State Hires Tech Advisor
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe Indiana Economic Development Corp. has named Ian Steff senior advisor of nanotechnology and advanced manufacturing. He recently served as a vice president of the Washington D.C.-based Semiconductor Industry Association. August 8, 2014
News Release
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Ian Steff, a microtechnology and policy specialist, will serve as senior advisor of nanotechnology and advanced manufacturing at the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC).
Steff joins the state's job hunting agency fresh from the nexus of technology, policy and economics at the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) in Washington, DC. At SIA, a trade association representing the U.S. semiconductor industry, he served as vice president of global policy and technology partnerships. During his tenure, Steff led initiatives that promoted market growth on behalf of American microchip designers and manufacturers and supported successful technology partnerships between industry, government and universities to ensure America’s competitiveness in the nanotechnology era.
“Indiana is positioned at the forefront of technological innovation, with nanotechnology quickly becoming a major field internationally,” said Victor Smith, Indiana Sectary of Commerce. “Companies throughout the state are already putting nanotechlogy to impressive use, and our universities are leading advancements in the discipline. Novel uses for this technology will continue to be driven by Hoosiers, all with Ian’s help attracting more jobs and high-tech investment to our state.”
Nanotechnology is the study of very small things, applied to produce structures and systems with improved functionality resulting from their size. Indiana companies including Eli Lilly, Cook Medical, Kokomo Semiconductors and Dallara already use nanotechnology, as well as industries such as automotive, aviation, chemicals, composite materials, energy, medical devices and motorsports. Indiana University, Purdue University and The University of Notre Dame are currently leading internationally-recognized developments in nanotechnology, and Ivy Tech Community College's nanotechnology program prepares students to work as technicians in the sector.
In Indiana, Steff will spearhead strategies to further develop the nanotechnology industry and related advanced manufacturing initiatives. Industry analyst Lux Research estimates that global sales of products containing nanotech components will reach $2.4 trillion in 2015. With its location, excellent economic climate and access to strong research universities and high-tech community colleges, the state will promote and build upon its existing nanotechnology platform to attract major investments and jobs. The initiative will leverage Indiana’s industrial strengths, talent and research infrastructure statewide.
“Nanotechnology will fundamentally revolutionize existing industries and shape new ones,” said Steff. “Research advancements in this exciting field will improve the cars we drive, enhance consumer electronics, support life-saving medical technologies, and allow for longer-lasting batteries, and countless other advances. The state of Indiana has positioned itself to succeed in this sector with its 21st century workforce, competitive research infrastructure, and attractive investment climate. I look forward to expanding existing partnerships and supporting new ones that will yield jobs and research opportunities statewide. I am honored to be part of this exciting initiative.”
About IEDC
Created in 2005 to replace the former Department of Commerce, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation is governed by a 12-member board chaired by Governor Mike Pence. Victor Smith serves as the Indiana Secretary of Commerce and Eric Doden is the president of the IEDC.
The IEDC oversees programs enacted by the General Assembly including tax credits, workforce training grants and public infrastructure assistance. All tax credits are performance-based. Therefore, companies must first invest in Indiana through job creation or capital investment before incentives are paid. A company who does not meet its full projections only receives a percentage of the incentives proportional to its actual investment. For more information about IEDC, visit www.iedc.in.gov.
Source: Indiana Economic Development Corp.