FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Commercialization Competition
As part of the Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund, FuzeHub holds an annual Commercialization Competition. Companies throughout New York State compete to demonstrate the commercialization potential of their technology or product.
The FuzeHub Commercialization Competition 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, as they move from new product/production method to marketplace.
The FuzeHub Commercialization Competition 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, as they move from new product/production method to marketplace.
- FuzeHub's 2025 Commercialization Competition application period is now open. The deadline to apply is August 8.
2025 Award Details
Companies have the chance to be awarded up to $150,000.
Eligibility
Companies are required to have an existing tangible prototype.
- Applicants must be available to pitch in person October 29-30, 2025 in Rochester, NY.
- Applicants must propose to fund activities to improve upon an existing tangible prototype and/or their “go-to-market” strategy.
- Company must reside and operate in New York State, and at least one founder must reside in NYS.
- Company must be pre-revenue.
- Company must be pre-seed.
- Company must be registered with Dun & Bradstreet, and have an eligible North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code specific to manufacturing identified in their D&B profile.
Timeline
Applications Open
July 7, 2025
Applications Close
August 8, 2025, 11:59 PM EST
Finalists Notified
Late September 2025
Finalists Pitch Live
October 29-30, 2025
MEET THE COMPETITION JUDGES
Rich is the leader of Phillips Lytle’s Startups Practice Team. He focuses his practice in corporate, finance and venture capital law, as well as complex mergers and acquisitions and commercial litigation. Read More >
Richard E. Honen
Partner, Startups Practice Team Leader at Phillips Lytle LLP
Shelby Schneider is the President and CEO of the Upstate Capital Association of New York, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing access to private equity and venture capital across Upstate New York. Read More >
Shelby Schneider
President and CEO at Upstate Capital Association of New York
Toby Garcia
Senior Program Manager of Entrepreneurship Acceleration at Empire State Development
Click here to download a copy of the application questions for reference.
Posted/Modified July 6, 2025. Please check back for any updates.
Igniting Possibilities
Funding early stage companies positioned to make the world a better place
FuzeHub is the go-to resource for startup, small, and medium-size manufacturers and technology companies in New York State. We provide thoughtful guidance and access to an extensive network of program and funding solutions.
