New York State’s innovation economy has reached a major milestone. Annual reports show that two programs administered through Empire State Development’s (ESD) Division of Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR) generated $1.8 billion in statewide economic impact. The programs are the New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NY MEP) and Centers of Excellence (COE), both of which help manufacturers to modernize, innovate, and grow.
According to ESD President, CEO, and Commissioner Hope Knight, the results “show how our strategy is delivering measurable results — supporting jobs, strengthening industries and expanding economic opportunity in every region of the state.” NYSTAR Executive Director Ben Verschueren concurred, noting how “that work translates to jobs, investments, and real progress within the industries that drive our state’s economy.”
NY MEP Improves Competitiveness
The 2025 NY MEP annual report highlights the statewide network’s role in helping small and mid-sized manufacturers improve their competitiveness through technology adoption, process improvements, workforce development, marketing, and supply chain support. NY MEP includes 10 regional centers and one statewide center, FuzeHub.
During calendar year 2024, NY MEP centers:
- Generated $1.29 billion in economic impact
- Created or retained 6,858 jobs
- Served 516 companies
NY MEP is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NIST MEP), a public-private network with centers in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. In 2024, New York’s NY MEP network received nearly $7 million in federal funding, complemented by approximately $3.8 million in state support.
COEs Drive Growth
The 2025 COE Annual Report highlights the program’s role in promoting partnerships between academia and industry. New York State’s 14 designated Centers of Excellence bring together universities, researchers and private-sector partners to develop and commercialize emerging technologies, attract investment, and support innovation across key industries.
During the July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024, reporting period, New York State’s COEs:
- Generated $530.8 million in economic impact
- Created or retained 776 jobs
- Served 872 companies
These NYSTAR-funded centers focus on strategic sectors such as semiconductors, life sciences, advanced materials, agriculture, and digital gaming. According to ESD, their core mission is to bridge the gap between university research and business needs to create jobs and attract private investment while providing companies with access to faculty expertise and cutting-edge resources.