The Manufacturers’ Council of the IE hosted a presentation by David Pearson, PhD, Managing Director of the Entrepreneurial Programs at UC Riverside (UCR) on Thursday, July 22nd. During this virtual event, Pearson spoke about the resources available to local manufacturers through a new exploratory program called “Discover UCR.”
“Discover UCR” aims to better connect the university’s resources to Riverside and San Bernardino County manufacturers who are seeking specialized equipment, technologies, and collaborations to create competitive new products for national markets. During the presentation, Pearson offered to connect attending manufacturers with grant resources and UCR programs that could support their innovations. “UC Riverside is offering its unique resources to Inland Empire manufacturers. These will complement the programs of our partner economic development organizations to create more jobs and strengthen regional competitiveness,” Pearson stated.
Pearson also shared that “the university has a network of students who want to gain job experience.” He wanted attendees to know that UCR is ready to help connect local manufacturing businesses with students for internship roles and permanent jobs.
Pearson has 35 years’ senior management experience in the pharmaceutical, medical device, and manufacturing industries. He joined UCR in 2019 and contributed to the opening of the region’s first wet lab incubator facility on the UCR campus. He now leads the university’s new Technology Partnerships outreach to Inland Empire manufacturers.
The Office of Technology Partnerships at UCR through its “Discover UCR” initiative connects industry with academia facilitating research partnerships, licensing of novel technologies, access to specialized equipment, and connections to skilled interns and UCR graduates. For questions about how UCR can assist in business advancements, contact David at tp@ucr.edu.
The Manufacturers’ Council offers monthly “Happy Hour” Zoom conferences for attendees to learn valuable information about the manufacturing sector and how to help their companies’ thrive, and is funded in major part by a grant from California Manufacturing Technology Consulting®. To keep up with developments for the September Happy Hour, visit www.MFGCouncilie.com.
The Manufacturers’ Council of the Inland Empire (MCIE) supports education and workforce training on behalf of manufacturers throughout the region, offering expertise in a variety of topics including innovative workforce solutions. Resources and problem-solving strategies provided through MCIE membership generate positive economic impact for employers, employees, students (from grade school through college), and the community at large. For more on events, or to join MCIE, visit MFGCouncilie.com.
