UAlbany’s Tech Roadshow Makes a Stop in Schoharie - UAlbany and SEEC Showcase Future-Forward Tech

SCHOHARIE – With the support of the Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corporation (SEEC), the University at Albany delivered cutting-edge innovations in energy, disaster preparedness, utilities and more straight into the hands of would-be users during the second stop of its 2025 Tech Roadshow on Wednesday July 23, 2025, in Schoharie.

“The idea behind the Roadshow is to bring emerging technologies, like virtual reality, out of the lab and into the community”, said Brett Orzechowski, Assistant Director for UAlbany’s Office of Economic Development, Entrepreneurship, and Industry Partnerships.

Orzechowski first connected with SEEC Executive Director Julie Pacatte during the New York State Economic Development Council (NYSEDC) conference in February 2025. “I met Julie following her panel on broadband, and it was immediately clear that SEEC shares a deep appreciation for how technology can shape the future economy,” he remarked.

“What UAlbany is doing really complements SEECs mission,” Emily Smith, SEEC Marketing Coordinator said. “And this is what our space is here for: to help connect people.”

Pacatte agreed, emphasizing the importance of partnerships like this one as Schoharie County moves closer to full broadband buildout. “We’re always looking for opportunities to work with institutions like UAlbany and explore how their innovations can be applied here.”

The Roadshow’s visit to 287 Main in Schoharie was set up as an open house with the 20-some participants rotating between sessions. Featured technologies included:

All Hazards Virtual Reality Game – an immersive emergency preparedness simulator that puts players in high-stakes disaster scenarios where they must make life-saving decisions
Zero Energy Operating Systems – software developed by the ReWire Group to monitor and manage energy consumption
TR-CO2 Heat Pump Systems – designed to retrofit older buildings, making them more energy-efficient without sacrificing character
ARTWR (Adsorption Regeneration Water Treatment Reactor) – a breakthrough solution for advanced water purification

“I really prefer the open house format. It’s a great way to bring the work happening in higher education out into rural communities,” said Orzechowski. “Places that are just 30 minutes from the Capital District often get overlooked, and this helps bridge that gap.”

“It’s a way to have a lot of conversations at one time,” he said, as well as an opportunity for informal networking–something that continued after the sessions were over.

At SEECs 287 Main headquarters, Mike Hartzel, director of Schoharie County’s Office of Emergency Services, gave All Hazards a whirl, pulling on a VR headset to work his way through high-stakes scenarios and floods that forced him to make quick decisions–already second nature for the disaster professional.

The tool was demonstrated by DeeDee Bennett Gayle, PhD, and PhD student Mahsa Goodarzi, who developed the research-based program. The pair will travel to California this August to present their work to a national audience of emergency management professionals.

“I really appreciated the immersive experience and see a lot of potential in the concept,” said Hartzel. “If it were adapted into a mobile game app, I think people would be more likely to use it regularly and keep their skills sharp.”

“Most of the technology here is human” remarked Eric Stein, former president of Cobleskill Regional Hospital and a founding member of SEEC, as he reflected on All Hazards. “We’re used to disasters like floods here,” he said. “Something that helps people think ahead and prepare…especially with cuts to FEMA and those services–look what happened in Texas–is something we could really use.”

“All disasters start locally,” said Gayle, “so preparation starts out locally too.”

As the event wrapped up, Brett Orzechowski noted the value of these in-person exchanges. “Getting the right people in the room is critical—and with the Roadshow, we’re doing exactly that. We’re prompting important questions: ‘What do you need? What should we be working on next?’ I’ve heard a lot of meaningful conversations today, and that’s how strong community-industry partnerships begin.”

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About The Schoharie Economic Enterprise (SEEC): Founded by private sector leaders, SEEC is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to strengthening Schoharie County by fostering economic growth.

About 287 Main: The economic development and community hub where SEEC integrates coworking spaces, art gallery exhibits, offices and special event rental with pop-up retail opportunities, all while providing business resources to the community. This multifaceted venue not only fosters economic growth in Schoharie County but also serves as a cultural hub for art enthusiasts and local talent.

About University at Albany’s Office of Economic Development, Entrepreneurship, and Industry Partnerships (OEDEIP): The University at Albany’s Office of Economic Development, Entrepreneurship, and Industry Partnerships (OEDEIP) connects academic innovation with industry, government, and community needs to drive regional economic growth. OEDEIP supports entrepreneurship, fosters research commercialization, and facilitates strategic partnerships that leverage the university’s strengths in science, technology, and public policy. Through collaborative initiatives, OEDEIP helps translate groundbreaking research into real-world impact across New York’s Capital Region and beyond.