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Press Release
Friday, October 28, 2022 - 4:10pm
Will Strengthen New York's Position as the Nation's Hub for Offshore Wind
Empire State Development today announced that a $48 million federal grant has been awarded through the United States Department of Transportation Maritime Administration’s Port Infrastructure Development Program to support the construction of Arthur Kill Terminal (AKT) as an offshore wind staging and assembly coastal seaport on Staten Island. AKT represents an unparalleled opportunity to meet the urgent need for suitable offshore wind ports on the East Coast and will be an important asset for offshore wind as the only non-bridge restricted offshore wind staging and assembly port in New York State.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "Arthur Kill Terminal will help harness the potential of offshore wind to fuel our economy forward and meet Governor Hochul’s ambitious climate goals. New York will continue to strengthen our clean energy infrastructure, create green jobs for New Yorkers, and prepare the region for the economy of tomorrow.”
New York State submitted an application to MARAD to secure funding to support the construction of the undeveloped 32-acre site into a purpose-built offshore wind port. AKT would allow for the in-port assembly of complete wind turbine towers, other tall offshore wind structures, and the use of the full array of offshore wind transport and installation vessels and methods, including Jones Act-compliant jack up wind turbine installation vessels and floating offshore wind turbines and foundations. AKT’s two-year construction phase is estimated to create 600 direct jobs with nearly $277 million in direct economic impact. When AKT is operational, it is estimated to create over 150 direct jobs with $102 million in direct economic impact annually. Construction of AKT is expected to begin late Fall 2023.
Atlantic Offshore Terminals CEO Boone Davis said, "This grant is more than just a major milestone for Arthur Kill Terminal. It's confirmation that New York will be a national leader in our country's clean energy transition. We're grateful to Governor Hochul, Empire State Development, and all of our partners and supporters who have made this day possible. Achieving New York’s ambitious climate goals means developing an offshore wind supply chain on Staten Island and in other parts of the State, and we're proud to work with this administration to deliver the jobs, investment and expertise needed to do it."
Arthur Kill Terminal is essential to enabling timely and cost-effective construction of offshore wind projects and would be a significant strategic asset for the offshore wind supply chain. By establishing Staten Island as a major supply chain hub for the assembly and deployment of offshore wind turbines and foundations on the East Coast, AKT will provide local and regional workers with unique opportunities to obtain safety training and hands-on experience with the handling, assembly and pre-commissioning of offshore wind components, with a significant amount of the work involved in constructing and operating the facility going to workers and businesses in historically disadvantaged and environmental justice communities.
Today’s announcement bolsters efforts to build out New York’s green economy with clean energy infrastructure. AKT is a prime example of smart port infrastructure that will maximize domestic economic benefits and job creation from a once in a generation opportunity. New York State's offshore wind project pipeline currently has five projects in active development that totals more than 4,300 megawatts, will power more than 2.4 million New York homes, and is expected to bring a combined economic impact of $12.1 billion to the State.
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:
Emily Mijatovic | [email protected] | (212) 803-3692
Press Release
Thursday, October 27, 2022 - 1:30pm
Community Investment Framework Defines Micron's Partnership with Empire State Development, Benefiting Central New York and America's Manufacturing Leadership
Investments Made Possible by the State's Historic Green CHIPS Legislation and Federal CHIPS and Science Act
Syracuse, New York, Oct. 27, 2022 — Governor Kathy Hochul and Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: MU), one of the world's largest semiconductor companies and the only U.S.-based manufacturer of memory, welcome President Joe Biden and other federal, state and local officials to Central New York where Micron plans to invest up to $100 billion over the next 20-plus years to build a leading-edge memory megafab. With the signing of the Community Investment Framework, Micron will mark its initial community and workforce commitments established with Empire State Development (ESD). This framework encompasses the $500 million Green CHIPS Community Investment Fund focused on supporting workforce development, education, community assets and organizations, and affordable housing, as well as other initiatives that ensure the Central New York workforce will have the advanced skills needed to sustain leading-edge semiconductor manufacturing.
Micron will invest $250 million in the Fund and an additional $100 million will be invested from New York, with $150 million from local, other state and national partners. The company will also establish a Community Advisory Committee consisting of 11 diverse community members, in addition to representatives from local and state governments as well as Micron. The Committee will identify priorities and prospective areas for investment from the Fund. Through this approach, Micron and ESD aim to better understand and address the needs of the Central New York community and make targeted investments throughout the region. Governor Hochul, Empire State Development CEO Hope Knight and Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra will sign the Community Investment Framework, alongside local partners, endorsing the spirit of collaboration with ESD to invest in the region. Micron's plans to build a megafab in New York, which will create nearly 50,000 New York jobs including approximately 9,000 high-paying Micron jobs, is the result of the bipartisan work of Congress and the Biden Administration to pass the CHIPS and Science Act.
"Micron's historic $100 billion investment secures a bright economic future for generations of New Yorkers in Onondaga County and across the state, and this transformative project cements New York's manufacturing leadership," Governor Hochul said. "In addition to nearly 50,000 jobs, deep commitments to sustainability, and opportunities for minority- and women-owned businesses and disadvantaged communities, this project's $500 million community fund will sustain the region in the long term with investments in workforce, housing, and infrastructure. I am thrilled that President Biden could join us for this once-in-a-generation announcement, and I look forward to working closely with our local, state, and federal partners, as well as the business and labor communities, to bring one of the largest economic development projects in U.S. history to fruition."
"We are honored to host President Biden and many prominent leaders today in Central New York, the future site of Micron's new leading-edge megafab that will fuel U.S. innovation for years to come," said Micron President and CEO Sanjay Mehrotra. "To secure U.S. leadership in semiconductor manufacturing, cultivate American innovation and ensure economic and national security, it is imperative we come together to build and transform a workforce for the future. Our commitments through the Community Investment Framework represent the first foundational steps toward Central New York's transformation."
Read the full press release.
Press Release
Wednesday, October 26, 2022 - 4:50pm
Expansion will Support Quantum Computing, AI, and Research and Development for the Semiconductor Industries
Empire State Development (ESD) today announced the completion of SEEQC’s combined 12,000 square foot, newly renovated, multilayer, superconductive chip foundry and quantum product development and testing center in Elmsford, Westchester County. SEEQC’s state-of-the-art facility will significantly expand its capacity to fabricate the world’s most complex superconductor electronics for quantum computing, AI, and sensor and detectors and to test and integrate superconductive chips into its state-of-the-art quantum computing systems.
“This is a great announcement for Westchester and for New York’s chip fabrication and quantum computing future,” said Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado. “SEEQC is uniquely positioned to make gains in the Quantum computing space which, in addition to being a job generator, has the potential to accelerate our progress in the fight against climate change.”
ESD President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “SeeQC’s new facility is great news for the Mid-Hudson Region and couldn’t be more-timely. Ensuring that we are investing in New York companies as we continue the national effort to reshore the semiconductor industry and its supply chain will only strengthen our economy, grow jobs and keep New Yorkers in New York. This funding will go a long way to helping SEEQC make groundbreaking advancements in the quantum computing and keep New York State a leader in growing the semiconductor industry.”
NYPA Interim President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said, “We’re excited to support this impactful expansion project by Quantum Computing as it will bring new jobs and capital investments to Westchester County. The ReCharge NY program has been a catalyst for job creation and retention all across the state and this project is another example of how businesses can leverage the state’s low-cost hydropower to reduce operating costs so that they can stay and grow in New York.”
“We are building a full stack, energy efficient and scalable quantum computing platform, and each design we create for a customer or partner requires the unique product development and test capabilities that can only be supported in a facility like ours,” said John Levy, CEO and co-founder of SEEQC. “Whether it’s Single Flux Quantum (SFQ) readout and control chips, classical superconducting co-processors, multi-chip modules or next generation qubits, we now have the capability of manufacturing and characterizing them all — we believe this capability is unmatched in the quantum computing ecosystem.”
MHREDC Co-Chairs Dr. Marsha Gordon, President & CEO of The Business Council of Westchester and Dr. Kristine Young, president of SUNY Orange said, “The Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council continues to pinpoint strategic investments that will help the state unleash the talent of our regional workforce and SEEQC’s expansion in Westchester County is a perfect example of investing in clusters that pay dividends back to the community.”
The new and expanded facility houses a complete fabrication line for micromachined devices and thin filmed circuits, a clean room for wafer procession, photo our lithographic equipment, CAD tools and workstation, high speed and low noise test equipment, and electromagnetically shielded rooms for low noise measurements.
SEEQC purchased and installed new capital equipment for the existing manufacturing plant; acquired new test and measurement equipment for testing laboratories and design workstations and tools for a new superconducting integrated circuit design lab. The state-of -the-art foundry encompasses design, fabrication, packaging and testing of superconductive integrated circuits (ICs).
The Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council recommended a $600,000 Empire State Development capital grant to support the expansion and renovation of SEEQC’s new 7,000 square foot chip foundry and associated costs of machinery and equipment. In addition, the New York Power Authority is supporting the expansion with 156 kilowatts of low-cost power from the ReCharge NY program. In exchange for state support, SEEQC has agreed to create 29 new jobs and retain 9 existing jobs at their Elmsford facility.
Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said, "As we enter a new era of tech industries, New York stands shovel-ready with the infrastructure and workforce necessary to forge the future. This ESD grant of $600K towards the $3 million SeeQC project in Elmsford is the latest economic win for our state, bringing jobs and growth to our communities. As we build on the momentum of the CHIPS and Science Act, along with our state Green CHIPS legislation, we are proudly ensuring that 21st century manufacturing will once again be made in New York."
Assemblymember Thomas J. Abinanti said, “New York is leading the way to a better life for all Americans —partnering with the most technologically advanced companies to manufacture the elements needed for today’s and tomorrow’s state of the art computers. This partnership brings more jobs to our communities and attracts other similar companies. I applaud the Hochul administration’s effort to keep New York moving forward.”
Westchester County Executive George Latimer said, “Westchester is a home for all types of economic development – and this ribbon cutting is just more proof. The work done inside these walls will solidify our region and State as a leader in the quantum computing field while bringing even more good jobs to our county. I thank the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, ESD and SEEQC for their efforts to continue to build a better future for all who call New York, and Westchester, home.”
Town of Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner said, “We are thrilled that New York State is working with businesses like SEEQC. This company is developing the first digital quantum computing platform for global businesses. This is the kind of company that will provide jobs and services that are needed in the future. We are proud that a world leader in commercial superconductive electronic solutions has chosen to make their home in Greenburgh and are grateful to the Empire State Development and to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor and state leaders for their efforts helping to encourage the company to locate here in our town. We will do whatever we can to make this company feel proud of their decision to be part of the Greenburgh community.”
Village of Elmsford Mayor Robert Williams said, “The Village of Elmsford is very excited to have SEEQC right in our back yard in the Town of Greenburgh. This newly renovated facility is an asset to both communities. During the renovation the project brought in many construction jobs and now that it is completed will bring in permanent jobs. It is an honor to have a company such as SEEQC doing such high-tech work here. We are excited and can’t wait to see the great work coming out of the new facility. We congratulate CEO and Co-Founder John Levy and his company for the completed renovations and wish him much success.”
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.
About SEEQC.:
SEEQC. is developing the first fully digital quantum computing platform for global businesses. SEEQC combines classical and quantum technologies to address the efficiency, stability and cost issues endemic to quantum computing systems. The company applies classical and quantum technology through digital readout and control technology and a unique chip-scale architecture. SEEQC quantum system provides the energy- and cost-efficiency, speed and digital control required to make quantum computing useful and bring the first commercially-scalable, problem-specific quantum computing applications to market.
The company is one of the first companies to have built a superconductor multi-layer commercial chip foundry and through this experience has the infrastructure in place for design, testing and manufacturing of quantum-ready superconductors. SEEQC is a spin-out of HYPRES, the world’s leading developer of superconductor electronics. SEEQC. team of executives and scientists have deep expertise and experience in commercial superconductive computing solutions and quantum computing. SEEQC is based in Elmsford, NY, with facilities in London, UK, and Naples, Italy.
Contact:
Kristin Devoe | [email protected] | (518) 414-1087
ESD Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313
Press Release
Wednesday, October 26, 2022 - 2:12pm
First Phase Includes 75,000 Square Foot Welcome Center And Meeting Space
$1.8 Million State Investment Advances Region’s Status As National Science And Technology Hub
Empire State Development today announced the groundbreaking for the first phase of Brookhaven National Laboratory’s Discovery Park in Suffolk County, Long Island. The creation of Discovery Park will establish a 60-acre public-private research campus and regional hub for scientific innovation, economic development and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. Phase one of Discovery Park includes a 75,000 square foot Science and User Support Center, which will act as a welcome center for researchers, facility users, and guests of Brookhaven Lab and serve as an office and meeting space for approximately 250 Brookhaven Lab staff.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "Long Island is home to pioneering institutions that have been crucial to unlocking state-of-the-art discoveries while attracting top-tier researchers and scientists further elevate the region as a powerful commercial scientific innovation hub."
Empire State Development is supporting Brookhaven Lab’s Discovery Park with a $1,800,000 capital grant, recommended by the Long Island Regional Economic Development Council. As a transformative mixed-use development, Discovery Park aligns with and reflects New York State's efforts to support projects that will advance scientific discoveries and technology commercialization. The project will also expand existing workforce development and STEM education programs to help create the next generation of scientists and engineers on Long Island.
Empire State Development Board Chairman Kevin Law said, "Long Island is a long-established hub for transformative technology and the Brookhaven National Laboratory is a natural home for Discovery Park. This center of scientific research and STEM education will help to advance New York State’s strategic economic development strategies by strengthening workforce development, accelerating scientific breakthroughs, and catalyzing industry growth.”
Overseen by the U.S. Department of Energy, Brookhaven National Lab is a multidisciplinary laboratory that works to address the nation’s energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions. Brookhaven Lab employs more than 2,500 full-time workers and is host to more than 5,000 visiting researchers each year from universities, industry, and government agencies that use its cutting-edge facilities.
Long Island Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs Linda Armyn, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer at Bethpage Federal Credit Union and President of Farmingdale State College Dr. John Nader said, "Today’s announcement is an important step towards ensuring that Long Island is where groundbreaking scientific advancements happen. With Brookhaven National Laboratory as its homebase, Discovery Park will act as an inclusive working lab that feeds minds, incubates innovation, and will spotlight Long Island as a nexus of new discoveries.”
Through strategic investments, New York fuels the creation of cutting-edge advancements in biopharmaceutical, device and diagnostic research, development and manufacturing. The biotech and life sciences industries have become powerful growth engines for New York State, turning key regions of the state into dynamic life science hubs that includes organizations and institutions dedicated to various stages of research, development, technology transfer and commercialization. The addition of Brookhaven Lab’s Discovery Park will further enhance Long Island as a destination for innovative companies and intuitions, such as the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, as well as Stony Brook University.
Contact:
Emily Mijatovic | [email protected] | (212) 803-3692
Press Release
Tuesday, October 25, 2022 - 5:27pm
Event Co-Hosted with the Motion Picture Association, The New York Latino Film Festival, and the Governor’s Office of Motion Picture & Television Development
Hybrid Forum Connected Content Creators with Entertainment Industry Leaders for Career Advice and Guidance
Empire State Development (ESD) today held the sixth annual New York State Multicultural Creativity Summit, an in-person and virtual interactive conference that guides content creators of diverse backgrounds to better understand and advance their careers within the film and television industry. Hosted by the Governor's Office of Motion Picture & Television Development (MPTV) and the Motion Picture Association in partnership with the New York Latino Film Festival, the event displays New York State's commitment to promote the inclusion of diverse voices in the entertainment industry.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “ESD is proud to support the Multicultural Creativity Summit and provide opportunities through inclusionary programming that helps underrepresented communities navigate the growing film and television industry. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State continues to break down barriers to promote opportunity and equitable economic growth for all.”
The MPTV works closely with studios, non-profit organizations and film festival curators to promote New York State's talent and help expand pathways for aspiring filmmakers, writers and producers. The interactive summit featured panel discussions that provided advice and guidance for diverse content creators looking to advance their careers in the film and television industry.
Speakers at the event included: Brett King, Vice President of Creative Programming, Diversity & Inclusion at Sony Pictures Entertainment; Mahin Ibrahim, Director of Representation and Inclusion Strategies for Disney Studios Content; Dennis Williams, Senior Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility at Warner Bros. Discovery; and Tiffany Burrell-Lewis, Director of Creative Talent Development for Netflix.
This was the sixth Multicultural Creativity Summit, and the first to be hosted in-person since 2020. The first three events were hosted in May 2017 (HBO Theatre), October 2018 (HBO Theatre), and December 2019 (SkySquare Conference Center at Viacom) - all in New York City. In November 2020 and December 2021, the event was presented virtually.
Charles Rivkin, Chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association, said, "The Motion Picture Association and our member studios are at the forefront of building diversity and inclusion in the film and television industry. Storytelling cannot flourish in this country unless all stories can be authentically told. We are proud to co-host this summit once again with the New York Latino Film Festival and help generate paths for diverse creators throughout our industry."
Calixto Chinchilla, Founder and Executive Director of the New York Latino Film Festival, said, "It is remarkable to join the Motion Picture Association and Empire State Development in amplifying the voices of underrepresented creators in the industry. New York State continues to embrace diversity and our commitment to showcasing Latino talent and culture to build proper representation in the film community."
Today's Summit is part of a larger statewide initiative to increase diversity and inclusion and create equal opportunities in the film and television industry.
In April 2022, Governor Hochul passed a three-year extension of the Film Tax Credit Program that includes a new requirement for productions to create and implement plans to ensure their productions represent the diversity of New York State, starting in 2023. New York State is home to the first-in-the-nation New York Entertainment Workforce Diversity Grant Program. Launched in April 2021, the program provides financial assistance in the form of grants for job creation and training programs that support efforts to recruit, hire, promote, retain, develop and train a diverse and inclusive workforce for the motion picture and television production and post-production industries in New York State. Additionally, the Film & TV Diverse Suppliers Directory was created to increase diversity throughout New York's thriving entertainment industry; helping to connect productions with quality vendors throughout the state and helping local businesses reap the benefits of working with this growing industry.
About The Governor’s Office of Motion Picture & Television Development
The New York State Governor’s Office of Motion Picture & Television Development, a division of Empire State Development, aims to grow and support the film, television and commercial industry by guiding filmmakers through the many programs and assets New York State has to offer, promoting and publicizing the state’s infrastructure, talent and film production, post-production, and commercial tax incentives for qualified expenditures in New York State. The office also serves as a liaison between production companies and city and local governments, state agencies, a network of statewide contacts, local film offices and professional location scouts and managers. More information on filming in New York State or the Film Production and Post Production Tax Credit Programs can be found 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 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:
Kristin Devoe | [email protected] | (518) 414-1087
ESD Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313
Press Release
Tuesday, October 25, 2022 - 1:36pm
Small Businesses with 100 or Fewer Employees May Receive Tax Credits for Costs Incurred to Increase COVID-19 Safety
Screening Tool Available Here
Governor Kathy Hochul announced applications are now being accepted from small businesses that have successfully completed the pre-screening process to become certified for the COVID-19 Capital Costs Tax Credit Program, which supports companies that made investments to comply with emergency orders and regulations or to increase public safety in response to COVID-19.
"When the pandemic devastated the bottom line of most small businesses across New York State, I pledged to lend them a helping hand from day one," Governor Hochul said. "This tax credit will be a crucial lifeline to New York small businesses - the backbone of our state's economy - and I encourage all who are interested to apply for this much-needed aid."
Announced as part of Governor Hochul's first Executive Budget in order to enhance the State's support for small businesses, and subsequently included in the FY23 Enacted Budget, this new refundable tax relief program targets COVID-19-related expenses for infectious disease mitigation during 2021 and 2022. Eligible COVID-19-related costs include, but are not limited to:
Supplies to disinfect or protect against COVID-19 transmission
Costs associated with expanding, or defining space to accommodate social distancing
HVAC equipment
Expenses related to increased outdoor activity and outdoor space expansions
Machinery and equipment to facilitate contactless sales
Tax credits will cover 50 percent of eligible costs, up to $50,000, for a maximum tax credit award of $25,000, and credits will be awarded on a first come first serve basis until program funds are depleted. Eligible businesses must operate a location in New York State, have 100 or fewer employees, $2.5 million or less of gross receipts in the 2021 tax year, and at least $2,000 in eligible costs between January 1, 2021 and December 31, 2022.
Applications will be accepted through March 31, 2023. To claim a tax credit for their 2022 tax return, businesses must apply soon to receive a tax credit certificate from Empire State Development (ESD) on or before December 31, 2022. Tax credits issued on or after January 1, 2023 can be claimed on a business's 2023 tax return. To learn more about eligibility and qualifying expenses, visit www.esd.ny.gov/covid-19-capital-costs-tax-credit. ESD has contracted with the FORWARD Platform to screen business applications, validate expenses and distribute credits for the program.
Read the full press release here.
Press Release
Thursday, October 20, 2022 - 9:26pm
Five Companies Win $1 Million Each in High Stakes Startup Showdown – Advancing the Innovation Economy in Western New York
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the winners of the eighth annual 43North Finals, New York State’s $5 million startup competition held in Buffalo, in which five companies were each awarded a $1 million investment. In addition to the financial investments, the five winners will relocate their companies to Buffalo and work out of the 43North incubator in the city’s tallest skyscraper, Seneca One. The winners were announced this evening during an awards ceremony at Shea’s Performing Arts Center in Buffalo.
“New York has become a model for fostering innovative economic growth and job creation, and programs like 43North provide essential investment and support to the breakthrough companies of tomorrow,” Governor Hochul said. “I congratulate the five winning companies for capturing this unique opportunity and look forward to seeing them move to Buffalo, hire staff, raise private capital, and invest in property and equipment. Their work will add to a region that is fast becoming an entrepreneurial powerhouse.”
In addition to receiving one year of free space in the building's innovative and collaborative Tech Hub, the winners will also benefit from a rich pool of local resources, including access to experienced mentors, potential customers, business incentive programs, and 43North’s network of over 900 investors.
The Winners of the 2022 43North Competition are:
Agape Wellness - Rochester, Monroe County, NY
Founder: Khadesha Okwudili
Agape is a relationship wellness company that uses personalized questions to spark meaningful conversations.
AMPAworks - Santa Monica, CA
Founder: Bianca Gonzalez
AMPAworks is a camera that uses computer vision A.I. in order to have full inventory visibility in pharmacies, medical device companies,
surgery centers, clinics, and hospitals.
Mod Tech Labs - Austin, TX
Founder: Alexandria Porter
MOD helps enterprise companies create universal 3D content at scale by digitizing the real world using photos.
Otrafy - Chicago, IL
Founder: Nhat Nguyen
Otrafy is an AI-powered SaaS supplier management platform with the ability to automate compliance and identify risks.
Phood - New York City
Founder: Alex Parmley
Phood integrates with universities’ card services to create a connection between students’ flex dollar accounts and the gig economy.
Read the full release here.
Board Meeting
Thursday, October 20, 2022 - 12:00pm
This meeting is open to the public.
Webcasting of the meeting is available by clicking the link below.
Due to building procedures, members of the public attending in-person should please RSVP by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 19, 2022.
Members of the press should please call (800) 260-7313; Members of the public should please call (212) 803-3818.
Board Meeting
Thursday, October 20, 2022 - 9:30am
The meeting is open to the public.
The public may also view and listen to the meeting via webcast by clicking the link below.
Please Note:
Due to building procedures, members of the public attending in-person should please RSVP by 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 19, 2022.
Members of the press should please call (800) 260-7313; Members of the public should please call (212) 803-3772.
Members of the public may submit comments on the Agenda items in writing to [email protected] by Noon on Wednesday, October 19, 2022.
All comments received by the deadline will be distributed to the Directors prior to the meeting and will posted on-line.
Press Release
Wednesday, October 19, 2022 - 4:48pm
Lidrotec Receives $1 Million in Investment; Four Additional Companies Secure Follow-on Investments
Applications Now Being Accepted for Round 6 of the Optics, Photonics, and Imaging Competition until January 9, 2023
NYS Investment Complements "Finger Lakes Forward" - the Region's Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy
Photo of Luminate NY Winner Available Here
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced Lidrotec as the winner of Round 5 of the Luminate NY optics, photonics, and imaging startup accelerator competition. The Bochum, Germany-based Lidrotec received the "Company of the Year" award at Luminate Finals 2022, which was held live during Optica's Frontiers in Optics + Laser Science conference in Rochester. The company will receive $1 million in investment from New York State through the Finger Lakes Forward Upstate Revitalization Initiative. As required by the award, all winners of the competition will commit to establishing operations in the region for at least the next 18 months. Through Luminate NY, Lidrotec was introduced to AIM Photonics. This collaboration is helping Lidrotec build the infrastructure for developing the next iteration of its technology and execute on its plans to establish US operations. Luminate NY, which is administered by NextCorps, is the world's largest business accelerator for emerging companies that have optics, photonics, and imaging enabled technologies. The Finals event marks the completion of the fifth year of the cohort-based program. Earlier this year, Governor Hochul included funding for Luminate NY in the New State budget for four more consecutive years.
"New York is on the cutting edge of technological research, as we continue to welcome great talent and opportunities here through our Luminate NY competition," Governor Hochul said. "We are adding another chapter to the Finger Lakes Region's unparalleled history in imaging and optics by bringing the most promising companies here to speed the commercialization of groundbreaking technologies. Today's winners will be able to take advantage of the nation's most robust, sophisticated, and highly integrated optics, photonics and imaging supply chain that exists here to scale their businesses, leading to their growth as well as New York State's economy."
Read the full press release here.