days, participants attended workshops, matchmaking sessions, and networking events that connected innovative companies with agencies and prime contractors shaping the future of national defense.
Showcasing Upstate New York’s Strengths
At the conference, the NY SMART I-Corridor spotlighted the powerful capabilities of Upstate New York, from advanced manufacturing and semiconductor technology to research in materials science, optics, and defense-related systems, positioning the region to play a pivotal role in advancing the nation’s industrial and defense priorities.
Our presence reinforced the NY SMART I-Corridor’s mission to accelerate innovation, strengthen the supply chain, and drive economic growth. By connecting companies, universities, and research institutions with federal agencies, prime contractors, and industry partners, the NY SMART I-Corridor works to:
- Build a resilient, secure, and forward-looking industrial base
- Bring advanced technologies into the defense supply chain
- Expand opportunities that grow business capacity and workforce skills
For attendees, this meant access to a coordinated regional network that helped identify collaboration opportunities, navigate procurement processes, and bring cutting-edge technologies to market. The NY SMART I-Corridor offers a direct line to partners and resources that can help turn innovative ideas into operational solutions.
Panel Highlights
A highlight of day two was a panel discussion moderated by Joseph Stefko, President and CEO of OneROC, featuring:
- Dr. Robin Cole, Vice President of Economic & Workforce Development & Career Technical Education
- Yoanna Ferrara, Director for Technology Innovation at Syracuse University
- Jen Flagg, Director of the UB Center for Supply Chain Analytics
The discussion explored how the NY SMART I-Corridor is building an integrated, industry-driven ecosystem that links workforce development, innovation, and supply chain growth across Upstate New York.
As Dr. Cole noted:
“Our approach is about linking people, resources, and businesses to drive innovation, economic growth, and supply chain resilience across Upstate New York.”
Driving Collaboration and Growth
Collaboration, innovation, and supply chain resilience were central themes at the conference, mirroring the NY SMART I-Corridor’s work to connect the region’s diverse assets and position Upstate New York as a national leader in technology-driven growth. Connections made at DoD NERC will strengthen relationships between local innovators and the federal agencies and contractors that rely on advanced technological solutions, helping keep our economy strong and our nation secure.