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Press Release
Tuesday, February 7, 2023 - 10:55am
The World’s Largest Business Accelerator for Uncrewed Systems is Accepting Applications through May 17
GENIUS NY is Suported by “CNY Rising” – The Region’s Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy
Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that GENIUS NY – the world’s largest business accelerator focused on uncrewed aerial systems – is now accepting applications for the seventh round of the year-long program. The in-residence accelerator, operated by CenterState CEO in downtown Syracuse, will invest more than $3 million in five finalist companies, including a $1 million grand prize. The program also offers company stipends, resources, programming, mentorship, and networking opportunities to assist innovative startups with the tools they need to take advantage of emerging opportunities. GENIUS NY participants are required to operate their business in Central New York for at least one year. The program is funded through the CNY Rising Upstate Revitalization Initiative (URI), the region’s award-winning strategic plan to generate robust economic growth and community development.
Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight said, “GENIUS NY’s seventh round will help to further fuel Central New York’s thriving uncrewed aerial systems industry. This unique business accelerator competition is attracting forward-thinking entrepreneurial ideas and innovators to the region, as well as top companies that are ready to take advantage of the area's unmatched UAS assets and infrastructure."
Applications are being accepted at www.geniusny.com through May 17, 2023 from tech startups focused in uncrewed aerial systems, IoT, big data, and robotics. Subsets may include precision and remote sensing, smart city applications, data collection and analytics, guidance or communication systems, and sensors, among other technological categories.
“We are looking for high-potential teams who want to join our program so they can accelerate the growth of their companies and become engaged in the region’s growing UAS and UTM ecosystem,” said Kara Jones, director of GENIUS NY. “GENIUS NY is a unique program in that it provides targeted resources to companies so they can scale faster and generate revenue sooner. Through six rounds of this accelerator program, we have seen impact and advancement of this sector within our economy, which is a proven jobs creator.”
Applications are evaluated by a panel of judges, and semi-finalists will be selected to present demos and pitches this spring. Five companies will advance to participate in the program, which is structured as a unique programmed incubator and accelerator experience. The selected teams will enter the in-residence accelerator at The Tech Garden later this summer where they will be immersed in the incubator's events, resource pool, and mentoring. Applicants should be prepared to relocate to Central New York to participate in the program starting in August.
The program has attracted more than 32 startups to Central New York since its inception in 2017. To date, the innovative teams have gone on to raise more than $100 million in venture capital and have created more than 80 upstate New York jobs.
Round six winner, ArchAngel Imaging received the top prize of $1 million in November 2022. The company has seen significant growth in Central New York and has partnered with several local providers and customers. They recently made their first U.S hire and last month partnered with past GENIUS team, Circle Optics to combine their 360-degree imaging with its data science and software.
Senator Rachel May said, “It’s exciting to see the continued success of the GENIUS NY Accelerator. With the beginning of its seventh round, this program is now integral to our burgeoning drone industry. It ensures that more tech businesses will call Central New York home, bringing high-paying jobs to the area. There’s no doubt that welcoming these innovative companies to the GENIUS NY Accelerator will benefit our community in many ways. Congratulations on the program, and I’m looking forward to many more successful years.”
Senator John Mannion said, "I voted to fund the GENIUS NY program so Central New York can continue to be the epicenter of uncrewed aerial systems innovation and collaboration. This is the world's largest business accelerator for UAS and under the guidance of CenterState CEO, entrepreneurs receive in-residence incubator and accelerator experience to grow their companies in New York. With the seventh round now open, GENIUS NY and our UAS sector continue to soar!”
Assemblymember William B. Magnarelli said, “The Genius NY competition continues to help Central New York maintain its status as a hub for innovative companies exploring uncrewed aerial systems and other leading-edge technologies. The partnerships and opportunities created locally during the entrepreneurial stage create a catalyst for growth and industry leadership. I look forward to watching its collaboration, with both the Tech Garden and local companies, bring expertise and new ideas to the forefront of the unmanned aerial systems industry."
Assemblymember Pamela Hunter, “The GENIUS NY Accelerator continues to attract some of the best and the brightest minds in the world to New York to develop tomorrow’s UAS technology. I support this initiative from the Governor and look forward to seeing the next innovation to come from this program.”
Assemblyman Al Stirpe said, “The seventh round of the Genius NY Program continues to leverage previous State investments in the UAS market. With the only non line-of-site test corridor in the nation, the program continues to grow the uncrewed aerial system cluster here in CNY as well as encouraging the growth of a strong entrepreneurial culture”.
Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon said, "This accelerator is making a real mark in Central New York. I have no doubt that the seventh round of the GENIUS NY competition will help us to continue to build on that success as these incredible innovators from across across the globe bring their ideas to Onondaga County. This focused competition provides businesses with all of the tools and resources they need to ensure their long-term success here and we are looking forward to seeing the groundbreaking work that emerges from this latest round."
Central New York Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs Randy Wolken, president and CEO of the Manufacturers Association of Central New York (MACNY), and, Le Moyne College President Linda M. LeMura said, "We are incredibly excited to see what the next round of innovative entrepreneurs will bring to the table. Through our continued support for the GENIUS NY competition, we are ensuring that New York state remains at the forefront of the growing UAS industry in Central New York, creating new opportunities and jobs for residents in the region for decades to come."
To apply and learn more about GENIUS NY visit, www.geniusny.com.
To learn more about CenterState CEO, visit: www.centerstateceo.com.
Accelerating CNY Rising
Today's announcement complements “CNY Rising,” the region’s comprehensive strategy to generate robust economic growth and community development. The regionally designed plan focuses on capitalizing on global market opportunities, strengthening entrepreneurship and creating an inclusive economy. More information is available here.
About Empire State Development
Empire State Development (ESD) is New York’s chief economic development agency (www.esd.ny.gov). 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 NEW YORK,” 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.
Contact:
Shari Voorhees-Vincent | [email protected]| (585)399-7055
Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313
Report
Monday, February 6, 2023 - 12:59pm
This report serves as the December 2022 quarterly update to the COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program Report.
COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program Report - December 2022 Update
Press Release
Friday, February 3, 2023 - 12:52pm
State Funding of $12.75 Million Supports Future Generations of Veterinarians
State-of-the-Art Facility Will Attract Skilled Professionals, New Job Opportunities, and Economic Growth to Region
Learning Center Serves as Anchor of the College of Veterinary Medicine
Long Island University College of Veterinary Medicine is One of Only Four Veterinary Programs in the Northeast
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the ribbon cutting of Long Island University's College of Veterinary Medicine Learning Center at its Long Island University Post campus in Brookville, Nassau County. Long Island University invested $53 million to establish the College of Veterinary Medicine, which includes today's announcement of the new $26 million Veterinary Learning Center. This state-of-the-art, 33,100-square-foot facility serves as the anchor of the College of Veterinary Medicine and will prepare students enrolled in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program with a comprehensive education and real-world skills through a four-year program. Supported by New York State funding of $12.75 million, the College of Veterinary Medicine is the only veterinary program recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education in the New York metropolitan area and one of only four veterinary schools in the Northeast United States.
"New York State's investment in Long Island University College of Veterinary Medicine underscores our commitment to meeting the growing demand for state-of-the-art veterinary services and ensuring New Yorkers have access to education and training for the career path of their choice," Governor Hochul said. "These new facilities, equipped with the latest technology and staffed by experienced educators, will provide students with the hands-on experience they need to become competent and compassionate veterinary professionals who can safeguard animal health and preserve the environment."
The education and training provided in veterinary programs is the cornerstone of producing highly-skilled professionals in the field of animal care and public health. The Learning Center offers hands-on learning experiences through clinical rotations and internships, allowing students to gain practical skills and knowledge in a variety of settings. The facility features state-of-the-art student-faculty research laboratory spaces comprising large lecture theaters, classrooms, clinical skills laboratories, seminar rooms, and a small animal simulation suite including examination rooms, surgical suites, and a medical imaging center. Students will gain real-world experience in surgery, diagnostic support, intensive care, and other areas critical for successful veterinary practice through external partnerships with more than 75 affiliates, including primary care and specialty clinics, zoos, research laboratories, shelters, veterinary industry leaders, and other universities.
Read the full press release here.
Press Release
Friday, February 3, 2023 - 12:49pm
$5,000 to $50,000 Grants Will Be Available on February 3 for Small Businesses in Designated Area of East Buffalo Following Racially Motivated May 2022 Mass Murder
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that applications will be available for the East Buffalo Small Business Working Capital Grant Program from February 3 to February 17. The $3 million program will provide grants of $5,000 to $50,000 to eligible small businesses in a designated area of East Buffalo to help largely minority-owned establishments rebound from the social and economic impacts of the mass shooting at a Tops Friendly Market on Jefferson Avenue earlier this year. The Local Initiatives Support Corporation - New York will administer the program on behalf of Empire State Development. Eligible businesses can submit pre-applications here. For more information on the program, including eligibility and FAQs, click here.
"The East Buffalo Small Business Working Capital Grant Program is the latest step in the State's long-term commitment to uplifting this community," Governor Hochul said. "As a born-and-raised Western New Yorker, I witnessed first-hand the strength, resilience, and passion that runs through this community. Now, we are addressing decades of disinvestment and neglect through programs like this Small Business Working Capital Grant Program to help the largely minority-owned businesses in East Buffalo continue serving residents and forge a new path forward for the region's economy."
Senior Executive Director of LISC NY, Valerie White said, "The foundation of all initiatives for LISC NY are concentrated around the principles of conscious and effective investment into community programs where New Yorkers are in the most need. East Buffalo has been uniquely affected recently by domestic terror, and severe, incessant climate emergencies. This considerable investment into the people and local economy of East Buffalo, NY will directly benefit the local small businesses already making a concentrated impact within the community. We commend Governor Hochul for recognizing the needs of varying types of small businesses unique to regions of the state and those amongst commercial corridors in East Buffalo. We look forward to working side by side with Empire State Development to administer this pivotal grant program for the people of East Buffalo, strengthening the backbone of this resolute community - reinforcing and developing the celebrated region for generations to come."
Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight said, "The horrific acts of this past May will not define the community of East Buffalo, nor undermine its strength and spirit. With $3 million in targeted working capital grants to help eligible small businesses defray operating costs, New York State is taking additional steps to ensure the area's predominantly minority-owned enterprises have the support they need to serve the community."
Read the full press release here.
Press Release
Thursday, February 2, 2023 - 6:00pm
Company Commits to Creating 90 New Jobs at Sunset Park Location
New 30,000 Square-Foot Facility Supports Company's Retail and Taqueria Operations, and Grows Local Manufacturing Economy
Traducción al español
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of Tacombi's new food manufacturing facility at The Whale Building in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. Tacombi is a food and beverage brand based in New York City that is focused on connecting people to Mexico. Tacombi's new 30,000 square-foot state-of-the-art facility will allow the company to expand operations and increase production capacity. Tacombi has committed to creating at least 90 new full-time jobs as part of this expansion, supported by up to $1 million in performance-based Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits from Empire State Development.
"The completion of Tacombi's new manufacturing facility in Brooklyn is a testament to our efforts to revitalize the state's manufacturing industry and bring quality jobs to New York," Governor Hochul said. "From a stand on the beaches of Mexico to the streets of New York, Tacombi serves as the ultimate New York City success story, and I am excited they will be able to share their signature dishes with restaurants and retailers around the country."
New York City Mayor Eric Adams said, "New York City is back in business, and I'm thrilled that as of today, that includes Tacombi's Vista Hermosa tortilla factory. This state-of-the-art facility is a win-win for New York City, supplying fresh tortillas to Tacombi restaurants and retail outlets across the nation and creating local jobs right here in Sunset Park. My administration will always have the backs of our local businesses and I'm grateful to Governor Hochul for her support of New York City's manufacturing economy."
Launched as a taco stand on the beach in Mexico in 2006, Tacombi opened its first U.S. location in New York City's Nolita neighborhood in 2010. Tacombi now operates 11 taquerias across Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens and has gained popularity for its authentic, made-from-scratch Mexican food. Vista Hermosa was created when Tacombi could not find tortillas that met their standards of authenticity, quality, and freshness for their taquerias and started making their own. Now manufactured in Brooklyn, Vista Hermosa products are sold at more than 2,000 stores across 40 states and served in Tacombi's 15 taquerias across New York City, Greater Washington D.C., and Miami. The 90 new, full-time employees will support various aspects of operations and production, and include machine operators, supervisors, mechanics, quality inspectors, and back-office staff.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "The opening of Tacombi's new food manufacturing facility in Sunset Park is a testament to the diverse menu of business support that New York State offers, and we're proud to provide the ingredients that are crucial for businesses to meet their goals. This expansion adds jobs, helps diversify the New York City economy and continues to solidify the region's reputation as a place where businesses can start, operate, and grow."
Read the full press release here.
Public Notice
Thursday, February 2, 2023 - 5:00pm
View public notice
Press Release
Thursday, February 2, 2023 - 12:04pm
QNS published commentary by Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. on opportunities presented by a redevelopment of Creedmoor Psychiatric Center and the importance of community input.
Text of the commentary is available below and can be viewed online here.
Press release announcing the community engagement process can be viewed online here.
OPPORTUNITY AND OPTIMISM IN EASTERN QUEENS
Here in Queens, New York City’s largest borough, finding a place to build something new can be a challenge.
But the crises of our day aren’t waiting for us to find the space we need to address them. Expanding our affordable housing stock, creating new recreational areas, and adding school seats in overcrowded districts require it, but space is at such a premium in The World’s Borough. For Queens to be the true live, work and play borough we know it can be for our families, we must embrace opportunities to think beyond the ordinary and be creative in our approach to community development.
One potentially promising piece of the puzzle is the Creedmoor campus in Eastern Queens. Underutilized for decades, this 50+ acre site of state-owned land could be a game changer towards making progress on housing creation, school overcrowding, and open space.
This land, on a superblock sandwiched between Union Turnpike and Hillside Avenue, is part of the Creedmoor Psychiatric Center, which has provided services to patients with mental illness for over a century. In the 1950s, Creedmoor housed upwards of 7,000 patients. But deinstitutionalization and medical advances led to a significant decrease in Creedmoor’s inpatient population, resulting in a dramatic reduction of the hospital’s active footprint on the site.
While some portions of the campus have been sold off, over 50 acres — occupied by 20 decaying, mostly vacant buildings — remain in public hands. Where others may see blight and emptiness, we see the boundless potential to envision a bright future for this land and the communities it serves.
The redevelopment of Creedmoor has the potential to be a driving force for comprehensive reinvestment across Eastern Queens, fueling vital initiatives such as economic development, job creation, mass transit improvements, and infrastructure upgrades. This land represents opportunities for affordable housing, new school construction, neighborhood retail, open spaces, performance venues, and much more. This can be a transformative opportunity for the entire community and can make a meaningful impact on the lives of its residents and businesses.
The opportunities presented by the Creedmoor site are vast, but it is crucial that any redevelopment is driven by the input and participation of the community. The voices of residents from Bellerose, Queens Village and surrounding neighborhoods must be heard loud and clear by incorporating their ideas and addressing their concerns. In doing so, we can ensure that any potential plan for revitalizing the Creedmoor site is a true reflection of the community's needs and aspirations.
This is why our respective offices have partnered to put together a series of community visioning workshops over the next few weeks, beginning this Thursday, February 2, at 7pm at PS/IS 208, to hear from Eastern Queens residents about what they want to see flower from this plot of promise. These workshops will provide an opportunity for residents of Eastern Queens to share their ideas and visions for the potential development of the Creedmoor site and turn it into a vibrant and thriving community for all. For information about future workshops, visit www.creedmoor.nyc.
Creedmoor’s redevelopment can be a linchpin for strengthening Eastern Queens. We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to forge a better Queens for ourselves and for future generations. Let’s make the most of it.
Hope Knight is President, CEO and Commissioner of Empire State Development.
Donovan Richards Jr. is Queens Borough President.
Contact:
ESD Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313
Press Release
Tuesday, January 31, 2023 - 2:10pm
CREEDMOOR REDEVELOPMENT INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND HERE
FIRST MEETING THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2023
Empire State Development (ESD) and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. have announced the initiation of a community engagement process for the redevelopment of the Creedmoor Psychiatric Center campus. For a century and a half, Creedmoor has had a significant presence in Eastern Queens. Now, over 50 acres of its campus will become the focus of a New York State-led community visioning and redevelopment effort. In partnership with Queens Borough President Richards, ESD will conduct a series of in-person and virtual workshops to gather input from residents and stakeholders in Eastern Queens to develop a forward-looking vision for the property. This Master Plan will serve as the foundation for future community-oriented and public realm development at the Creedmoor campus.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "The redevelopment of Creedmoor presents a tremendous opportunity to breathe new life into Creedmoor Psychiatric Center with community-driven ideas. Through collaboration and partnership with the community and elected officials, ESD will facilitate a Master Plan process to ensure any potential development aligns with the needs and priorities of the local community. This is a path forward with community-driven ideas that offers incredible potential for members of the community to be involved and give bold ideas and thinking to grow Creedmoor to fit the community’s needs and desires.”
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. said, “Where some see decay and emptiness at Creedmoor, myself and others see limitless possibility and a tantalizing litany of potential investments — both on the Creedmoor campus itself and throughout Eastern Queens as a whole. The potential Creedmoor offers is vast, but the voices that must resonate loud and clear as the planning process begins are those of the families who live in the surrounding communities. I strongly encourage area residents to participate in our visioning workshops this month to ensure the Creedmoor master plan truly reflects the needs and concerns of Eastern Queens.”
Beginning Thursday, February 2, 2023, a series of community visioning workshops will be held to hear from Eastern Queens residents. Community members are encouraged to attend workshops, take advantage of online engagement tools, and sign up for the email list to receive updates, which can be found here. Community input will ensure that the Master Plan reflects the needs and desires of the community. ESD and Queens Borough President Richards encourages residents in Bellerose, Queens Village, Hollis Hills, Floral Park, Glen Oaks, Oakland Gardens, Bellerose Manor, and all the communities near Creedmoor to participate in this important initiative to help shape the future of the campus and transform it into an asset that will benefit Eastern Queens.
The Creedmoor Community Master Plan will serve as the framework that guides how New York State will redevelop areas of the Creedmoor Psychiatric Center campus in Eastern Queens. Through a comprehensive outreach and engagement process, ESD will work closely with residents, local organizations, civic groups, and elected officials to create a plan that realizes the development potential of the Creedmoor campus while ensuring compatibility with the surrounding neighborhoods. ESD would use the Master Plan as a basis for issuing requests for proposals (RFPs) for firms and community organizations to redevelop portions of the site in the coming years.
Senator Leroy Comrie said, "I'm looking forward to a robust discussion about the future of Creedmoor from all concerned stakeholders and I hope that everyone that has ideas will attend and or share them with ESD as well as all interested parties. I believe that first and foremost there should be a complete restoration of all possible mental health beds and services at the site with some additional independent living facilities and housing for our seniors. I commend Borough President Richards for bringing the community together to begin this important dialogue."
Senator Toby Ann Stavisky said, “The Empire State Development Corporation (ESD) has announced plans to create a master plan for Creedmoor. I hope the people in the community participate in this process by letting ESD know how they feel about the changes at Creedmoor and potential development.”
Assembly Member Edward C. Braunstein said, "Any proposed redevelopment of the Creedmoor site should be community-driven, and I welcome the news of visioning workshops aimed at accomplishing just that. I strongly encourage Northeast Queens residents and civic leaders to sign up and share their perspectives to help ensure that the proposed redevelopment is reflective of the vision and needs of the local community. I look forward to working with Empire State Development, Borough President Richards and my colleagues in government to meet these important goals."
Council Member Linda Lee, Chair of the Committee on Mental Health, Disabilities, and Addictions said, “For years, the land on the Creedmoor Psychiatric Campus has been neglected and underutilized. New York City currently faces a multifaceted mental health and homelessness crisis that will require conscientious planning and coordination between community partners and government at the local, state, and federal levels. Eastern Queens is also a transit desert with a dire need for investments and upgrades in its schools, transportation, and sewers, so we must ensure these issues are adequately addressed in the midst of future redevelopment. This announcement from Empire State Development and Queens Borough President Richards proves that our State is prioritizing the input of the Eastern Queens community. I will closely monitor the Creedmoor Master Plan and community workshops so that the voices of Eastern Queens residents are heard as we create a vision for the over 50 acres of land that reflects the distinct needs of the community, and serves as an asset for the growth and welfare of our neighbors.”
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 jobs 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 Governor Kathy Hochul’s 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.
Contact: Emily Mijatovic | [email protected] | (212) 803-3692
Press Release
Monday, January 30, 2023 - 2:34pm
Second Batch of Approved Awards Include 21 Shovel-Ready Projects
Full List of Awardees Thus Far Can Be Found Here
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that over $22 million has been awarded to support 21 projects across New York State through the Regional Economic Development Council initiative. Round XII included core capital grant and tax-credit funding from Empire State Development, which was made available on a continuous and competitive basis to support the immediate needs of communities. Funding will support impactful projects that align with each region's strategic goals.
"Together, the Regional Economic Development Councils are growing New York's economy by emphasizing the rich assets in every corner of our state and investing in projects that will create good, high-quality jobs," Governor Hochul said. "As we continue to make deep investments in New York communities, we remain committed to doing so in a way that expands opportunity, drives private investment, and bolsters our talented workforce."
"By recommending shovel-ready projects that support each region's strategic plans, the Regional Economic Development Councils are improving communities now as well as for future generations," said Lieutenant Governor Delgado. "These projects showcase how the Regional Councils are laser focused on driving economic growth and prosperity across the State."
The application for ESD Grant funds remains open, and applications are being reviewed on an on-going basis until funds are exhausted. Applicants with strong, shovel-ready projects that align with the state and region's economic development priorities can apply through the Consolidated Funding Application.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "The Regional Councils continue be an important voice for communities across the state by recommending projects that will drive our economy forward. These awards will further transform local economies across the state by creating good jobs and generating new investments."
Read the full press release here.
Press Release
Thursday, January 26, 2023 - 4:17pm
Company Will Create 500 Jobs Through a 5-year $68 Million Investment Plan in the Mid-Hudson Region and Build Environmentally and Economically Friendly Zinc-air Long Duration Energy Storage Systems
Anchor Tenant in the New $100 Million iPark 87 Business Park Will Transform the Three-Decades-Vacant IBM Site into an Economic Growth Engine
Expansion in New York Complements Governor Hochul's Bold Environmental Agenda for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Combating Climate Change
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced Zinc8 Energy Solutions, USA, a leader in the long-duration energy storage industry, will relocate its $68 million manufacturing facility and U.S. headquarters to Kingston, Ulster County at the former Tech City, IBM Ulster campus, now known as iPark 87 business park. Zinc8 Energy Solutions develops innovative battery technology that uses zinc and air as fuel. Zinc8 has committed to creating up to 500 jobs, complementing New York State's national leadership in growing the green economy, spearheading efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and prioritization of combating climate change. The company's location to Ulster County supports Governor Hochul's newly announced framework for the State to achieve a nation-leading six gigawatts of energy storage by 2030.
"Creating good jobs that will lead to a greener, more sustainable New York for our children and grandchildren is not only beneficial to our economy, it's the right thing to do for our planet," Governor Hochul said. "Zinc8's cutting edge, clean energy storage technology is another tool that will allow us to achieve our bold climate agenda and continue to make New York State a leader in advancing the green economy."
Zinc8 Energy Solutions (Zinc8) has submitted a Letter of Intent to be the anchor tenant and lease approximately 237,000 square feet of warehouse and outdoor space at iPark 87, which is owned by National Resources. Zinc8 will invest approximately $68 million over 5 years to automate and build out the site, making the region Zinc8's U.S. headquarters and a major hub of manufacturing operations, research and development. Empire State Development (ESD) has agreed to provide up to $9 million in performance-based Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits to encourage and support the creation of 500 jobs.
The new $100 million iPark 87 business park will serve as a mixed-use technology campus, transforming the former IBM site and positioning the former TechCity as an innovative center for economic growth after 30 years of stagnation. Part of iPark87's plan is to build a 600-unit net-zero carbon footprint sustainable residential community, powered 100 percent by renewal energy and constructed fully from sustainable building materials. The business park will also include several public amenities like pocket parks, bike and walking trails, and a wellness and arts center. Recognizing the goals of job creation, economic growth and sustainability for the campus and the surrounding region, ESD supported the business park's development with an $8 million grant through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative.
Read the full press release here.