Oswego's wireless technology draws SUNY, Research Foundation investment

SUNY Oswego recently received notice of an award from the SUNY Technology Accelerator Fund (TAF) to advance the commercial readiness of a novel device that will enable fast and secure transfer of wireless data.

Jointly funded by the State University of New York and the Research Foundation for SUNY, the TAF investment targets critical research and development milestones -- such as feasibility studies, prototyping and testing -- that demonstrate an idea or innovation has commercial potential. The goal is to increase new technology's attractiveness to potential investors.

Dr. Patanjali Parimi, director of SUNY Oswego's Advanced Wireless Systems Research Center, is one of four SUNY faculty researchers who are receiving investments from TAF as part of its 2017 funding cycle. The other awardees are from three of the system's large research universities -- University at Albany, Binghamton University and University at Buffalo. Oswego is the lone comprehensive college among the recipients.

"Competition is high for this award," said Parimi, who has submitted an application for a preliminary patent for the wireless device. "I am pleased our proposal to advance wireless technology attracted the interest of the Technology Accelerator Fund."

In his application for the award -- titled "Secure High Data Rate Communications Employing Orbital Angular Modulation of EM (Electromagnetic) Waves" -- Parimi noted demand is intense for more secure, higher speed wireless data. If the new device makes it to market, uses abound in defense, mobile communications, auto transportation systems, aircraft and more, he said.

The device can be retrofitted as a component to existing communication systems at both the transmitter and receiver, Parimi said.

Dr. William J. Bowers, SUNY Oswego associate provost for research development and administration, said the amount of the TAF investment -- up to $50,000 -- is driven by benchmarks on a technology-development timeline.

"The investment Dr. Parimi is receiving from TAF is contingent upon his team successfully achieving specific project milestones," said Bowers, whose Office of Research and Sponsored Programs serves as the campus liaison for grants and contracts with the Research Foundation.

Among those is development of a prototype device to provide proof of concept. Two Syracuse-area companies -- JMA Wireless and SRC Inc. -- submitted letters supporting Parimi's TAF application and expressing interest in potential co-development opportunities.

The Research Foundation has experts in patenting and technology development who can assist college and university researchers with moving their research from lab to market, Bowers said.

"What it (the TAF investment) is meant to do is move along the commercialization path technology that is innovative and has significant market potential," he added.

SUNY Oswego's Advanced Wireless Research Center includes a communications and radar research lab in Wilber Hall and a wireless training lab in Shineman Center, both with state-of-the art equipment.