The project’s solution is designed to support next-generation defense and commercial electronics including communications, sensing, aerospace and space systems.

“Being selected for inclusion in DARPA’s ERIS Marketplace is an exciting milestone for our team and reflects the promise of glass-based RF switches and filter packaging,” said Jeff Fitzgerald, Director of Advanced Packaging Strategy for FuzeHub. “Our solution has been competitively assessed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and has been deemed ‘awardable’ in the Expedited Research Innovation System (ERIS) Marketplace, making it available to view and easily procurable by the Department of War. The ERIS Marketplace provides a valuable opportunity to showcase our innovation to government, industry, and research stakeholders, and we look forward to leveraging this streamlined procurement pathway to showcase our innovation, build new partnerships and accelerate the impact of novel glass-based packaging solutions in real-world applications.”

Achieving ‘awardable’ status through DARPA’s ERIS Marketplace underscores growing recognition of Menlo Micro’s platform across defense and dual-use applications, said Russ Garcia, Chief Executive Officer of Menlo Micro. “This structured marketplace for new technologies represents an important step in accelerating how advanced RF and power systems are identified, evaluated, and transitioned into government programs. We view this as a clear indication of demand for scalable, high-performing switching architectures.”

The FuzeHub-led project’s video, “A Glass-based RF Receiver Architecture for W-Band Detection”, accessible only by government customers with a .mil email address on the DARPA ERIS Marketplace, presents an actual use case in which the company utilizes a glass-based radio frequency (RF) switch and filter packaging technology that replaces bulky assemblies of discrete RF components with a highly integrated, hermetically sealed glass platform. By embedding RF filters and MEMS switches directly into advanced glass substrates, the technology significantly reduces size, weight, assembly complexity, and component count while improving RF performance, reliability, and manufacturability.

Government customers interested in viewing the solution can create an ERIS Marketplace account at www.darpaconnect.us/eris.

About FuzeHub:

FuzeHub is a nonprofit organization that connects New York’s small and mid-sized manufacturing companies to the resources, programs and expertise they need for technology commercialization, innovation and business growth. Through its custom assessment, matching, and referral platform, FuzeHub helps companies navigate New York’s robust network of industry experts at Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) centers, universities, economic development organizations, and other providers. FuzeHub is the statewide New York MEP center, supported by Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology & Innovation. For more information on FuzeHub, visit www.fuzehub.com.

About Menlo Micro     

Menlo Micro sets a new standard for switches with the Ideal Switch, a chip-scale platform that overcomes performance, efficiency, and scalability bottlenecks of electromechanical relays (EMRs) and semiconductor-based switches. It’s the first disruptive switching technology in over 30 years and the only platform scalable across both power and frequency domains. The Ideal Switch enables smaller, lighter, faster, more reliable, and energy-efficient systems.  From AI to aerospace, defense and power electronics, the Ideal Switch eliminates bottlenecks and reduces the total cost of ownership across today’s most demanding applications. Menlo Micro unlocks new possibilities. For more information, visit www.menlomicro.com or follow the company on LinkedIn.

About the ERIS Marketplace:

The DARPA ERIS Marketplace is a transformative digital platform designed to accelerate acquisition velocity and advance national security innovation. All 7-minute Awardable solutions housed in the Marketplace have been assessed via competitive procedures against a comprehensive scoring rubric and are readily available for selection, negotiation, and award by government customers with a Marketplace account. By streamlining the procurement process, the ERIS Marketplace empowers DoW organizations to rapidly develop or acquire disruptive technologies that address the evolving challenges of defense and security. Industry and academia are encouraged to showcase their innovative solutions, connecting directly with DARPA and other government customers seeking revolutionary research and technology.

Learn more at: www.darpaconnect.us/eris. For media requests, please contact outreach@darpa.mil; for all other requests related to the ERIS Marketplace, please contact eris@darpa.mil.

These highly advanced devices have transformed the detection of weak light signals. Operating at extremely low temperatures, they use superconductivity to achieve sought-after photon detection efficiencies used in quantum communication, astrophysics, and biological imaging, as well as emerging applications in quantum computing and secure data transfer.

But there’s still room for improvement.

To answer this challenge, the University of Rochester’s Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Science has partnered with digital quantum computing company SEEQC to create, manufacture, and distribute a next-generation smart sensor, designed for use in cutting-edge quantum applications such as optical quantum networks, quantum computing, and secure data transfer systems like quantum key distribution.

Current SNSPDs face a tradeoff between three key performance factors: speed, detection efficiency, and background “noise” (known as dark counts). Integrating digital circuitry directly on the computing chip could help solve this problem by improving bias control, distinguishing between real and false signals, and even measuring photon numbers and energies more accurately.

This is where SEEQC’s industry expertise meets the University of Rochester’s academic research capabilities.

As a spin-out of parent company HYPRES—the world’s leading developer of superconductor electronics—SEEQC has extensive experience in combining classical and quantum technologies to address the efficiency, stability and cost issues endemic to quantum computing systems. And as one of the leading engineering schools in the U.S., the Hajim School is uniquely equipped to advance transformative innovations.

By developing technology built on superconducting materials—and integrating single-photon detectors directly on the same chip as advanced digital processing circuits—the collaboration’s smart sensor addresses key limitations in existing technology. It can detect single particles of light (photons) with exceptional precision, and in turn, help bring the first commercially scalable, problem-specific quantum computing applications to market.

With initial help from a $50,000 Fuzehub Manufacturing Grant in 2022, the partnership transitioned an existing SNSPD model into a new simulation platform (WRSpice), fabricated prototype chips, and performed testing and characterization.

While designed for cutting-edge quantum applications (such as optical quantum networks, quantum computing, and secure data transfer systems like quantum key distribution), the sensors can also support more traditional uses that require extremely sensitive low-light detection, including medical imaging, surveillance, and scientific research.

Since initial development, the project has achieved excellent results.

SEEQC successfully fabricated the new chips, which were then tested and characterized by HYPRES. The devices performed as expected during cryogenic (ultra-cold) testing, which is a necessary condition for superconducting technology. During the course of this work (completed in 2024), SEEQC and the University of Rochester also joined the National Science Foundation’s DISCoVER (Design and Integration of Superconducting Computation for Ventures beyond Exascale Realization) Expedition research program, expanding their work into new areas of quantum interface development.

Since this initial success, SEEQC—which also has facilities in facilities in London, UK, and Naples, Italy—has expanded its work into new areas of quantum interface development, launched collaborations with major corporations IBM and NVIDIA, and grown its operations into a new 12,000-square-foot facility in Elmsford, N.Y.

This project has also led to $1 million in additional investments, $300,000 in increased and retained sales for Seeqc, and ongoing job creation and retention.

Thanks to the many NYSTAR centers, hotspots and incubators for submitting their success story. Click here to submit your stories to share with the NYSTAR network — we want to hear from you!

New initiative from FuzeHub aims to strengthen national defense through the advancement of New York’s microelectronics industry

ALBANY, N.Y. — FuzeHub, the statewide New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) center, today announced the winners of the New York State Microelectronics Innovation Challenge. Three projects with ties to Cazenovia, Syracuse, Utica, Albany, Rochester and Binghamton, will each receive $60,000 from the Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund. These grants will support groundbreaking advancements that enhance national defense through developments in the microelectronics industry.

FuzeHub received numerous applications for the funding initiative launched in December 2025. They challenged New York’s innovators to advance New York State’s manufacturing capabilities within the microelectronics industry, either through advancing innovative technologies, or strengthening the microelectronics supply chain within New York State.

The Innovation Challenge focuses on the following areas within microelectronics:

• Electronic components on the micrometer-scale or smaller
• Components and materials necessary for assembling printed circuit boards
• Materials, equipment, and processes necessary for the manufacturing and assembly of the above two categories

“Programs like the Microelectronics Innovation Challenge help bridge the gap between promising ideas and real-world impact,” said Ben Verschueren, Executive Director of Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR). “By supporting early-stage research and helping innovators bring new technologies to market, we can advance critical industries like microelectronics while strengthening supply chains, creating high-quality jobs and expanding economic opportunity for New Yorkers.”

For the video announcement, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LZDWf_0YM0

The selected projects will develop a new way to inspect semiconductor materials, smarter testing for electronic components, and rethink how computer chips communicate internally. These projects show how innovation happens at every stage of the technology community. They are:

• The partnership between the Alliance for Manufacturing & Technology of the Southern Tier (AMT) and Pelco Component Technologies (Southern Tier/ Central NY) will help to integrate advanced in-circuit testing technologies to automate the testing and verification of circuit boards. The project is expected to increase throughput by more than 20X, while improving the accuracy of detecting defects in electronic components and improving their overall performance. This will enhance Pelco’s ability to deliver reliable electronic assemblies, and it translates to a more resilient supply chain serving the defense and industrial markets.

• Syracuse University CASE Center and Mosaic Microsystems (Central NY/ Finger Lakes) will demonstrate a breakthrough approach that builds wireless communication directly into glass-based chip systems, allowing chiplets (small modular chip building blocks) to share data more flexibly and reliably than wired connections alone. The work brings together experts in advanced computer hardware and wireless technology at Syracuse University with engineers at Mosaic Microsystems to help enable faster, more resilient electronics for applications like Artificial Intelligence, high-performance computing, and next-generation communication systems, all with substantially reduced manufacturing cost.

• The Research Foundation at SUNY Polytechnic, Electrical and Computer Engineering Department will collaborate with Xallent (Mohawk Valley/ Capital Region) to validate a new inspection technology. This project is focused on developing a non-contact, non-destructive inspection system that uses terahertz radiation, a safe form of electromagnetic energy between microwaves and infrared light, to examine semiconductor materials without the risk of causing damage to them. This will translate to a reduction in waste, and improved component reliability and performance, and should be especially impactful for components with fragile films and post-CMP surfaces where probe damage is especially costly.

“New York State is leading the growth in semiconductor manufacturing,” said Patty Rechberger, Innovation Fund Manager at FuzeHub. “FuzeHub is proud to support collaboration between academic institutions, regional manufacturing extension partnership centers, and manufacturers in order to accelerate innovation and buttress the microelectronics industry.”

The Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund — which serves as the source of funding for this Innovation Challenge — supports a set of activities designed to spur technology development and commercialization across New York State. Launched in December 2016, the fund is named for Jeff Lawrence, a champion of the New York manufacturing and entrepreneurial communities. Each year, the Innovation Fund provides more than $1 million in direct assistance to the manufacturing, research and development, technology and entrepreneurial ecosystems. To date, the fund has awarded over $11 million in funding to support collaborative projects throughout the state. This Innovation Challenge is made possible through funding and support from Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR) and the U.S. Department of Defense Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation (OLDCC) as part of the Defense Manufacturing Community Support Program (DMCSP).

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.

About FuzeHub

FuzeHub is a not-for-profit organization that connects New York’s small to medium-sized manufacturing companies to the resources, programs, and expertise they need for technology commercialization, innovation, and business growth. Through a custom assessment, matching, and referral platform, FuzeHub helps companies navigate New York’s robust network of industry experts at Manufacturing Extension Partners centers, universities, economic development organizations, and other providers. FuzeHub is the statewide New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program (MEP) center, supported by Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology & Innovation.  For more information on FuzeHub, visit www.fuzehub.com.

About Empire State Development

Empire State Development is New York’s chief economic development agency, and promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity throughout the state. With offices in each of the state’s 10 regions, ESD oversees the Regional Economic Development Councils, supports broadband equity through the ConnectALL office, and is growing the workforce of tomorrow through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development. The agency engages with emerging and next generation industries like clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing looking to grow in New York State, operates a network of assistance centers to help small businesses grow and succeed, and promotes the state’s world class tourism destinations through I LOVE NY. For more information, please visit esd.ny.gov, and connect with ESD on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X.

About U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

The Department of Defense is America’s largest government agency. With the military tracing its roots back to pre-Revolutionary times, the department has grown and evolved with the nation. Their mission is to provide the military forces needed to deter war and ensure the nation’s security. https://www.defense.gov/

The 2025 competition season introduced a new fleet of innovators across contests like the agriculture-focused Grow-NY, the photonics-geared Luminate NY, and the startups-supporting 43 North and Genius NY. Here’s a rundown of this year’s competitions and winners—representing various regions across the globe, as well as industries represented across New York’s vast innovation ecosystem.

Grow-NY 

The food and agriculture business competition Grow-NY, administered by the Center for Regional Economic Advancement (CREA) at Cornell University, identifies, supports, and funds the top food, beverage, and agriculture innovations, annually awarding $3 million in prize money along with mentorship and business development support. Winners are required to relocated to the Grow-NY region (Central New York, Finger Lakes, or Southern Tier) for one year to receive the monetary award.

This year’s top prize of $1 million went to Brekland of Brooklyn, a company that develops biodegradable foam coating that brings new in-field functionality to crop protection products. Other honorees included:

$500,000 winners:

• Mothership Materials (New York, NY) – Transforms agricultural waste into carbon-negative raw materials such as glucose and cellulose.
• Seen Nutrition (Ithaca, NY) – Food tech startup focused on the menopause market with patented dietary calcium chew made with dairy produced in Central New York.

$250,000 winners:

• Living Ink Technologies (Berthoud, CO) – Repurposes renewable biomass waste like algae into sustainable black printing inks and pigments.
• Trebe Biotech (Pergamino, Argentina) – Uses insect larvae to produce faster, more scalable bioproducts for animal health such as recombinant proteins and vaccines.
• Whipnotic (New York, NY) – Develops fruit-infused whipped creams with unique nozzle tech.
• ZILA BioWorks (Renton, WA) – Converts vegetable oils into recyclable bio-epoxy resins.

Luminate NY 

Administered by NextCorps in Rochester, N.Y., Luminate NY is the world’s largest business accelerator for emerging companies with technologies enabled by optics, photonics and imaging (OPI). Each year, Luminate NY selects 10 to 12 companies to participate in its program, providing instruction and resources, including $100,000 apiece in funding upon the start of the program. Participating teams also compete for awards, which totaled more than $2 million in 2025.

This year’s $1 million “Company of the Year” was San Diego, California’s Pensievision, whose breakthrough 3D imaging technology for demanding environments from medical diagnostics and factory floors to orbital missions, using miniaturized single-lens setup, AI, and astronomy-inspired optics.

Other winners included:

$500,000:

• amPICQ (Hyderabad, India) – Designs and develops Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) to make quantum-safe security both practical and accessible across Quantumcom, Datacom, and Telecom industries.

$200,000:

• Oblate Optics (San Diego, CA) – Makes ultra-thin lenses that keep laser beams in perfect focus—even on curved or uneven surfaces—without the need to move or refocus the optics.
• Pixel Photonics (Münster, Germany) – Removes the barriers to the widespread use of superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) with its waveguide-integrating design (WI-SNSPDs) to support OEM integration across quantum communications, microscopy, medical diagnostics, and advanced sensing.
• SNOChip (Princeton, NJ) – Produces on-chip optical components, such as microlens arrays, computer-generated holograms, and metasurfaces, designed for seamless integration with semiconductor lasers and sensor chips.

$10,000 Audience Choice Award:

• LirOptic (Dublin, Ireland) – Produces adjustable solid-state lens that offer optical innovators unparalleled precision, reliability, and compactness in the realm of medical imaging devices, communication, more.

43North

New York State’s startup competition held in Buffalo invests $5 million into seed-stage companies, offering founders a chance to secure $1 million in funding and gain access to support services including mentorship, connections to investors, and inroads to customers. Winners are required to relocate to Buffalo for one year to receive funding.

The competition looks for startups that have a strong team in place, traction with customers, and have received previous investment. The 2025 43North cohort, each earning a $1 million investment, included:

• Cellsense (New York, NY) – Transforms algae and cellulose into compostable beads that eliminate microplastics across the fashion and cosmetic industries.
• Cosi Care (London, UK) – Created the world’s first medical devices that offer instant itch relief and safe alternative to scratching for those living with eczema or chronic itch. (The company also won $25,000 People’s Choice Award.)
• Floe (New Haven, CT) – Offers smart, cost-effective and eco-friendly solution for ice and snow management on roofs.
• RadEmploy (New York, NY) – Radiology staffing platform that leverages conversational AI to efficiently connect radiology professionals with large hospital systems.
• Tukki.ai (Miami, FL) – Uses AI to help immigrants and companies manage visas and green cards efficiently.

FuzeHub Commercialization Competition 

As part of the Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund, this competition is administered by FuzeHub and held annually at the New York State Innovation Summit. The Commercialization Competition awards totaling more than $500,000 to New York State-based startups that can demonstrate the commercialization potential of their technology or product.

The funding awarded is intended to help small manufacturing and technology companies further develop their prototype in an effort to pursue additional investment and customers as well as strengthen their “go-to-market” strategies.

This year’s top prize ($150,000) went to Southern Tier biorecovery scale-up, REEgen, who has genetically engineered a new approach for recovering and purifying critical minerals from industrial waste, making their production cleaner, safer, and more efficient. Scarsdale’s Gyn-Strong ($100,000) earned runner-up honors for creating the world’s first intravaginal device that uses electrical pulses to provide targeted pain relief and menstrual collection in one discreet, app-connected product.

Other winners included:

• $80,000: CryoBio, Inc. (Southern Tier) – Developing a one-of-a-kind spray solution that prevents ice formation on crops to eliminate frost damage.
• $60,000:
  • IVSonance Biomedical, Inc. (Southern Tier) – Addresses in-vitro fertilization (IVF) challenges with a transformative acoustic technology built on the powerful principle of moving objects without touching them.
  • TunaBotics (Central New York) – Develops robotic grippers made of soft materials that let robots pick up objects that are too small, delicate, or curved for existing tools.

New York Business Plan Competition

The New York Business Plan Competition is a statewide, intercollegiate entrepreneurship competition, administered by Upstate Capital, that awards more than $100,000 in cash prizes to up to 30 student teams in six tracks.

Columbia University’s Sara Technology took home the $25,000 Grand Prize for its AI-powered platform that expands access to pediatric speech therapy. The team’s mission to make speech therapy more affordable and accessible for families and Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) stood out for its impact and scalability.

See the complete list of this year’s winners here.

HUSTLE

Administered by Griffiss Institute in Rome, N.Y., the HUSTLE Defense Accelerator is for early-stage and pre-seed tech startups pushing artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, quantum science, or aircraft system solutions, culminating with a Demo Day Competition that awards a total of $600,000. Winners are required to conduct substantial businesses operations in the Mohawk Valley for at least 12 months after the HUSTLE Defense Accelerator.

This year’s application deadline was extended to December 19. Following an initial down-select, selected teams will be notified after the deadline to participate in a Virtual Pitch event. From this pitch, five winners will be chosen to participate in the HUSTLE cohort, starting in March 2026.

GENIUS NY 

Based in Syracuse and administered by CenterState CEO, GENIUS NY is an accelerator in the UAS (uncrewed aerial systems) industry, distributing a total of $3 million across five winning teams. Winners are required to relocate two of their leadership staff to Syracuse for a minimum of 12 months.

This year’s cohort is:

• Flox (Stockholm, Sweden) – Employs AI on drones to deter wildlife from critical infrastructure.
• Lamarr AI (Georgia) – Provides faster, more affordable building exterior inspections using drones and AI. A Syracuse University professor is a co-founder.
• Lighthouse Avionics (Ohio) – Offers cost-effective optical solutions for monitoring low-altitude airspace to detect drone and bird threats.
• Modovolo (New York) – Develops low-cost, modular drones with extended flight capabilities for commercial and defense applications.
• Skyfire AI (New Jersey) – Uses autonomous drone swarms and AI to enhance situational awareness for first responders and defense teams.

Winners of up to $1 million will be announced in May 2026.

Congratulations to the most recent winners! To learn more about New York’s startup accelerators and competitions, click here.

“We’re proud to celebrate this year’s Commercialization Competition winners. Their projects reflect the incredible ability of New York State’s innovation ecosystem to solve problems through technology and ingenuity,” said Ben Verschueren, Executive Director of Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR). “By pairing visionary entrepreneurs with targeted support through the Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund, we’re not just recognizing commercialization potential—we’re investing in the future of our state’s economy.”

“As New York continues to invest in technology innovation, FuzeHub is honored to help entrepreneurs move their creative ideas onto successful products,” said Patty Rechberger, Innovation Fund Manager at FuzeHub. “This year’s competition drew inspiring talent from across the state, and this funding helps accelerate their journey from concept to commercialization. We’re excited to support their growth and follow the positive impact they bring to the world.”

The first-place team and the winner of the $150,000 grand prize is REEgen (Southern Tier)

BioREEcovery Scale Up

REEgen is transforming the way the world gets its critical minerals—the lesser-known metals that drive modern life. In particular, REEgen is focused on recovering rare earth elements (REEs), which are essential for making strong, lightweight magnets that power everything from electronics, your car’s power steering system, to wind turbines. Currently only 1% of REEs are recycled today and the global supply chain is dominated by China, making the production of these critical minerals a national security priority in the U.S. Using what already exists in nature, REEgen has genetically engineered a new approach for recovering and purifying these metals from industrial waste, making their production cleaner, safer, and more efficient. Through this approach, REEgen aims to create a circular and secure economy for rare earth and critical metal production in the United States.

The runner-up team was awarded $100,000: GynStrong, Inc. (Mid-Hudson)

Tamicap: A Pelvic Pain Relief Device

One in three women suffers from debilitating pelvic pain caused by menstruation, endometriosis, or adenomyosis—which costs the US economy $4.9B dollars annually in loss of productivity and in health care costs. GynStrong is on a mission to end that pain with the world’s first intravaginal device that uses electrical pulses to provide targeted pain relief and menstrual collection in one discreet, app-connected product. Developed by Dr. Tamatha Fenster of Weill Cornell Medicine, who realized that better solutions were needed for her patients. Tamicap offers a safe, effective, non-surgical, and drug-free alternative that can be used anywhere. Through a mobile app, users can personalize and control their level of pain relief for a truly tailored experience. Tamicap represents a groundbreaking advancement in women’s health—merging innovation, empathy, and science to finally address a long-neglected need.

One team was awarded $80,000: CryoBio, Inc. (Southern Tier)

An affordable and effective solution to fight frost in agriculture

New York farmers are facing major increases in frost damage over the last 10 years, with some losing about 90% of their crops to a late frost in 2023, pushing many to the verge of bankruptcy. This is not just a local issue; it is a growing global disaster that is worsening due to unpredictable weather patterns, destroying up to 5% of the world’s food supply each year, enough lost food to feed 200 million people. CryoBio is developing a one-of-a-kind spray solution that prevents ice formation on crops to eliminate frost damage. Founded by a Cornell researcher and serial entrepreneur who grew up on a rural farm, CryoBio’s mission is urgent and personal; they have seen the devastating effects of extreme weather firsthand. The successful development of this technology will save tens of millions of dollars for NY farmers and provide the only affordable and effective solution for about 95% of affected growers worldwide.

In addition, two additional teams will receive $60,000 each toward their startup ventures. This includes:

IVSonance Biomedical Inc. (Southern Tier)

IVSonance: Hands-Free Acoustic Automation of IVF Within Everyone’s Reach

The field of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) is at a crossroads: demand for fertility care is growing rapidly, yet access remains limited because many core procedures still rely on manual precision and labor-intensive techniques that are difficult to scale. Before eggs can be fertilized, embryologists must carefully remove surrounding protective cells, a delicate, time-consuming process that requires specialized expertise and limits how many patients a clinic can serve. IVSonance, developed at Cornell University and Weill Cornell Medicine, addresses this challenge with a transformative acoustic technology built on the powerful principle of moving objects without touching them. Using gentle sound waves to create precise microscopic currents, IVSonance separates ancillary cells from eggs with greater consistency and speed than manual techniques allow. By automating this labor-intensive step, the technology enables clinics to expand capacity while maintaining precision and safety, helping to make fertility treatment more accessible and scalable for the growing number of hopeful parents seeking to build their families.

TunaBotics LLC (Central New York)

Soft Shell Grippers to Accelerate Automation in Advanced Manufacturing

TunaBotics develops robotic grippers made of soft materials that let robots pick up objects that are too small, delicate, or curved for existing tools. Each gripper is soft and shaped like a hollow half-ball that adjusts to every object it grips, holding it securely without damage. The grippers can stick to objects when needed and unstick on demand, controlled by air pressure to allow a firm hold or an easy release. Because the grippers do not require bulky vacuum pumps, they are lightweight, energy-efficient, and easy to integrate into many types of systems. This makes them especially valuable in electronics assembly, where people still handle many components by hand, and opens opportunities in other settings such as farms, hospitals, and homes. TunaBotics’ grippers free humans from tedious, repetitive tasks—from assembling electronics to picking fruit and mushrooms—and even enable gentle robotic healthcare, such as assisting patients with eating and other daily activities. TunaBotics’ soft gripper technology can bring safer, more reliable automation to a wide range of industries, helping improve efficiency, reduce strain on workers, and expand what robots can do.

The New York State Innovation Summit celebrates New York State leadership in technology-led economic growth. Companies and researchers at the forefront of emerging technologies and new advancements in production capabilities were showcased while current technology convergence opportunities, ways to accelerate commercialization, and issues of manufacturing sustainability were explored.

During the Summit, finalists demonstrated the commercialization potential of their product or technology and competed against each other for one out of five awards. Award funds must be used to improve an existing prototype, enabling the company to pursue additional investments and customers, and leading to the commercialization of their product.

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.

(Albany, NY – September 25, 2025) — FuzeHub is excited to announce the finalists for its ninth annual Commercialization Competition, to be held October 29-30, 2025, at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center. The Commercialization Competition takes place yearly as part of the ESD-supported FuzeHub Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund. During the competition, twelve entrepreneurs from across New York State will present their business plans before a panel of judges and a live audience. Two companies will each receive $80,000 in funding. Additionally, the runner-up will be awarded $100,000, and the grand award winner will take home $150,000.

The New York State Innovation Summit celebrates New York State companies and researchers at the forefront of emerging technologies and new advancements in production capabilities. This event celebrates New York State leadership in technology-led economic growth with experts in biotechnology, new materials, energy innovation, and artificial intelligence that will explore current technology convergence opportunities, ways to accelerate commercialization, and issues of manufacturing sustainability.

During the Summit, finalists will demonstrate the commercialization potential of their product or technology and compete against each other for one out of four awards. Award funds must be used to improve an existing prototype or go-to-market strategy, enabling the company to pursue additional investments and customers, and leading to the successful commercialization of their product.

“The Commercialization Competition is a vital part of New York State’s innovation ecosystem. We’ve seen, year in and year out, the impact that the Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund can make for entrepreneurs and their early-stage technologies,” said Ben Verschueren, executive director of Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR). “The platform itself can also be transformative. All this year’s finalists will have a chance not just to earn an influx of capital, but to impress an audience of researchers, technologists and potential investors at the Innovation Summit. I’m eager to see which of these deserving projects rise to the top.”

“This competition is more than a pitch event. It is a catalyst for visionaries to turn bold ideas into real products,” said Patty Rechberger, Innovation Fund Manager at FuzeHub. “Every year, we see founders tackling incredibly complex challenges, from creating sustainability to prototyping life changing medical devices. New York’s future is being built in these workspaces and labs, and we are proud to help these entrepreneurs move from concept to commercialization.”

This event creates numerous opportunities to learn, connect with entrepreneurs, potential customers, investors, and support service professionals, and see how FuzeHub continues to spur technology development and commercialization across New York State. Registration is still open, and full agenda details are available on the Innovation Summit’s website.

Watch the video announcement here.

FuzeHub is pleased to announce the finalists:

Mission-Driven Tech, Inc. (Long Island)

Modern Brachytherapy by Mission-Driven Tech

If a woman is diagnosed with Cervical Cancer today, she is just as likely to die from the disease as she would have in 1970. Brachytherapy (internal radiation) cures Cervical Cancer, but up to 40% of patients decline or drop out from treatment as a result of painful and brutalizing procedures performed with medical devices designed in the 1970s. Mission-Driven Tech is a Cervical Cancer innovation company laser-focused on improving these stagnant diagnosis outcomes. Founded by Eve McDavid, a former Google executive and cervical cancer survivor, MDT’s first product suite is Modern Brachytherapy: a new medical device applicator and wrap-around treatment planning system that offers superior dose plan quality and safer, less painful procedures. This means more radiation towards the tumor, while keeping surrounding healthy tissue and organs less affected.

Emboa Medical (Capital Region)

Biomimetic Thrombectomy Catheter

Emboa Medical is revolutionizing stroke care with a next-generation catheter designed to more effectively remove life-threatening blood clots from the brain. The device features an internal gripping surface that helps doctors extract clots traditional tools often leave behind, especially in narrow or hard-to-reach vessels. Emboa’s technology could dramatically reduce treatment time and improve recovery. This breakthrough offers new hope for faster, safer stroke intervention.

Arbour Group LLC_Liquid Wall (NYC)

LIQUID WALL – Ultra-High-Performance Concrete Building Facades

Liquid Wall is a first-of-a-kind prefabricated building envelope that offers unparalleled design versatility through its innovative use of form-cast Ultra-High-Performance Concrete. By replacing the traditional facade materials of aluminum framing and standard precast concrete, their patented technology directly impacts costly problems building owners now face: operational energy cost, lifecycle and maintenance cost, and embodied carbon emissions. Liquid Wall provides superior thermal performance, reducing heating and cooling costs by 40%; extreme durability, with a service life of more than 100 years; and contains 75% less embodied carbon per unit than aluminum or precast concrete facades. The modular Liquid Wall is a drop-in facade solution to the existing construction market, designed for installation using existing rapid-construction methods. Liquid Wall meets the needs of asset owners, contractors, and architects grappling with the demands of the contemporary construction market.

TunaBotics LLC (Central New York)

Soft Shell Grippers To Accelerate Automation In Advanced Manufacturing

TunaBotics has created a new kind of soft robotic gripper that can pick up small, lightweight, delicate, and curved objects that cannot be safely and reliably handled using existing grippers. These patented soft-shell grippers use low pressure to control how strongly they stick to objects, allowing for a firm grip that can be gently released. Because they require only a small, portable pressure source like a micro-pump, they avoid the need for bulky, energy-intensive vacuum systems. This technology is especially valuable in electronics assembly, where human workers still handle various components by hand. A gripper from TunaBotics can allow for automation of these tasks.

REEgen (Southern Tier)

BioREEcovery Scale Up

New York based startup REEgen is supporting the ex-China supply chain for rare earth elements and other critical metals by replacing the most hazardous manufacturing steps with clean, bio-based processes. Through innovative genetic engineering approaches, the company has built a rare earth biomanufacturing platform that enables recovery of critical metals from a variety of feedstocks, including waste and recycled materials, helping to abate landfills and offset disposal costs. Through this approach, REEgen aims to create a circular and secure economy for rare earth and critical metal production in the United States. REEgen is currently scaling its BioREEcovery process to produce hundreds of tons of rare earth oxalates per year.

Intelligent Surgical Solutions Inc (Finger Lakes)

PneumoSeal – surgical device for use in hysterectomies

Intelligent Surgical Solutions is advancing women’s health through an innovative surgical device platform that was conceived by the co-founder, Dr. Madonna Tomani. The beachfront product, PneumoSeal, was born out of necessity for safer and more effective devices for hysterectomies. PneumoSeal solves a common challenge in hysterectomies: it helps seal the CO2 gas used to inflate the abdomen for visibility and access, while allowing surgical instruments to pass through. Current methods provide limited access to the surgical site, prolonging the procedure, elevating patient risk, and extending recovery time. The PneumoSeal Commercialization Project will bring to market a game-changing, noninvasive solution for hysterectomies, improving patient recovery and reducing procedure time and cost. It’s a leap forward for women’s health!

GynStrong, Inc. (Mid-Hudson)

Tamicap: A Pelvic Pain Relief Device

GynStrong, a pioneering women’s health and wellness company dedicated to developing advanced therapeutic solutions, is developing a non-invasive, user-friendly device to alleviate pelvic pain caused by endometriosis, adenomyosis, and dysmenorrhea, conditions that affect 32% of the women population. Tamicap can be used at home and controlled with a phone app.

Moby Filters (New York City)

Moby Filters

Moby Filters is a clean-tech startup tackling the global crisis of microplastic pollution. Developed out of Columbia University and backed by Techstars, Moby has created an advanced filtration system that captures and reuses toxic microplastics shed from textiles during industrial washing and manufacturing. These harmful particles often slip through traditional treatment systems and pollute our water, food, and bodies. Moby’s plug-and-play solution helps businesses reduce costs, meet environmental regulations, and protect public health—all while building a cleaner, circular future for water.

IVSonance Biomedical Inc. (Southern Tier)

IVSonance: Hands-Free Acoustic Automation of IVF Within Everyone’s Reach

The field of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) is at a crossroads, with rapidly growing global demand straining against laboratory procedures that are manual, laborious, and difficult to scale. IVSonance, a company developed at Cornell University and Weill Cornell Medicine, directly addresses this challenge with a transformative technology designed for the future of fertility care. This novel technology is built on the powerful principle of moving objects without touching them, using gentle acoustic waves to handle and prepare eggs for fertilization. In a fertility clinic, this automates the delicate egg cleaning process, making it faster, highly consistent, and finally scalable to meet rising demand. By solving this critical bottleneck, IVSonance is paving the way for the entire IVF industry to expand its reach and better serve the growing number of hopeful parents worldwide.

CryoBio, Inc. (Southern Tier)

An affordable and effective solution to fight frost in agriculture

New York farmers are facing major increases in frost damage over the last 10 years, with some losing about 90% of their crops to a late frost in 2023, pushing many to the verge of bankruptcy. This is not just a local issue; it is a growing global disaster that is worsening due to climate change and can destroy about 5% of the world’s food supply each year. Protecting crops from frost could increase global farmers’ incomes by over $50 billion and help feed 200 million more people. CryoBio is developing a one-of-a-kind spray solution that uses natural biochemicals to prevent ice formation on crops even under the worst frost conditions. This innovative solution contrasts with current methods like fans, heaters, or fires, which are costly, perform poorly, and difficult to use. The successful development of our technology will save tens of millions of dollars for NY farmers and provide the only affordable and effective solution for about 95% of affected growers worldwide.

Reflex Technologies LLC (Mohawk Valley)

Smart Factories with Real-Time Telemetry

Reflex Technologies transforms decades of trapped manufacturing data into real-time dashboards. The Utica-based company unlocks historical data from 1980s systems, creating the digital foundation needed for IoT sensors that monitor equipment, inventory, and production lines in real-time. For one Syracuse manufacturer, Reflex turned a manual reporting process from 3 hours per week to less than 3 seconds, generating thousands in new revenue while establishing the foundation for live monitoring. With Reflex, manufacturers can add devices incrementally – operations continue running while each new sensor enhances visibility into production. For the first time, this combination of telemetry, real-time updates, and continuous deployment transforms local manufacturing plants into smart factories that only Fortune 500 companies have had until now.

BuzzHive LLC (Southern Tier)

BuzzHive: AI-Driven Beehive Management System for Sustainable Beekeeping

The BuzzHive is a smart beehive enabled with IoT sensors and connected to a web-based app, allowing beekeepers to understand the health of their hives and alert beekeepers of impending threats by utilizing artificial intelligence. The BuzzHive monitors and alerts real time on the presence of conditions including varroa mite detection, mold inducing intra-hive conditions, and accurate honey storage analysis to forecast overwintering survival. The BuzzHive proposes to accomplish this with a suite of temperature, humidity, and weight readings supplemented with advanced acoustic/ vibrational signals between bees which will be used to train predictive and analytical machine learning models. With the future deployment of a vast BuzzHive network across the United States, a new database of pollinator specific data will enable the enhancement of future research and push boundaries in the United States to be a leader in pollinator preservation research.

The Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund, consisting of over $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 designated statewide MEP center. For more information about the Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund, contact Patty Rechberger, Innovation Fund Manager, at patty@fuzehub.com 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.

About FuzeHub

FuzeHub is a not-for-profit organization that connects New York’s small and mid-sized manufacturing companies to the resources, programs, and expertise they need for technology commercialization, innovation, and business growth. Through our custom assessment, matching, and referral platform, we help companies navigate New York’s robust network of industry experts at Manufacturing Extension Partnership centers, universities, economic development organizations, and other providers. FuzeHub is the statewide New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program (MEP) center, supported by Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology & Innovation (NYSTAR).

About Empire State Development

Empire State Development (ESD) is New York’s chief economic development agency. The mission of ESD is to promote a vigorous and growing economy, encourage the creation of new job and economic opportunities, increase revenues to the State and its municipalities, and achieve stable and diversified local economies. Through the use of loans, grants, tax credits and other forms of financial assistance, ESD strives to enhance private business investment and growth to spur job creation and support prosperous communities across New York State. ESD is also the primary administrative agency overseeing the Regional Economic Development Councils and the marketing of “I LOVE NY,” the State’s iconic tourism brand. For more information on Regional Councils and Empire State Development, visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov.

Media Contact:
Susan Bardack – 518.867.7940

Empire State Development-Supported Manufacturing Grants program awards $390,000 in grants to facilitate research and development, technical advancements, and process improvements for New York State manufacturers.

Watch the announcement here.

ALBANY, N.Y. — FuzeHub, a not-for-profit organization providing small to medium-sized manufacturers with guided access to an extensive network of industry experts, programs, and resources to solve business growth challenges, is excited to announce the 6 collaborative project award recipients of grants through the Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund.

The Innovation Fund, consisting of more than $1 million annually, serves as a pathway to technology transfer, adoption and implementation of new manufacturing processes, and the creation of enhanced products and services. It is made possible through funding and support from Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR).

As part of the Fund, FuzeHub offers Manufacturing Grants to New York State not-for-profit organizations, including higher education institutions, that propose innovative projects in partnership with a New York State small to medium-sized manufacturer or technology company. Project categories cover adoption of new technology to enhance a process and/or product, prototype development, design for manufacturing, proof-of-concept manufacturing, certain equipment purchases, manufacturing scale-up, and other projects to advance manufacturing capabilities.

“Modern manufacturing relies on innovation and collaboration. These grant recipients are on the front lines, pursuing big ideas with potential to move the sector forward,” said Ben Verschueren, executive director of Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR). “Their work will advance cutting-edge solutions while also strengthening our economy, creating jobs, and adding to New York State’s rich industrial history. Empire State Development is proud to support this round of awardees, and we’re excited to see the lasting impact of their projects.”

In addition, the Innovation Fund is used to help early-stage companies through FuzeHub’s annual Commercialization Competition, which takes place in the fall. The FuzeHub Commercialization Competition is intended to help small manufacturing and technology companies further develop their prototype to pursue additional investment and customers as well as strengthen their “go-to-market” strategies, as they move from new product/production method to marketplace.

The 2025 Commercialization Competition application period is currently open, and the deadline to apply is August 8 at 11:59EST. Finalists will pitch live at the 2025 New York State Innovation Summit, hosted by FuzeHub, which showcases the companies and researchers at the forefront of emerging technologies and new advancements in production capabilities.

“These six innovative projects represent the spirit of ingenuity and entrepreneurship that drives New York’s economy forward,” said Patty Rechberger, Innovation Fund Manager at FuzeHub. “From breakthroughs in medical devices and assistive mobility, to smart infrastructure and sustainable building materials, these awardees will unleash positive impacts in communities everywhere, showcasing the strength and commitment of New Yorkers to a better future.”

FuzeHub is pleased to announce the grantees. Each awardee will receive $65,000:

STEAM Garden/ Emboa Medical (Capital Region) 

Biomimetic Aspiration Thrombectomy Catheter

Albany’s STEAM Garden and startup Emboa Medical are teaming up to perfect a new stroke‑treatment device that removes dangerous blood clots faster and safer than today’s tools.  The “TRAP” catheter uses small scale barbs inside its tip. These barbs latch onto the clot while gentle suction pulls it out, increasing the chance of removing a blood clot in the first pass, and without causing harm to delicate blood vessels.

The Long Island High Technology Incubator (LIHTI) / SuperClean Glass Inc. (Long Island)

Designing scalable laser manufacturing platform for solar industry

Solar photovoltaics are set to become the largest renewable source of energy by 2025. Approximately 60% of solar panels are being installed in dry, desert-like regions. In these regions, dust that settles on solar panels can reduce their output by more than 10%. The standard approach is to mechanically clean the panels, using vast quantities of potable water and significant manual labor. Instead, the SuperClean Glass team developed a waterless self-cleaning technology, which utilizes an Electrodynamic Shield (EDS)  to repel dust particles. This project will create the very first manufacturing platform allowing mass production of this technology at scale.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), Center for Architecture Science and Ecology / FibreWerks, Inc. (Capital Region/ New York City)

Pultrusion of Sustainable Microbar for Reinforced Concrete

FibreWerks, an RPI spinout company located in Brooklyn, is developing next-generation, low-carbon, natural-fiber biocomposite manufacturing technologies and products for construction. In this FuzeHub project, RPI will assist FibreWerks with manufacturing equipment improvements and material innovation for the company’s debut product: BioBar. This innovative microbar, made from yarns of hemp, bioplastic, and castor oil, is a sustainable product with good end-of-life options (e.g., compostable).

The hemp is originally grown and harvested by farmers, then infused with a bio-polyester resin derived from Lignin (a byproduct of papermaking), and plant-derived castor oil. BioBar will be used as an alternative to rebar to reinforce concrete for building and construction, infrastructure, and mining and tunneling applications.

Manufacturers Association of Central New York, Inc (MACNY) / Floe, Inc. (Central New York/ New York City)

Unlocking Full Commercial Readiness for Floe’s Smart Deicing System

MACNY, a Syracuse-based manufacturing group, has partnered with Floe, a climate tech startup spun out of MIT & Yale addressing a $11B market. The self-named Floe is a smart system that prevents ice dams – hazardous ice formations that develop along roof edges during the winter. These buildups can lead to serious issues, including interior leaks, roof damage, and safety risks from falling ice. The system uses sensors and real-time weather data to detect when conditions are right for ice to form. When needed, it automatically applies a safe, biodegradable deicing fluid to proactively manage buildup before it becomes a problem.

Unlike traditional methods that are unsafe, costly, and energy-intensive, Floe cuts operating costs by over 40% and carbon emissions by over 99%.  This project funds critical manufacturing scale-up and the development of a zoning feature to serve large commercial customers more effectively.

CUNY Central, NYS Empire Corps / Chase Mobility LLC (New York City/ Capital Region)

ChaseWheel™ Motorized Wheelchair Attachment

The ChaseWheel™ is a motorized attachment for manual wheelchairs that is revolutionary in its capacity to manage both smooth and rough terrains. It is intuitive, affordable, and safe. The ChaseWheel™ will be the first device of its kind to be financially available for consumer-level sales, which bypasses insurance wait times and long repair queues. The device offers unbridled freedom for wheelchair users, allowing them to traverse steep hills, long distances, and off-road terrains, even with limited strength or energy.

Research Foundation of CUNY on behalf of Queens College, School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences / NanoGold MedTech, Inc (New York City)

Development of an AI-Empowered Nanophotonics Sensor for Cancer Margin Detection

The Almeida Lab at Queens College is partnering with NanoGold MedTech, a NYC-based startup, to manufacture and test the NanoGold device – a new microchip sensor and optical system for real-time, high-resolution imaging of cancer margins.

Currently, surgeons cannot see where the cancer stops, and ofen have to guess during surgery. That can mean leaving cancer behind or removing too much healthy tissue. Many patients end up needing a second surgery. When the NanoGold sensor touches tissue, it changes color depending on whether the tissue is cancerous or healthy – a bit like how litmus paper works in chemistry class – creating a detailed, real-time map of what’s cancer and what’s not. NanoGold gives surgeons real-time answers during surgery — helping patients avoid second operations and heal faster.

This project will deliver and validate the first working prototype, paving the way for scalable manufacturing and clinical use.

The 2025 Commercialization Competition finalists will pitch live at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center on October 29 & 30 during the NYS Innovation Summit. Those interested in attending this event can get more information at https://nysinnovationsummit.com/. 

For more information about the Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund, visit www.fuzehub.com/innovation-fund/ or contact Patty Rechberger, innovation fund manager at patty@fuzehub.com.

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.

About FuzeHub

FuzeHub is a not-for-profit organization that connects New York’s small to medium-sized manufacturing companies to the resources, programs, and expertise they need for technology commercialization, innovation, and business growth. Through our custom assessment, matching, and referral platform, we help companies navigate New York’s robust network of industry experts at Manufacturing Extension Partners centers, universities, economic development organizations, and other providers. FuzeHub is the statewide New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program (MEP) center, supported by Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology & Innovation. For more information on FuzeHub, visit www.fuzehub.com.

About Empire State Development

Empire State Development (ESD) is New York’s chief economic development agency. The mission of ESD is to promote a vigorous and growing economy, encourage the creation of new job and economic opportunities, increase revenues to the State and its municipalities, and achieve stable and diversified local economies. Through the use of loans, grants, tax credits and other forms of financial assistance, ESD strives to enhance private business investment and growth to spur job creation and support prosperous communities across New York State. ESD is also the primary administrative agency overseeing the Regional Economic Development Councils and the marketing of “I LOVE NY,” the State’s iconic tourism brand. For more information on Regional Councils and Empire State Development, visit regionalcouncils.ny.gov and esd.ny.gov.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The New York State Innovation Summit will return to the Rochester Riverside Convention Center on October 29-30. Presented by FuzeHub, in partnership with Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology & Innovation (NYSTAR), the New York State Innovation Summit is the premier gathering of technology leaders, manufacturers, researchers and entrepreneurs shaping the future of American innovation. Delivering the keynote addresses this year will be leaders from the United States Air Force Research Laboratory, SEMI Americas, and Applied Materials, Inc.

With more than 550 participants expected—including over 50 speakers and exhibitors—the summit will celebrate technology-led economic growth while providing an unparalleled platform for New York’s companies and innovators to showcase products, forge strategic partnerships, and accelerate the commercialization of tomorrow’s game-changing technologies. The ninth annual New York State Commercialization Competition will also take place, with companies throughout the state competing to demonstrate the potential of their technology or product–inspiring even more innovation from the halls of the summit.

Summit attendees will hear from experts across a vast array of topics, including cell and gene therapy, AI, the future of glass as an advanced material, technology meeting fashion, venture capital, manufacturing advancements, and so much more. The 2025 keynote speakers are:

• Michael J. Hayduk, deputy director, information directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory. Attendees will hear from Dr. Hayduk, who has led the work of over 1,200 scientists, engineers, administrative and support personnel in his role, in addition to overseeing an annual budget of over $1.6 billion. He was also critical to opening an innovation technology hub outside of the security perimeter of the Information Directorate.
• Joe Stockunas, president, SEMI Americas. Stockunas joined SEMI—the global industry association with over a million professionals worldwide that unites the entire semiconductor, electronics and manufacturing and design supply chain—in 2022 to increase the value SEMI delivers to 3,000 member companies, direct North America services and drive programming. He is also an advocate for the microelectronics industry as part of the company’s global leadership team, which he’ll discuss at the conference.
• Omkaram Nalamasu, Ph.D., senior vice president and chief technology officer, Applied Materials, Inc. Dr. Nalamasu leads the development of disruptive products to address new markets and businesses in partnership with the broader technology system. He has built an impressive team to support Applied Materials’ leadership in materials engineering, has earned recognition among his peers as a world-renowned expert in materials science, and is one of the industry’s most respected forward-thinkers.

“For six years and counting, the New York State Innovation Summit has attracted the most impressive leaders, companies and researchers who are at the forefront of emerging technologies and game-changing discoveries in the Empire State,” said FuzeHub Executive Director Elena Garuc. “The greater Rochester region is deeply rooted in the history of American manufacturing and ingenuity, which makes it a natural meeting place to convene the state’s ecosystem of innovation professionals as we continue to foster collaborations that shape the future.”

FuzeHub, which serves as the statewide center of the New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NY MEP), has organized the New York State Innovation Summit for the last six years as part of its enduring commitment to fostering innovation, technology development, and breakthroughs in manufacturing across the state.

Born from the longstanding tradition of uniting NYSTAR-supported innovation resources, the summit has grown into a dynamic forum where critical conversations about technology convergence, emerging markets, and manufacturing excellence take center stage. New York’s brightest minds don’t just discuss the future of innovation at this event—they actively create it, fostering progress and positioning the Empire State as a global leader in the technologies that matter most.

The annual summit ignites new conversations about the latest market trends, opportunities, challenges and solutions—ultimately propelling New York’s innovation ecosystem forward,” said NYSTAR Executive Director Ben Verschueren. “It’s the largest gathering of our ecosystem every year, and we are looking forward to being part of it once again alongside our partners at FuzeHub to celebrate the cutting-edge ideas that can impact communities far beyond our state.

To follow the latest 2025 New York State Innovation Summit speaker updates and to register, visit nysinnovationsummit.com. All industry professionals—from startups to established manufacturers—are invited to participate.

About FuzeHub

FuzeHub is a not-for-profit organization that connects New York’s small to medium-sized manufacturing companies to the resources, programs, and expertise they need for technology commercialization, innovation, and business growth. Through our custom assessment, matching, and referral platform, we help companies navigate New York’s robust network of industry experts at Manufacturing Extension Partners centers, universities, economic development organizations, and other providers. FuzeHub is the statewide New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program (MEP) center, supported by Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology & Innovation.

June 25 event to explore New York’s unique capabilities for next-gen, glass-based microelectronics – register here

ALBANY, N.Y. – FuzeHub, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting New York State manufacturers and technology companies, and a robust coalition of industry, academic and government partners have announced a strategic commitment through their collaborative Upstate Makes initiative to further explore the power of glass as an innovative advanced material to strengthen the U.S. microelectronics industry. This collaborative endeavor—a key element of FuzeHub’s proposal for the National Science Foundation’s Regional Innovation Engines Competition (NSF Engines)—aims to make Upstate New York a next-generation microelectronics manufacturing hub.

Last year, FuzeHub-led Upstate Makes was awarded $1 million through the Regional Innovation Engines Development Awards to cultivate new partnerships and nurture the state’s materials innovation ecosystem. Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR) furthered the impact of the NSF award with a $200,000 matching grant. Over the last year, Upstate Makes has expanded its project partners and gained significant validation from industry and academic leaders across New York State.

With Upstate Makes’ new strategic commitment and the region’s historic strength in glass production, Upstate New York is uniquely equipped to deliver new innovations in glass for microelectronics manufacturing—which will directly contribute to America’s manufacturing competitiveness and national defense.

“For more than a decade, we’ve seen glass discussed as a replacement material—and now, with leading-edge design, 6G wireless, and the demands of AI, it’s more important than ever to focus on investing in glass packaging in the semiconductor industry,” said FuzeHub Executive Director Elena Garuc. “Our region is uniquely positioned to make this vision of a world-renowned next-gen microelectronics manufacturing hub a reality, and we’re confident in our decision to focus on glass in our next steps for the Upstate Makes initiative.”

Last month, FuzeHub submitted its refined and expanded Upstate Makes proposal for the NSF Engines funding program. It was one of just 71 teams across the U.S. that was asked to submit a proposal—which could secure significant federal funding for the Upstate region.

Upstate Makes Partner Commitments, Vision for Glass Innovation Hub

The Upstate Makes coalition has grown to over 60 partners, ranging from materials science research labs and semiconductor industry leaders to entrepreneurial support centers and workforce development organizations. Spread across five metro areas in Upstate New York, this collection of partners will continue to pursue new innovations to strengthen U.S. microelectronics manufacturing and develop the workforce necessary for jobs in the industry. A list of contributing partners is available at upstatemakes.org/partners.

As part of its strategic initiatives, Upstate Makes is spearheading the development of a glass innovation and training hub in Upstate New York. This hub will offer a one-stop solution for industry partners, equipped with high-volume manufacturing (HVM) tools and infrastructure that support collaborative R&D and packaging innovation as well as workforce training. By fostering cross-sector partnerships and providing access to advanced manufacturing capabilities, the center aims to significantly reduce the time and cost of bringing new glass packaging technologies to market.

“Upstate New York is truly one of the only regions in the world with the capabilities and resources to achieve the vision outlined in the Upstate Makes proposal,” said Nicholas Fahrenkopf, NY CREATES Director and Technical Director of the Northeast Regional Defense Technology Hub (NORDTECH). NORDTECH is an Upstate Makes partner and a designated U.S. Microelectronics Commons hub. “With the potential to leverage federal investment through programs like NSF Engines, Upstate Makes can drive our region’s microelectronics industry forward, strengthen American manufacturing, and bolster our national security.”

Supporting National Security, Manufacturing Competitiveness

The Upstate Makes initiative is also advancing efforts to contribute to national defense. For example, the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) has multiple critical applications for high-performance chips—ranging from fighter jet control systems to intelligence data analysis—where glass is an ideal solution to minimize power loss and improve semiconductor speed. The expertise in glass and microelectronics from Menlo Micro, Mosaic Microsystems and other industry partners can specifically foster this type of innovation.

Further, Griffiss Institute will create experiential learning programs for college and post-doctoral students that provide pathways to obtain security clearances and prepare them to contribute directly to Department of Defense applications. These programs reflect Griffiss Institute’s commitment to developing national security talent through nontraditional STEM education and real-world engagement. As a Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA) holder with the Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate (AFRL), Griffiss Institute also brings unique access to plan and support the transition of dual-use technologies, such as those in the emerging areas.

“Menlo Micro’s glass-based device, developed largely in Upstate New York, is addressing key RF, power and defense applications,” said Aric Shorey, VP of Glass Technologies and Government Affairs at Menlo Micro. “We are part of the high-performance computing and AI supply chain and addressing several applications important to National Defense. There is significant potential to expand through advanced glass packaging that can be accelerated through initiatives driven by Upstate Makes.”

“Domestically and sustainably, sourced glass has the potential to become an economic and technological runway for U.S.-based microsystems packaging in both commercial and defense applications,” added Jeff Fitzgerald, Technology Development Manager at FAST Labs™ BAE Systems, Inc.

June 25 Event: Global Leadership in Next-Gen, Glass-Based Microelectronics

Upstate Makes is leading an online event on Wednesday, June 25, to dive deeper into New York State’s unique capabilities and the collaborative efforts underway to establish global leadership in next-generation, glass-based microelectronics. Register for the event here.

To learn more about how to get involved, visit upstatemakes.org.

Media Contact:
Susan Bardack – 518.867.7940

Empire State Development-Supported Manufacturing Grants program awards $387,500 in grants to facilitate research and development, technical advancements, and process improvements for New York State manufacturers.

Watch the announcement here.

ALBANY, N.Y. — FuzeHub, a not-for-profit organization providing small to medium-sized manufacturers with guided access to an extensive network of industry experts, programs, and resources to solve business growth challenges, is excited to announce the 6 collaborative project award recipients of grants through the Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund.

The Innovation Fund, consisting of more than $1 million annually, serves as a pathway to technology transfer, adoption and implementation of new manufacturing processes, and the creation of enhanced products and services. It is made possible through funding and support from Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR).

As part of the Fund, FuzeHub offers Manufacturing Grants to New York State not-for-profit organizations, including higher education institutions, that propose innovative projects in partnership with a New York State small to medium-sized manufacturer or technology company. Project categories cover adoption of new technology to enhance a process and/or product, prototype development, design for manufacturing, proof-of-concept manufacturing, certain equipment purchases, manufacturing scale-up, and other projects to advance manufacturing capabilities.

In addition, the Innovation Fund is used to help early-stage companies through FuzeHub’s annual Commercialization Competition, which takes place in the fall.

“These recipients represent the ingenuity and entrepreneurship that make New York an exciting place to be for developing companies. Each awardee is doing work that can strengthen the foundation of our thriving manufacturing economy,” said Ben Verschueren, executive director of Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR). “With this funding, each can focus on innovating, expanding, and creating the types of job opportunities that power our state forward.”

“We are excited to support awardees whose inspired ideas and collaborative efforts embody some of the best of New York State’s innovative community. These grants represent more than funding–they’re a powerful investment in the partnerships and ingenuity that move breakthrough technologies from concept to real life. It’s inspiring to see what’s possible when people come together with the shared goal of building a better future,” said Patty Rechberger, Innovation Fund Manager at FuzeHub.

FuzeHub is pleased to announce the grantees:

Cornell University, Cornell Center for Materials Research/ Esper Biosciences Inc (Southern Tier) $65,000

Manufacturing TEM grids for cryo-electron microscopy

Esper Biosciences has teamed up with Cornell University to develop a sample substrate for electron microscopy (EM) that promises high-resolution views of proteins—biology’s microscopic machines. To handle such tiny samples for imaging, an electron-transparent substrate called a TEM grid must be used. The TEM grids being developed will use ultra-thin water layers—30 atoms thick—as a highly transparent “glass slide” for electrons. Proteins dissolved in these layers can be cryogenically frozen at -320°F, and viewed with electrons, to yield exceptionally clear images of their atomic structure.

Clarkson University, NYS Center of Excellence for Healthy Water Solutions (CoE HWS)/ RemWell, LLC (North Country) $65,000

InSRT 3.0: Design for Manufacturing

This project will accelerate RemWell’s development of a third-generation, production-ready technology to destroy harmful PFAS—also known as “forever chemicals”—in contaminated groundwater. With support from FuzeHub and Clarkson University, RemWell will enhance its underground ultrasonic reactor, improve durability, and optimize the design for manufacturing. These advancements will enable large-scale deployment of the technology while creating new high-tech manufacturing jobs.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, CATS/ Ross Precision Manufacturing (Capital Region) $65,000

CHAMP – Casting Hearth Advanced Manufacturing with 3d Printing

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, and Ross Precision Manufacturing in Green Island, have teamed up to develop a new metal 3D printing technology to manufacture copper hearths used in making Titanium and other primary metals. With this new technology, Ross Precision Manufacturing will be able to create novel, high-performance products, giving them a leg up over the competition. This project builds on metal 3D printing technology that the Manufacturing Innovation Center at RPI has been developing and demonstrating over several years.

Alliance for Manufacturing & Technology (AMT) / Stan’s Performance Products LLC (Southern Tier) $62,500

Smart Production Tracking System with AI

AMT is partnering with Stan’s to bring AI-powered production tracking to their manufacturing process. This system will send real-time alerts, detect defects, predict maintenance needs, and provide a central dashboard to keep everything running smoothly. By reducing downtime and improving quality, Stan’s can produce more and expand into new markets. This project also lays the groundwork for future automation, making production faster and reducing waste. It sets an example for other manufacturers and could help businesses across New York State stay competitive and efficient.

Tech Valley Center of Gravity / Uncaged Innovations Inc (Capital Region/ Mid-Hudson) $65,000

Evolving sustainable leather alternatives into footwear industry

At UNCAGED Innovations has achieved what was once thought impossible—creating a sustainable, scalable, and premium bio-leather alternative without compromise. ELEVATE is the world’s first bio-leather made from grains at scale, harnessing structural proteins to build fibril networks that mimic animal collagen.

Sacred Arts Research Foundation / Flowering Sun Farm and Center LLC (Mid-Hudson) $65,000

Value-added mushroom products—Leveraging high-quality extraction processes

Flowering Sun Farm and Center is excited to announce their new venture into value-added products. Their emerging product department will be the first step in creating food, beverage, and supplement items that harness the power of high-tech extraction machinery to enhance the bioavailability of mushrooms. As interest in the benefits of medicinal mushrooms continues to grow, they are eager to make these natural remedies accessible to the public.

The 2025 Commercialization Competition finalists will pitch live at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center on October 29 & 30 during the NYS Innovation Summit. Those interested in attending this event can get more information at https://nysinnovationsummit.com/. 

For more information about the Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund, visit www.fuzehub.com/innovation-fund/ or contact Patty Rechberger, innovation fund manager at patty@fuzehub.com.

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.

About FuzeHub

FuzeHub is a not-for-profit organization that connects New York’s small to medium-sized manufacturing companies to the resources, programs, and expertise they need for technology commercialization, innovation, and business growth. Through our custom assessment, matching, and referral platform, we help companies navigate New York’s robust network of industry experts at Manufacturing Extension Partners centers, universities, economic development organizations, and other providers. FuzeHub is the statewide New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program (MEP) center, supported by Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology & Innovation. For more information on FuzeHub, visit www.fuzehub.com.

About Empire State Development

Empire State Development (ESD) is New York’s chief economic development agency. The mission of ESD is to promote a vigorous and growing economy, encourage the creation of new job and economic opportunities, increase revenues to the State and its municipalities, and achieve stable and diversified local economies. Through the use of loans, grants, tax credits and other forms of financial assistance, ESD strives to enhance private business investment and growth to spur job creation and support prosperous communities across New York State. ESD is also the primary administrative agency overseeing the Regional Economic Development Councils and the marketing of “I LOVE NY,” the State’s iconic tourism brand. For more information on Regional Councils and Empire State Development, visit regionalcouncils.ny.gov and esd.ny.gov.