University of New Haven and i5 Services Launch Supply Chain

The University of New Haven's Elevation Center has partnered with i5 Services to establish a new Supply Chain Resiliency Hub. The hub will leverage the CONNEX Marketplace platform, a digital network backed by the National Association of Manufacturers, alongside university faculty and student talent.

According to the source, the partnership was announced in April. A major objective is to bolster supply chains in Connecticut and across the United States by integrating students into manufacturing networks. This effort is led by UNH Vice President of Innovation and Applied Technology Paul Lavoie.

The CONNEX Marketplace Solution

Paul Lavoie first encountered CONNEX while serving as Connecticut's chief manufacturing officer. He received an email from a former colleague declaring they had found a solution. Lavoie described the platform's approach as "all-inclusive," covering all industries, suppliers, and manufacturers. This contrasts with search technology typically exclusive to a single industry.

With Lavoie's support, Connecticut provided funding to implement CONNEX. The state launched its own version of the platform in 2023 with support from the Connecticut Business and Industry Association. Other states, including Kentucky, have since adopted similar initiatives.

Building the University Hub

When Lavoie moved to his role at the University of New Haven, he and i5 Services President and CEO Alan Davis developed the idea to connect the university directly to the CONNEX platform. The resulting Supply Chain Resiliency Hub uses CONNEX's supplier databases and digital tools.

In this hub, UNH students perform the core work. Their tasks range from helping companies locate domestic suppliers to developing artificial intelligence applications. Alan Davis emphasized the practical nature of the projects. "These aren't internships; they are real projects with real companies," Davis said. He noted that industry often cites a lack of relevant job experience as a major challenge for new graduates.

Training Through Real Projects

The program provides students with paid, hands-on experience directly tied to manufacturing supply chains. Davis stated that providing this training is the way to solve the experience gap. Students earn a paycheck while working on substantive projects that address actual industry needs.

The initiative is framed as a dual-purpose endeavor. It strengthens American supply chains by connecting manufacturers with domestic suppliers through advanced digital tools. Simultaneously, it cultivates a new generation of professionals equipped with direct, relevant experience. The partnership between the university and the technology provider aims to create a sustainable model for workforce development and supply chain resilience.

Outsourced Pharma characterized the effort as a tale of overcoming challenges faced by U.S. Manufacturers and supplying new leaders. The work continues to build on the foundational adoption of the CONNEX platform within the state of Connecticut.