Walsh University’s Annual Science and Business Innovation Summit successfully brought together academia, business, science, and government to promote innovation and drive economic growth through collaboration. The three-day event, held Jan. 29-31, featured discussions, nationally recognized keynote speakers, a competition for startup businesses, and hands-on educational activities for high school students interested in pursuing careers in STEM and entrepreneurship. The summit aimed to bridge the gap between education, workforce development, and new business opportunities in Northeast Ohio.
From national leaders like Congresswoman Emilia Sykes, National Science Board Vice Chair Victor McCrary, and former Principal Director of Hypersonics in the Department of Defense Michael White, to local business and innovation change agents, the summit challenged guests to explore how academia can collaborate with industry and policymakers to improve the workforce of tomorrow.
“I’ve always believed that when we bring people together, incredible things happen,” said Dr. Dan Passerini, Executive Director of Cross-enterprise Operations, who spearheads the summit for Walsh. “This summit embodies our shared vision—a community where education, industry, and government work hand in hand to prepare the next generation for success, create new business opportunities, and catalyze transformational economic activity for our region and for all of Ohio.”
The summit began with the SPARQ Summit (Shimadzu Partnership for Academics, Research and Quality of Life) and a seminar showcasing new state-of-the-art technology provided by Shimadzu Scientific, the second-largest global manufacturer of high-end industrial analytic science instrumentation. The inaugural event brought in top scientists from across the country for a best-practices discussion, highlighting Walsh as one of Shimadzu’s top SPARQ programs. Walsh’s long-standing partnership with Shimadzu has led to the formation of its Center for Scientific Excellence, fostering educational excellence in the sciences while providing analytical resources to the business community.
Day two of the summit started with a special roundtable discussion with business and industry leaders, community partners, and national, regional, and local government officials. The forum, facilitated by Walsh President Tim Collins and Dr. Passerini, introduced Walsh’s IGNITE Innovation Hub, designed to foster collaboration and workforce development in the region.
The highlight of the summit was the networking luncheon on Jan. 30. Dr. Collins opened the luncheon with a message on intellectual freedom and the importance of continued education. “If you really want to know the secret to America’s greatness, it is our unwavering commitment to continuing education,” he said. “When we come together, learn from each other, and challenge ourselves to think differently, that is when we truly innovate.”
Dr. McCrary stressed the need for stronger education and industry partnerships to prepare the next generation of workers. “Whether you’re a plumber or a Ph.D., we must develop a workforce that can keep up,” he said. “And that starts with breaking down silos between education and industry—something Walsh University is leading by example.”
During the summit, Dr. McCrary invited Dr. Collins, Dr. Passerini, and Michael Haag, Director of Entrepreneurship and Technology Transfer, to join him on stage. He recognized their leadership in advancing initiatives like Walsh’s Skilled Technical Workforce Program and the IGNITE Hub, which align with the National Science Foundation’s mission to drive economic development, basic research, public health, and national security.
“Walsh is a perfect example of bringing partners together—not only convening them but fostering meaningful conversations that translate into action,” Dr. McCrary said. He further emphasized that when Dr. Collins became President in 2019, he immediately recognized the importance of the National Science Board’s report on the skilled technical workforce and its relevance to the region. Today, Walsh is helping bridge the gap between industry and education, ensuring that both degree-holding and skilled technical workers have a place in the national research and economic ecosystem.
Michael White, managing member of White Arrow LLC and former principal director of hypersonics in the Department of Defense, delivered the keynote address, speaking about the importance of developing a highly skilled workforce to meet the challenges of emerging technologies. He noted Walsh’s leadership in workforce development and upskilling. “It’s inspiring to see Walsh leading the way in shaping the workforce of tomorrow,” he said.
Shimadzu Scientific’s Willard Bankert and Bruce Thompson praised Walsh’s commitment to advancing science education and preparing students with hands-on experience using the latest scientific tools. “When Walsh students come to employers like us, they’re prepared and excel,” Thompson said.
Several community leaders attended both the roundtable and the luncheon. Stark County Commissioner Richard Regula emphasized the region’s strengths in energy, infrastructure, and workforce readiness, underscoring Walsh’s role in preparing a skilled workforce for the future. “What Walsh is doing is an innovative approach to workforce development—filling critical technical needs and providing an alternative path to career success,” he said.
Jeff Dafler, president and CEO of the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, highlighted workforce development as the key to the region’s economic future. “If we’re going to be competitive and build what’s next for our community, workforce is key,” he said.
The second day culminated with the 2nd Annual Innovation Challenge Competition, where eight startup companies pitched their groundbreaking ideas to a panel of industry leaders. The winner, Polykinetics, was awarded a $10,000 prize in services offered through Walsh’s Center for Scientific Excellence and Technology Transfer Office for the most innovative business concept.
The final day of the summit provided more than 300 high school students from Northeast Ohio with the opportunity to explore careers in science and entrepreneurship. Interactive workshops allowed students to engage with university faculty and industry leaders on topics like polymers, NASA space science, and drones.
Dr. Passerini was featured on WAKR Radio with morning news anchor and technology podcaster Jeanne Destro.
