Last April, Hannifin even did a presentation on science toys to a special gathering of managers from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

FORBES: Toys Your Techie Friends Will Love

Cuomo wouldn't answer questions after his presentation, held at the nanoscience college of the state University of New York in a space where President Barack Obama was a cheerleader one year ago for states seeking a place in the competitive high-technology economy.

WSJ: Cuomo: Create tax-free zones around SUNY campuses

But about an hour into RIM's presentation Wednesday, Mr. Heins delivered some unwelcome news to the audience in the hangar-like space, announcing the delayed U.S. availability of the phones.

WSJ: Finally, a BlackBerry��But More Delays

The aim of the newly established International Centre is to provide technical assistance in the area of space technologies to requesting Member States of UNESCO, as applied to the monitoring, documentation, modelling and presentation of cultural and natural heritage sites.

UNESCO: NATURAL SCIENCES