Latest News About Business Incubators and Accelerators From Across New York State | | |
New York State Incubator Report
March 2025
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Dear BIANYS Members and Friends,
As we head into spring, we’re excited to see momentum building across our innovation ecosystem. From new program launches to upcoming events, BIANYS is continuing to support incubators, accelerators, and innovation spaces that power economic growth across New York State.
Here’s what’s blooming this month:
| | 📅 Save the Date: BIANYS Annual Conference | | | | |
We're finalizing plans for this year’s BIANYS Annual Conference, to be held in White Plains on June 12th and 13th. This is the first time our Conference will be in the Hudson Valley, it is being hosted by the Hudson Valley Venture Hub, the Regional Innovation HotSpot for the Hudson Valley and Element 46 the Economic Development Office of Westchester County. Expect dynamic panels, keynotes from industry leaders, and time to connect with peers and policymakers shaping the future of innovation in New York.
🎤 Interested in speaking or sponsoring? Reply to this email to get involved early.
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🛠️ Policy & Advocacy Update
BIANYS continues to advocate for stronger state support of startup infrastructure. We’ve been in discussions with ESD, the Governor's Office and State Legislative Leaders to:
Expand funding for incubator-backed programs
- -Highlight incubators’ impact on workforce development
- -Make the case for the continuation and improvement of StartUP NY or the proposed Catalist program.
📣 If you have stories, stats, or successes that support our advocacy, please send them our way — your impact matters.
| | BIANYS HELD ITS ANNUAL ADVOCACY DAY IN ALBANY ON FEBRUARY 26TH-27TH | |
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BIANYS members met with State Legislative Leaders in Albany to advocate for increased incubator funding, more state-certified incubators, additional funding for Regional Innovation Hotspots, and the need to continue some of the benefits of the StartUP NY program.
We are currently asking members to contact their legislators or send a letter similar to the letter BIANYS sent out along with members of our Advocacy Committee.
Email all questions to marc.alessi@bianys.comcom
| | | | BIANYS JOINED OUR SPONSORS CBIZ FOR THEIR NIGHT OUT WITH THE LONG ISLAND BUSINESS COMMUNITY AT A NY ISLANDERS GAME | |
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BIANYS Board Member Paul Trapani (Director of the Digital Ballpark in Plainview, Long Island) and BIANYS Executive Director Marc Alessi take in an Islanders Game with CBIZ/Marcum Accounting. Marc and Paul took the opportunity to network with the local business community on Long Island while supporting one of BIANYS' long time sponsors CBIZ/MARCUM's night at the Islanders.
| | | | Governor Kathy Hochul announced the selection of New York State’s first ON-RAMP Workforce Innovation Hub to be located in Syracuse | | | | |
The flagship Hub will anchor a broader revitalization of the site, which is being led by the City of Syracuse and CenterState CEO. The Central New York location will serve as a critical gateway for both job seekers and manufacturing and construction firms, supporting the region’s growing demand for skilled workers, anchored by Micron’s $100 billion commitment in Onondaga County.
More Info Here
| | New York Fashion Innovation Center Grant | | | | |
Applications open on April 15th! Receive up to $10,000 for projects that advance sustainable, locally made textiles in New York. The program funds New York-based startups, businesses, farmers, researchers, and individuals working to advance and scale sustainable textile development in fashion using New York resources.
Find more information here.
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SSTI updates State SBIR/STTR Resource Guide
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program is one of the federal government's most substantial investments for moving innovation from America’s small businesses into the private market or federal procurement in areas like defense, space, energy or transportation.
States have launched a variety of funding programs, technical assistance efforts, and outreach initiatives to help ensure more of their own innovation-driven small firms can capture and succeed with SBIR. These programs act as a catalyst for innovation, accelerating the commercialization of new technologies and ultimately fueling local economic growth. Read more
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CHRIS HEIVLY ON:
Fear? Nah, That’s Just My Caveman Brain Screaming
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Fear is universal and has been around since our caveman days. Yet, many of us still mistakenly believe that it is unique to us—that we alone are held back by this invisible force, that we alone are afflicted. This perception is not just misleading; it’s paralyzing. The first step in conquering fear is realizing that it is not a personal flaw but a fundamental part of human existence.
| | | | Alternative Dispute Resolution: A smart solution to business disputes | | |
By: Angela Romero Valedón, Vice President, American Arbitration Association®
In today's fast-paced business environment, resolving disputes efficiently and effectively is crucial for maintaining strong business relationships and ensuring smooth operations. In the dynamic realm of business, disputes are inevitable. How businesses manage these disputes can significantly impact their success and relationships. Fortunately, resolving conflicts outside of traditional court proceedings is possible through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods. The American Arbitration Association (AAA®), with nearly 100 years of expertise, and over 8 million disputes administered, champions these methods, particularly mediation and arbitration.
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Launch NY Secures $5 Million to
Fuel Upstate NY Startups
| | Launch NY has been awarded $5 million from Empire State Development’s NY Ventures Community and Regional Partner Fund, reinforcing its mission to drive high-growth entrepreneurship across Upstate New York. Launch NY is the region’s leading venture development organization and most active seed fund providing both pro bono mentorship and capital. Launch NY has invested nearly $15 million in over 100 startups since 2016 through our InvestLocal Financing Programs, which include a nonprofit seed fund, LP funds, and Investor Network. | |
Innovation Takes the Spotlight at 2025 Hofstra-Digital Remedy Venture Challenge
| | | The Venture Challenge is hosted by the Zarb School of Business Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship and sponsored by Digital Remedy, a digital media solutions firm founded by Hofstra alumnus Mike Seiman while he was still a student. This year’s panel of judges included Seiman; Allon Avgi, founder and CEO of AVGI; and Leota Blacknor, Entrepreneur in Residence at Hofstra. In addition to cash prizes, the winning teams each received one-on-one mentoring sessions with Seiman. | | Unlocking Opportunity – NUAIR Increases FAA-Approved BVLOS Operating Area to 450 Square Miles | | This approval provides GENIUS NY startups – past, present, and future – with greater opportunities to commercialize their technology and secure customers. Expanding the operational area strengthens our ecosystem by enabling real-world deployments, accelerating market entry, and driving industry adoption of innovative UAS solutions." Kara Jones- Genius NY | | |
NYC OTI Launches Smart City Test Bed
The newly launched NYC Smart City Testbed Program creates a streamlined path to pilot emerging technologies with stakeholder city agencies. Accepted applicants will pilot their technology within New York City’s built environments with assistance from the Testbed team throughout the entire process
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