Empire State Development public notices

Innovative Startups with Optics-, Photonics-, or Imaging-Enabled Applications Encouraged to Apply for Comprehensive Support and Funding OPI Accelerator Competition is Supported Through “Finger Lakes Forward”–The Region’s Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy         ROCHESTER, NY—Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that Luminate NY—the world’s largest business accelerator for startup companies that have optics, photonics, and imaging (OPI) enabled applications—is now accepting applications for round five of the innovative program. The accelerator brings visionary companies to the Finger Lakes Region to leverage a rich ecosystem of resources to speed the commercialization of emerging technologies within a range of industries, from quantum computing, medical devices, and LiDAR to augmented reality, robotics, and autonomous vehicles. Round five of Luminate NY will add to the more than 400 companies that have applied to participate in the accelerator based on the unique programming and support that this region has to offer. Cohort five will expand on the novel technologies that are in Luminate’s robust portfolio, which is destined to advance the OPI industry in New York State. Luminate NY is administered by NextCorps. “Luminate NY brings the most promising companies from around the world to New York, connecting them with our region’s top universities, talent, and manufacturing facilities to help them realize innovative vision,” said Empire State Development Chief Operating Officer and Executive Deputy Commissioner Kevin Younis. “This strategic investment is just one of the many ways New York is creating solid opportunities for diverse business owners, helping to highlight all of the competitive advantages that New York has to offer.” Applicants for Luminate NY must be incorporated, have at least two full-time employees, and should have proven their core technology, preferably having developed a working prototype. Once admitted, companies will receive assistance, including capital, access to comprehensive lab facilities for technology development, education, and business mentoring. Applications will be accepted now through January 10, 2022. Luminate NY is funded by the transformative Finger Lakes Forward Upstate Revitalization Initiative, a comprehensive strategy to foster economic development and revitalize communities. Located in the imaging capital of the world—Rochester, NY—the Luminate accelerator provides immediate funding paired with a six-month mentoring program to help new companies scale both their businesses and technologies. Selected applicants will compete for one of 10 available slots for cohort five. At the completion of the program, the teams will compete for a total of $2 million in follow-on funding, including a $1 million investment to the winning team and other investments totaling an additional $1 million.  Teams winning follow-on funding must commit to doing some aspect of their business operations or manufacturing in the region for at least 18 months. Dr. Sujatha Ramanujan, Managing Director, Luminate NY said, “This one-of-a-kind accelerator is helping emerging companies change the trajectory of their progress and the strength of their innovations. We encourage founders to apply to explore what Luminate can do for their business.”  The recruitment for new OPI-enabled technologies comes just two weeks before Luminate NY’s fourth cohort of companies competes for $2 million in follow-on funding during the Luminate Finals 2021.  This year due to COVID, the finals will be held virtually on September 30, 2021 beginning at 10:30 a.m. EDT via Zoom.  Finals is free to attend but registration is required.  In addition to seeing the teams compete for funding, the public will vote for their favorite startup, which will be awarded $10,000 as part of the annual New York State competition, and the public will have the opportunity to ask questions during a panel discussion on Women and Diversity in Entrepreneurship. The Finger Lakes Region is home to an incredibly rich ecosystem for forward-thinking entrepreneurs who are looking to grow their business. Rochester is home to the American Institute for Manufacturing Integrated Photonics’ Test, Assembly and Packaging facility at Eastman Business Park, the University of Rochester’s Institute of Optics, the Rochester Institute of Technology, and to more than 150 local OPI companies which employ more than 17,000 employees who are building on the region’s legacy as a global imaging leader. State Senator Jeremy Cooney said, “Rochester has been at the forefront of cutting-edge technology and innovation. Programs like Luminate NY are important to keep Rochester, and New York State, as creative leaders as our world’s economy continues to change. When startups in industries like photonics, optics, and imaging grow and prosper, so do our economy and our families.” Assembly Member Harry Bronson said, “I join the Governor in encouraging our great talented pool of young entrepreneurs to enter round five of Luminate NY. I know that the entrepreneurial spirit and creative minds of our community will provide future jobs and economic growth for our state and nation. This competition helps build a brighter future for our families.” Monroe County Executive Adam Bello said, “The Luminate NY initiative has already brought real results to Monroe County through investments in burgeoning high-tech businesses including SunDensity, Simulated Inanimate Models, and OVITZ. Our region is home to some of the best and brightest optics, photonics, and imaging minds in the world, and this program gives innovative entrepreneurs a platform to bring their ideas to the      marketplace and grow our local economy. Thank you to Empire State Development for the work they’ve done promoting and advancing the OPI industry in the Finger Lakes Region and good luck to all applicants in round five.” For additional information about Luminate NY, visit: https://luminate.org/. For additional information about NextCorps, visit: https://nextcorps.org/. 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 regionally designed plan focuses on 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. 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 the New York State 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 Shannon Wojcik | Luminate | [email protected] | (585) 831-6267

Project Transformed Former Fuel Dock and Adjacent Land into Milton Landing Park and Pier - a Gateway for Visitors to Access the Region’s Many Attractions Empire State Development (ESD) today announced the completion of the $1.6 million Milton Landing Park and Pier in the town of Marlborough, Ulster County. The project transformed a former fuel dock and deep-water pier and the adjacent land parcels into a gateway for residents and travelers to access the region’s many attractions. The Pier provides deep water mooring and will accommodate large touring and educational vessels. Empire State Development Chief Operating Officer and Executive Deputy Commissioner Kevin Younis said, “The transformation of the new Milton Landing Park and Pier leverages the natural beauty of the Town’s Hudson River frontage creating an inviting amenity that adds to the quality of life of the residents who live in the community. Additionally, it will attract new residents and visitors, increasing opportunities for new businesses to grow jobs and invest in the region” Marlborough Town Supervisor Al Lanzetta said, "The Town of Marlborough is excited to have the newly renovated deep-water dock at Milton Landing Park. This opportunity for large ships, like the Clearwater, to dock here will afford the public the opportunity to explore all that the hamlets of Marlboro & Milton have to offer - recreation, cultural & historic events, and agro-tourism. It will reconnect Marlborough with our beautiful Hudson River." The Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council supported this project by recommending an Empire State Development capital grant of $313,000. This project will increase tourism without adding to vehicular congestion or pollution, and provide the infrastructure to support innovative new products and services. In addition to traditional public uses, the planned uses for the pier include potential port access for tour boats such as the Hudson River sloop Clearwater and the historic steamship SS Columbia. SUNY New Paltz President and Mid-Hudson REDC Co-Chair Donald P. Christian said, “The Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council has always envisioned a region filled with dynamic communities that benefit from its countless attractions, its rich history, and its natural beauty. The Milton Landing Park and Pier is another excellent example of a project that truly exemplifies this vision and will be a draw to the community for years to come.”  Marlborough is a world-class agritourism destination with the largest concentration of fruit farms in the county, along with seven wineries and a distillery. Unique attractions for arts and entertainment, and sports venues for special events, invite national and international visitors alike. This newly renovated park and pier will look to increase regional tourism by providing additional access to the region’s many attractions, while the increased traffic will create business opportunities that create new jobs and revenue for the community. State Senator James Skoufis said, “Restorative projects such as Milton Landing Park and Pier are breathing new life into the Hudson Valley's old industrial sites while developing new tourism channels that benefit local communities. Congratulations to the Town of Marlborough for seeing this transformative project through. It will no doubt have a positive and lasting impact on Milton, surrounding businesses, and the region's tourism landscape writ large."  Assemblyman Jonathan Jacobson said, "The Hudson River is our region's single most valuable asset. I am pleased that Supervisor Lanzetta and his team have worked to transform this beautiful, but underutilized stretch into a welcoming attraction for both residents and visitors." Ulster County Executive Patrick K. Ryan said, “The Mid-Hudson Region is one of the most picturesque regions in New York State.  It is not only filled with natural beauty and bounty, but is rich with history.  The Completion of Milton Landing Park and Pier capitalizes on the best what we have to offer, which is a boon to residents and visitors alike and is a welcome addition to Ulster County.” 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 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: Kristin Devoe | [email protected] | (518) 414-1087 ESD Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313  

Infectious Disease Fund Developed to Support and Accelerate Growth in New York's Life Science Industry and Combat Public Health Threats like COVID-19 Fund Will Fast Track Qualified Startups, Early Stage Companies and Late Stage Academic Research in New York Institutions to Commercialize Efforts to Combat Infectious Disease Applications and Fund Guidelines Available Here Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the opening of New York's new $40 million Biodefense Commercialization Fund. The program will accelerate the development and commercialization of life science research and innovations that address serious infectious health threats, including COVID-19 and its variants—an issue of growing urgency given the recent uptick in cases across the nation. "No state was hit harder and faster by COVID-19 than New York State—and it is incumbent upon us to use the lessons we learned to better prepare for the future," Governor Hochul said. "The Biodefense Commercialization Fund will help the next generation of startups and early-stage companies combat infectious diseases while creating jobs and investment in New York's life science industry. We want to ensure that New York is where these groundbreaking companies start and operate, and that our state is at the center of the search for solutions to the world's most pressing problems."     Grants awarded through this fund will help bring to market infectious disease solutions, including diagnostics, therapeutics and other innovations that address or mitigate the spread of serious infectious diseases, encouraging growth across New York's expanding life science industry and positioning the state as a leader in infectious disease resiliency and mitigation.  Eligible companies that are developing promising diagnostics, vaccines, therapeutics, and other innovations to prevent, treat or mitigate serious infectious disease threats can apply for grants of up to $4 million. New York's academic research institutions will be able to apply for grants of up to $500,000 to help fast track advanced intellectual property in life sciences. An emphasis will be placed on supporting the development of innovations with the highest potential for commercial viability. More information can be found online here.  The Biodefense Commercialization Fund will be managed by Empire State Development, with guidance from an Executive Committee that includes representatives from New York State's Department of Health, Columbia University, the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, and two venture funds. A Review Panel of experts from the biopharma industry, life science venture investors, and academic scientists will review, evaluate and provide recommendations to ESD on submitted applications. Additionally, panel members will draw upon their collective experience in these related fields to provide mentorship and guidance to the awardees.  Empire State Development Chief Operating Officer and Executive Deputy Commissioner Kevin Younis said, "As we continue the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, New York is even more committed to the growth and success of the state's life science industry. The Biodefense Commercialization Fund is a critical investment that seeks to turn the scientific research being conducted across the state into cutting edge treatments and medical solutions to ensure that New York is ready to respond to infectious disease threats in the future."    Read the full press release here. 

The Excelsior Jobs Program provides job creation and investment incentives to firms in targeted industries in order to encourage businesses to expand in and relocate to New York while maintaining strict accountability standards to guarantee that businesses deliver on job and investment commitments. Below please find the quarterly program report for the second quarter of 2021, ending 6/30/2021. 6/30/2021: EXCELSIOR JOBS PROGRAM - Quarterly Report CHART A - EXCELSIOR JOBS PROGRAM QUARTERLY REPORT - Businesses Admitted To Program CHART B - EXCELSIOR JOBS PROGRAM QUARTERLY REPORT - Businesses Issued Credits- Tax Year 2012  CHART C - EXCELSIOR JOBS PROGRAM QUARTERLY REPORT - Businesses Issued Credits- Tax Year 2013 CHART D - EXCELSIOR JOBS PROGRAM QUARTERLY REPORT - Businesses Issued Credits- Tax Year 2014  CHART E - EXCELSIOR JOBS PROGRAM QUARTERLY REPORT - Businesses Issued Credits- Tax Year 2015 CHART F - EXCELSIOR JOBS PROGRAM QUARTERLY REPORT - Businesses Issued Credits- Tax Year 2016 CHART G - EXCELSIOR JOBS PROGRAM QUARTERLY REPORT - Businesses Issued Credits- Tax Year 2017 CHART H - EXCELSIOR JOBS PROGRAM QUARTERLY REPORT - Businesses Issued Credits- Tax Year 2018 CHART I - EXCELSIOR JOBS PROGRAM QUARTERLY REPORT - Businesses Issued Credits- Tax Year 2019 CHART J - EXCELSIOR JOBS PROGRAM QUARTERLY REPORT - Businesses Issued Credits- Tax Year 2020