This year’s event highlighted the transformative power of emerging technologies—like modeling and simulation, digital twins, data analytics, and machine learning—to solve complex regulatory and operational hurdles. A recurring theme was the importance of workforce development, ensuring the next generation is equipped to meet industry demands.
Key Highlights:
- Keynote Speaker Dennis R. Hall from US Pharmacopeia engaged attendees with his talk: “Will AI/ML Change How Pharmaceuticals Are Made?” He explored how advanced technologies must drive innovation in process monitoring and real-time quality assurance to strengthen U.S. pharmaceutical manufacturing and the global supply chain.
- Tim Shinbara Jr. of BlueForge Alliance emphasized the need for strategic partnerships to strengthen ecosystems in his talk: “A Strategic Approach to Partnerships & Ecosystems.”
- Jeren Browning of Idaho National Laboratory showcased how digital twins can revolutionize infrastructure and operational efficiency. His examples focused on clean energy, but lessons learned about autonomous operation and real-time anomaly detection can be applied across industries.
- Larissa Smith from Maritime Industrial Base DRPM shared how critical adopting Industry 4.0 technologies that are critical for scaling maritime manufacturing. Improvements in process automation, intelligent systems and infrastructure technology are key to responding to the challenges of a work force that is retiring at a rate that is faster than traditional training can keep up with.
- Joy Marie Polefrone, Ph.D., from CCAM, delivered an inspiring session on the power of partnerships through the Advanced Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Coalition’s collective work.
- Sean Terrell from Reynolds Community College highlighted the importance of sector-led workforce development to create an end-to-end talent pipeline.
The day concluded with an engaging panel discussion moderated by John Milton-Benoit, CCAM’s President & CEO, where leaders from across industries shared insights into overcoming regulatory challenges and adopting new technologies.
“The day truly highlighted how efforts across a diverse set of industry verticals can be leveraged to rapidly create and expand ecosystems of new technology and skilled workforce development for multiple industries. This approach provides additional, layered resilience for critical U.S. and global supply chains,”
Throughout the day, participants had the opportunity to see demonstrations featuring processes and technologies being deployed at CCAM as well as the GO TEC lab used to train educators to introduce middle school students to careers in STEM related fields.
Attendees capped off the day with a vibrant networking reception featuring poster presentations by students and faculty from CCAM’s member universities. The exchange of ideas underscored the value of fostering collaboration across all stakeholders.
The following day featured exclusive member meetings and workshops, providing a deeper dive into specific research initiatives and opportunities for collaboration.
At CCAM, events like Industry Day remind us that collaboration is the key to innovation. Together, we’re not just solving today’s challenges – we’re building a foundation for future growth and transformation.
Thank you to all our speakers, attendees, and partners who made this event a success! We’re excited to continue driving progress across regulated industries.
