Attendees at last year’s “Advancing Technology for Business Growth” event, which is organized by the Lehigh Nanotech Network and Center for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology.

An upcoming event will help developing technology companies, government partners and the education community learn more about nanotechnology, micro-electronics and biotechnology, and about resources in these areas that available in the Lehigh Valley to help companies and the regional economy grow.

The Lehigh Nanotech Network (LNN) and Center for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology (CAMN), both of which are managed by Lehigh University, will host their annual “Advancing Technology for Business Growth” event on May 20 at Ben Franklin TechVentures on the Lehigh campus in Bethlehem.

The industry-focused event will discuss developments and applications in life sciences, biotechnology, nano- and micro-electronics, materials and manufacturing, and provide opportunities to learn about technical, financial and physical resources available in the region.

It will also provide participants the chance to explore partnering opportunities with businesses, universities and government, and obtain insights from other growing technology companies, according to Gene Lucadamo, industry liaison for the College of Engineering at Lehigh University.

“We’ve structured it so there are opportunities for companies to have lots of different opportunities, to learn about products and services, and to hear about new markets and some of the most recent trends in these areas,” Lucadamo said. “We want to involve both established enterprises and new companies coming into the area, so that they can realize there is a broad and connected community of support in the region.”

The Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation (LVEDC) has a representative on the board of the LNN. The network is managed by CAMN, which is committed to the expanding field of nanotechnology and applying Lehigh’s capabilities to development of materials, and since the 1960s has enabled businesses to benefit from Lehigh’s expertise and unique laboratory facilities.

Founded in 2004, the LNN has included up to 200 members, including more than 100 technology companies as well as members of academic and government organizations. It provides connections and learning opportunities to companies interested in learning about nanotechnology, applying it to their businesses, or accessing nanotechnology resources and capabilities into their products.

Topics at the event will include business development insights from growing companies, how to seek financial resources, technology partnerships and services, and experiences and advice from representatives of companies including Texas Instruments, Teva Pharmaceuticals, Particle Sciences, Vizinex, Carpenter Technologies, Livingston Securities and the NEI Corporation.

“This is a way for the diverse community working in the area of developing and applying new technology, including industry and government partners, to get connected to each other so they can better manage their businesses and take advantage of future opportunities,” Lucadamo said.

The event will include featured presentations from the National Nanotech Coordination Office, Pennsylvania Community and Economic Development, and the U.S. Army Armament R&D Center. Tours of Ben Franklin TechVentures will also be conducted.

The event runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 20 and admission costs $50, although it is free for government and academic attendees. Click here to register or learn more, and visit here for a specific agenda, schedule, and list of speakers and topics.