FuzeHub, a not-for-profit organization responsible for assisting small and medium-sized manufacturing companies in New York State, announces the 2019 Commercialization Competition. As part of the Jeff Lawrence Manufacturing Innovation Fund, FuzeHub will hold its third Commercialization Competition on November 18-19, 2019 at the Albany Capital Center. Nineteen entrepreneurs from across New York State will pitch their ideas before a live audience. A total of $400,000 will be awarded to the top presentations.
“This is considered one of FuzeHub’s signature events. It brings awareness to the diversity of innovation and entrepreneurship that exists in all of our regions across New York. Each year, we continue to see new cutting-edge products and technologies,” stated Elena Garuc, Executive Director of FuzeHub. “These awards can be an essential element to help companies achieve sales and growth,” she added.
This two-day event in Albany, NY will feature an investment-themed welcome program, exhibits, speakers, and the opportunity to see how New York is helping to retain talent and move innovative early-stage companies toward success. Companies will demonstrate the commercialization potential of their product or technology for the opportunity to win up to $150,000. Six companies will receive a $50,000 award and one of six finalists will receive the grand prize of an additional $100,000. Award funds must be used to improve a working prototype that will enable the company to pursue additional investment and customers, leading to the commercialization of their product concept.
Matt Watson, Director of Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology and Innovation, said, “The annual FuzeHub Commercialization Competition is a key driver of innovative economic activity in a variety of industries in New York, and I look forward to seeing the chosen entrepreneurs present new ideas to drive economic growth and job creation in the state.”
This event will allow individuals to network with others in the entrepreneurial and investment ecosystems and see how FuzeHub is continuing to spur technology development and commercialization across New York State. Registration and full agenda details are available at FuzeHub Commercialization Competition 2019.
FuzeHub is pleased to announce the finalists:
Aqua Vectors Incorporated (Syosset)
CathBuddy, Inc. (Woodbury)
Circle Optics, Inc. (Rochester)
Combined Energies LLC (Rochester)
Efferent Labs, Inc. (Buffalo)
Electroskip LLC (Buffalo)
Fabbro Industries, LLC (Voorheesville)
GCLIProw Inc. (Buffalo)
Halomine, Inc (Ithaca)
Heat Inverse, LLC (Ithaca)
InSitu Composites, LLC (Troy)
Molecular Glasses, Inc. (Rochester)
Natural Beauty Breast Prosthesis, LLC (Hamilton)
Optimed Technology, Inc. (Buffalo)
Phase Innovations, LLC (Rochester)
Re-Nuble Inc. (New York City)
Smart Keg (Hauppauge)
We Are the New Farmers (Brooklyn)
Wesa LLC (New York City)
The Manufacturing Innovation Fund, consisting of $1 million annually, supports a set of activities designed to spur technology development and commercialization across New York State. FuzeHub is administering this fund as part of its role as the Empire State Development (ESD)-designated statewide MEP center. For more information about the Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund contact Julianne Clouthier, Industry Engagement Manager at [email protected] or visit Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund.
About Jeff Lawrence
During his more than 20 years at the Center for Economic Growth, the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) affiliate in the Capital Region where he served as executive vice president, and MEP Center Director, Jeff Lawrence directed programs of direct assistance to manufacturers and technology companies to increase their competitiveness. He is remembered for being an invaluable and generous mentor to many in the area’s business community and a tireless advocate for manufacturing innovation throughout New York.