Empire State Development Blog
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Press Release
Tuesday, August 17, 2021 - 12:50pm
Program is supported by “CNY Rising,” the region’s comprehensive strategy to revitalize the community and grow the economy
Empire State Development (ESD) today announced the five teams selected to take part in round five of the innovative GENIUS NY business accelerator program. Supported by the CNY Rising Upstate Revitalization Initiative and administered by CenterState CEO at the Tech Garden in downtown Syracuse, these startup, unmanned systems industry companies will participate in a yearlong program. The five finalists include teams with international and New York state representation and were selected from a pool of more than 600 submissions. They will compete for $3 million in direct investment, with one grand prize of up to $1 million and four $500,000 awards. The competition is the largest business accelerator competition for the UAS industry in the world. GENIUS NY participants are required to commit to operating their business in Central New York for at least one year.
"The GENIUS NY competition has helped to establish Central New York as a hub for unmanned aerial systems by attracting the next generation of innovative entrepreneurs," said Empire State Development Chief Operating Officer and Executive Deputy Commissioner Kevin Younis. "New York's ongoing UAS investment will ensure that continued industry leadership, bringing top quality jobs and growth to the region and beyond."
This month, those five companies will move into The Tech Garden, in downtown Syracuse, and will begin to refine work on their business cases which they present at the Pitch Finals event which will be held Thursday, October 21, 2021 at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown.
“We look forward to welcoming these teams from around the world to our community so we can support their growth and integrate them into the thriving ecosystem we have developed for the unmanned systems industry,” said Kara Jones, director of GENIUS NY. “Over the next year, they will receive targeted business development resources and mentoring that, coupled with the state’s high-value investment, will ensure their success. It has been incredibly rewarding to see the growth of the teams from previous rounds of the competition and I know this new cohort will join them to further establish The Tech Garden as the leading place to grow your UAS company.”
The five selected finalists are:
Airial Robotics (Hamburg, Germany): Airial Robotics develops commercial UAVs for surveillance, logistics and agriculture modeled after gyrocopter/helicopter hybrid that are challenging industry performance limits for safety, payload, range and speed.
Airtonomy (Grand Forks, North Dakota): Airtonomy's push-button software automates uniform collection, packaging and analysis of data acquired by autonomous vehicles and sensors, specifically targeting critical energy infrastructure.
CarScanner (Krakow, Poland): CarScanner develops a used car inspection robot that autonomously navigates around a car and automatically detects scratches, dents, repainted body surfaces, and other damages with structured light, thermography and machine-learning algorithms.
Circle Optics (Rochester, New York): Circle Optics develops high-resolution, wide field-of-view imaging systems that enable real-time capture without the time and expense of post-processing required by other multicamera systems. Paired to a UAS, this technology can enable immersive telepresence, better autonomy and a platform to run edge applications such as self-localization, object recognition/tracking, and volumetric data capture.
WindShape (Geneva, Switzerland): WindShape develops indoor weather simulation technology to test and certify drones under controllable and repeatable flight conditions to enable autonomous and scalable drone applications.
Throughout the program, teams will engage with community leaders, mentors, and advisers from leading companies in Central New York while also participating in tourism activities. The goal is to encourage all participants to put down roots and stay in the region following the conclusion of the program.
“These companies were selected from the most competitive pool of applications we have ever seen,” said Jeff Fuchsberg, vice president of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at CenterState CEO. “This year’s applicant pool and high-growth finalists highlight the program’s ability to drive success and impact the rapid growth of participating teams. As these teams join our innovation ecosystem, they will also benefit from a network of resources we’ve established to support startup companies at The Tech Garden.”
“The success of this program can be seen in the companies from prior rounds that continue to grow and create jobs in our community,” said Rob Simpson, president of CenterState CEO. “Their continued success supports regional efforts to be a global leader in the unmanned systems industry.”
Since 2017, GENIUS NY has invested $12 million in 22 companies from around the world and brought them to Central New York to participate in the yearlong in-residence accelerator where they receive assistance with product development, business development, and networking opportunities with investors and business leaders. Participants are also integrated into the larger regional effort to grow unmanned aerial systems in Central New York and the Mohawk Valley, and will have access to world-leading infrastructure and testing assets. Participants also have opportunities to connect with investors for follow on funding. Since 2017, GENIUS NY companies have raised more than $40 million in follow-on funding and have created over 50 jobs in New York.
State Senator Rachel May said, "I applaud all of the finalists and participants in the GENIUS NY competition and look forward to the investments they will make in our region and economy. The energy and innovation they represent is vital to continuing to build a thriving entrepreneurship economy in Central New York. By funding business incubators and nourishing the best talent in our region, we are building a platform from which our local economy can prosper as we retain the talent we need to make our region stronger."
State Senator John W. Mannion said, “I've lived in Central New York my entire life, and I watched as friends and family lost their jobs when manufacturing plants closed during bad times. Projects like CNY rising are building the economy of the future - I'm so excited to welcome these companies to my hometown and I hope to see them thrive.”
State Senator Al Stirpe said, "Congratulations to all of these teams selected to take part in this year's GENIUS NY Competition. This program has made Central New York a hub for innovations that will not just create jobs for today, but for the futures to come."
Assemblymember William B. Magnarelli said, “Congratulations to this round of finalists. By drawing these companies to the Tech Garden through the GENIUS NY competition, Onondaga County continues to establish itself as a world leader in the drone and technology industry. The partnerships and opportunities created locally during the entrepreneurial stage create a catalyst for growth and industry leadership in this world-wide cutting-edge industry.”
Assemblymember Pamela Hunter said, “The five teams selected for the next round of the GENIUS NY business accelerator program show a great deal of promise. Whatever the results may be, I am excited to welcome them to Central New York and offer my support for them as they look to innovate within our thriving UAS industry.”
Onondaga County Executive, J. Ryan McMahon said, “As we continue our focused work to grow and diversify our local economy, we are incredibly excited to welcome these teams to our community. The GENIUS NY competition is serving as a platform to showcase why Central New York is an exceptional place to grow a business. I wish these innovators the best of luck and we are ready to provide them with any support that they may need.”
City of Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh said, “The GENIUS NY competition attracts UAS startups from around the world to Syracuse. When I look at the list of finalists vying for the $1 million grand prize this year from Europe to right here in Central New York, I continue to be reminded that the ripple effects of this opportunity could be on a global scale for Syracuse and all of New York State. I look forward to seeing how these innovative companies set the bar even higher in the UAS industry and I applaud Empire State Development, the CNY Rising Upstate Revitalization Initiative, CenterState CEO, and The Tech Garden for growing this program in the heart of New York State.”
Central New York Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs Randy Wolken, President & CEO of the Manufacturers Association of Central New York (MACNY), and Deborah Stanley, President of the State University of New York at Oswego said, "Congratulations to the teams selected to take part in round five of the GENIUS NY competition. We are proud to welcome these imaginative entrepreneurs to the region as they work to grow their innovative ideas. Through the regional council’s 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 generations to come."
To learn more about the GENIUS NY program visit: www.geniusny.com.
To learn more about CenterState CEO and the Tech Garden, visit: https://www.centerstateceo.com/about-us/partners-programs/tech-garden.
Accelerating CNY Rising
Today's announcement complements “CNY Rising,” the region’s comprehensive blueprint to generate robust economic growth and community development. The State has already invested more than $6.3 billion in the region since 2012 to lay the groundwork for the plan – capitalizing on global market opportunities, strengthening entrepreneurship and creating an inclusive economy. Now, the region is accelerating Central NY Rising with a $500 million State investment through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative, announced by Governor Cuomo in December 2015. The State’s $500 million investment will incentivize private business to invest well over $2.5 billion – and the region’s plan, as submitted, projects up to 5,900 new jobs. More information is available here.
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 Governor Cuomo’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, please 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
Press Release
Monday, August 16, 2021 - 10:36am
Investment Complements “Finger Lakes Forward” – The Region’s Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy
Empire State Development (ESD) announced today that Magnatag is expanding its worldwide manufacturing operations in Wayne County. The custom white and magnetic board manufacturer will add machinery and other equipment at its facility in the Town of Macedon to better serve its clients, adding up to 16 new jobs;42 jobs will be retained. ESD is assisting the the company with its continued growth by providing up to $200,000 through the Excelsior Jobs Tax Credit Program. The Wayne County Industrial Development agency is also supporting the project.
Empire State Development Chief Operating Officer and Executive Deputy Commissioner Kevin Younis said, “New York is committed to supporting the growth and success of innovative, high-tech manufacturers. The expansion of Magnatag’s Wayne County operations will allow this family-owned business to service more global clients, while creating top quality jobs that will help to fuel the Finger Lakes regional economy.”
Magnatag President Christian Krapf said, “This expansion will dramatically improve the quality of our product, opening doors to new markets while providing greater value to our current customers. We are very grateful that New York State was willing to help us grow and keep our business here in the Finger Lakes Region.”
Founded more than 54 years ago, Magnatag offers over 2300 ready-to-use white and magnetic board kits and other related products for all-purpose job and task-specific uses. The company’s global clients include factories, hospitals, schools, corporate offices and the military. Now underway, the first stage of a larger planned expansion, to be completed in the next 3 to 4 years. The first stage project cost has been placed at $601,000.
Senator Pam Helming said, "Magnatag is an innovative small business contributing to the economic diversity and vitality of the Finger Lakes. I thank Magnatag for its continued investment and congratulate President Christian Krapf and the Magnatag team on this expansion that will create more good jobs in Wayne County."
Assemblyman Brian Manktelow said, “This is exactly what we need coming out of a pandemic, a state and county partnership supporting a local business. I applaud the Empire State Development for their steadfast commitment to businesses in Wayne County. A special thank you to Magnatag President Christian Krapf and the employees for the continual growth and development of themselves and the company. This is a company that will continue to provide dependable and substantive job opportunities for years to come.”
Macedon Town Supervisor Kim Leonard said, “We could not be happier that Magnatag chose Macedon and Wayne County as their home and wish them continued success. We look forward to welcoming new employees and know they will realize what a great place Macedon, Wayne County is to work and live. Our region is so very blessed to have the “Finger Lakes Forward” program working hand-in-hand with other local, county and state agencies, revitalizing communities leading to continued economic growth.”
Wayne County Industrial Development Agency Director Brian Pincelli said, “We’re very excited for Magnatag whose innovative and forward thinking approach is driving their growth. Yet another example of the advanced manufacturing happening in Wayne County. We are proud to have them here and look forward to assisting in their growth.”
For additional information about Magnatag, visit https://www.magnatag.com/.
Accelerating Finger Lakes Forward
Today’s announcement complements “Finger Lakes Forward,” the region’s comprehensive blueprint to generate robust economic growth and community development. The State has already invested more than $8.07 billion in the region since 2012 to lay the groundwork for the plan – investing in key industries including photonics, agriculture and food production, and advanced manufacturing. Now, the region is accelerating Finger Lakes Forward with a $500 million State investment through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative, announced by Governor Cuomo in December 2015. The State’s $500 million investment will incentivize private business to invest well over $2.5 billion – and the region’s plan, as submitted, projects up to 8,200 new jobs. More information is available here.
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 Governor Cuomo’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, please 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
Public Notice
Thursday, August 12, 2021 - 2:30pm
Press Release
Monday, August 9, 2021 - 5:25pm
Longshed Building Receives Buffalo Business First Brick by Brick Award
Project Adds to Transformation of Revitalized Waterfront and
Reflects the Ship Building History of the Site
See Photos of the Longshed Here
The Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation is honored to announce the Longshed Building located at Canalside is a Brick by Brick award winner in the category of hospitality and tourism. Buffalo Business First’s Brick by Brick awards recognize the best real estate, construction and development projects in the region. The Longshed building, located on the northern end of the Central Wharf at Canalside in Buffalo, is a two-story, gabled-roof wood structure that reflects the Central Wharf site's history by incorporating elements from the Joy and Webster Storehouse located on the site in the early 1800s. The Longshed is one of many winning projects that are taking Western New York to new heights and instilling a sense of pride and accomplishment in the community, as we work to grow and thrive despite the challenges of the pandemic.
"I congratulate HHL Architects and the entire team that worked on the Longshed project for receiving the prestigious Brick by Brick award for this invaluable educational and tourist attraction. The functionality, historic reference and overall design help make this waterfront building a place where history comes alive for visitors,” said ECHDC Board Chairman Robert Gioia. “The Erie Canal was instrumental in the growth of Buffalo in the past and the success of Canalside has shown us the waterfront is playing a critical role in shaping a brighter future for the entire region.”
The approximately 4,400-square-foot Longshed includes a main floor which stretches the length of the building, a smaller mezzanine level, public bathrooms, roll-up entry doors, and an exterior porch that overlooks the Canalside lawn.
“HHL Architects was very proud to have been selected by ECHDC to construct the first new building on the Canalside site, especially a new, traditional heavy timber, building that embraces and recalls the original Erie Canal & Buffalo River waterfront wharf character,” said Matthew W. Meier, HHL Architects Partner. “As a longtime Buffalo-based small business, we are excited to see Buffalo's waterfront redevelopment progress, and we feel privileged to have designed this unique multipurpose building for future users of Canalside.”
The wood-frame building is presently being used by staff and volunteers from the Buffalo Maritime Center to construct a replica of the 1825 Seneca Chief packet boat, which transported Governor DeWitt Clinton from Buffalo to New York City to mark the official opening of the Erie Canal. For the next three years the public will be able to watch the boat being built and even volunteer to join the construction crew. Those wishing to volunteer should visit the Buffalo Maritime Center's website at https://buffalomaritimecenter.org/.
“The Buffalo Maritime Center is honored to be the first tenant of the historic Longshed building at Canalside. The experience of constructing a 73-foot-long Erie Canal Boat inside the Longshed has been nothing short of a dream come true. It’s wonderful to see the awe on the faces of our staff, volunteers, and members of the public who step in the building and take in the beautiful design and craftsmanship of the facility. This Brick by Brick award is well-deserved, and we encourage everyone to stop by and appreciate this new icon of Buffalo’s waterfront,” said Brian Trzeciak, Executive Director of the Buffalo Maritime Center.
Once completed, the packet boat will be relocated to the Commercial Slip, where the Buffalo Maritime Center will make it available to tourists interested in learning more about the region's past. The boat will also tour other sections of the Erie Canal system to promote Buffalo and its history. At the completion of the packet boat project, the Longshed will become a year-round hall that can be used as a flexible multipurpose space for educational and historical programming by cultural organizations or to host large public gatherings. The building will also be an important part of the 200th anniversary celebration of the Erie Canal's opening in 2025.
The State has committed more than $90 million to transform Buffalo's Inner Harbor into what is now known as Canalside, a mixed-use urban entertainment destination that has received national and international attention as one of the key drivers of the remarkable resurgence of Western New York. Open to the public since May 2008, Canalside features several fully restored facets of the original Erie Canal, including the Commercial Slip, Boardwalk and the Historic Replica Canals. A year-round attraction, Canalside boasts a wide array of family activities that capitalize on and showcase the diverse resources of the Western New York region. In addition, the Historic Replica Canals will become New York State's largest outdoor roller rink later this month and then transition to ice-skating in the fall.
About Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation
The Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC) is governed by a nine-member board consisting of seven voting directors and two non-voting, ex-officio directors. The seven voting directors are recommended by the New York State Governor and are appointed by the New York State Urban Development Corporation d/b/a Empire State Development as sole shareholder of ECHDC. The two non-voting, ex-officio director positions are held by the Erie County Executive and the City of Buffalo Mayor.
Contact:
Pamm Lent (Governor’s Office) | [email protected] | (716) 846-8309
Laura Magee (ECHDC) | [email protected] | (716) 846-8239
Board Meeting
Monday, August 9, 2021 - 3:30pm
The meeting is open to the public.
Web casting of the meeting is available here.
Please Note:Due to building procedures, those attending should please RSVP by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, August 6, 2021.
Members of the press should please call (800) 260-7313; Members of the public should please call (212) 803-3772.