Upstate New York is home to a thriving startup ecosystem powered by a diverse network of innovation hubs, incubators, accelerators, and entrepreneurship support centers. From Syracuse and Rochester to Buffalo, Albany, Ithaca, and beyond, these organizations provide founder resources, mentorship, venture funding, and community events that fuel the region’s growth. Whether you’re a student launching your first idea, a researcher spinning out new technology, or a founder scaling a company, these centers connect you to the people, programs, and opportunities that make Upstate New York a rising hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.
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Upstate Founder Events
Centralized calendar aggregating startup, founder, and tech events across Upstate NY into one simple, searchable site for easy access.
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Griffiss Institute / Innovare Advancement Center
Nonprofit STEM talent and technology accelerator stewarding the Innovare Advancement Center with AFRL/RI—advancing AI/ML, cybersecurity, quantum, UAS, and microelectronics through events, programs, and partnerships.
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CenterState CEO
Independent regional economic development organization driving inclusive growth across Central New York through business services, workforce initiatives, policy advocacy, and community-wide events.
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FuzeHub (NY MEP)
New York’s statewide MEP center connecting manufacturers to resources, experts, and funding (e.g., Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund), and leading initiatives like Upstate Makes in microelectronics and glass-enabled manufacturing.
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Rev: Ithaca Startup Works
Business incubator offering mentorship, accelerator programs, coworking, prototyping resources, and a steady cadence of founder-focused events.
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NextCorps
Anchor of Rochester’s Innovation Zone (Sibley Square) providing incubation, acceleration, coworking, and community programming—home to notable initiatives like Luminate.
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Cornell StartupTree (Entrepreneurship at Cornell)
Cornell’s entrepreneurship portal listing campus-wide startup events, competitions, and applications, connecting students, researchers, mentors, and alumni.
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Startup Grind Rochester
Local chapter of the global Startup Grind community—hosting talks, fireside chats, and networking to connect founders, operators, and investors.
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Upstate Capital Association of New York
Member-driven organization convening investors and operators across VC, growth, and PE/M&A via conferences, awards, and dealmaking-focused events.
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Launch NY
Nonprofit venture development organization providing pro bono mentorship and seed funding programs—including initiatives to support underrepresented founders.
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Luminate
World-leading optics, photonics, and imaging accelerator (a NextCorps program) offering investment and a global stage for OPI startups.
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NY-BEST (New York Battery & Energy Storage Technology)
Industry consortium advancing battery and energy storage through conferences, webinars, and member programs (e.g., Capture the Energy®).
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Koffman Southern Tier Incubator (Binghamton University)
35,000 sq. ft. incubator and lab complex supporting early-stage companies with space, mentorship, and sector programs—actively spotlighting startup milestones and opportunities.
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CEIS – Center for Emerging & Innovative Sciences (University of Rochester)
NYSTAR Center for Advanced Technology that catalyzes university–industry partnerships to commercialize innovations in photonics, life sciences, and more.
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IncubatorWorks
Regional incubator network supporting entrepreneurs—especially in advanced materials—through space, mentorship, and programming across multiple locations.
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Innovate 518
The Capital Region’s incubator hub—managed by UAlbany—connecting startups to a collaborative network of incubators, resources, and events.
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UVC – Founder Fusion
Curated, founder-only gatherings designed to blend regional networks and spark high-value relationships with peers, mentors, and investors.
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UVC – Unleashed (Founders Retreat)
Two-day founders retreat convening entrepreneurial leaders for connection, learning, and renewal in an intentionally intimate setting.
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CEG – Center for Economic Growth
The Capital Region’s economic development organization—offering events and services for business growth, manufacturing solutions, startup support, and talent.
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43North
Buffalo’s $5M startup competition and accelerator—hosting a Shark Tank–style finals each fall and running an immersive program for winning teams.
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IN I-Corps / Great Lakes I-Corps Hub
NSF I-Corps regional programming, including specialized courses (e.g., battery tech) partnering with Binghamton University and RIT; frequent info sessions and cohorts.
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GENIUS NY (CenterState CEO)
The world’s largest UAS/robotics accelerator—investing $3M annually in seed-stage startups across drones, automation, and advanced air mobility.
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CNY Biotech Accelerator (Upstate Medical University)
NYS-certified incubator hosting the Concept to Commercialization education series, the Medical Device Innovation Challenge, and other biotech startup programs.
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Good Neighbor Fund (Neighborhoods.space)
$1,000 micro-grants for ideation-stage founders—simple quarterly application with no pitch deck or equity required, focused on under-resourced entrepreneurs.
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Southern Tier – Nuclear New York (Meetup)
Grassroots meetup building a coalition to support new nuclear development in NYS; organizes educational and civic-engagement events across the region.
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Upstate Makes (NSF Regional Innovation Engine)
Microelectronics-focused regional engine led by FuzeHub—mobilizing industry, academia, and government around next‑gen glass, packaging, and workforce initiatives.
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1 Million Cups – Capital Region
Monthly founder presentations and community Q&A to accelerate early-stage startups—hosted with local partners like the Rensselaer Chamber.
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Flying Pig Society
Community for innovators and builders hosting practical skill-sharing meetups (e.g., how to finance your startup) and peer networking.
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BootSector (WNY Startup Community)
Grassroots founder community maintaining a comprehensive WNY startup events calendar and hosting recurring meetups like Buffalo Startup Coffee.
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Women’s Business Center (Canisius University)
Programs, cohorts, consulting, and networking tailored to women entrepreneurs—regular events include open houses, pitch days, and the annual Ignite Awards.
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Severino Center for Technological Entrepreneurship (RPI)
RPI’s entrepreneurship hub offering courses, bootcamps, EIR mentorship, and student competitions to help innovators go from concept to company.
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Keenan Center for Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Creativity (Le Moyne College)
📍 Syracuse, NY (Le Moyne College campus)
🔗 https://www.lemoyne.edu/academics/centers/keenan-center-for-entrepreneurship/Le Moyne College’s entrepreneurship hub offering mentoring, maker-space facilities, the Dolphin Tank pitch competition (up to $50K funding), youth outreach (Keenan Innovators), and experiential programming to grow entrepreneurial talent in Central New York.
The organizations highlighted here are more than just event hosts or coworking spaces—they are the connective tissue of the Upstate New York startup ecosystem. By tapping into these innovation hubs, incubators, and accelerators, founders can access mentorship, funding, and networks that accelerate growth and impact. Whether you’re launching your first prototype, scaling a team, or seeking new markets, these communities provide the entrepreneurship support and founder resources to help you succeed. Take time to explore, show up at events, and connect—you may find that the next breakthrough in your venture starts with the relationships you build here.
