Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that nearly 30 farms across New York have been awarded funding through the New Farmers Grant Fund, which assists new and early-stage farmers. Since its launch in 2014, the New Farmers Grant Fund has now awarded $4.2 million to 114 farms across the state. "Farms are vital to our economy and quality of life by preserving open space and producing fresh, wholesome products," Governor Cuomo said. "New York farmers are recognized nationally for their great land stewardship, while producing world-class foods, beverages and specialty products. These awards will help new farmers further our state's longstanding agricultural traditions." "Our agricultural economy is an important part of the New York identity, delivering local products to kitchen tables across our state and around the world," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. "We know supporting start-up businesses is a great way to ensure long-term success. This new grant program will invest in job creation and the future of farming across New York." Read the full press release here. 

This is the first report summarizing the operations and accomplishments of New York State’s Life Science Initiative. The report provides background on the Initiative, summarizes the $520 million in planned State investment, describes life science projects that have already been initiated and lists other information with respect to the operations and accomplishments of the Life Science Initiative. Life Science Initiative Annual Report - 2018

Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that its Division of Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR) has awarded a Center for Advanced Technology designation to The City University of New York (CUNY). The university’s new state-of-the-art Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC), part of The Graduate Center and located in Harlem, will host the Center for Advanced Technologies in Sensors for Exploration of Natural Systems and Environments (CAT-SENSE) to assist with job creation through the development and commercialization of technologies in New York State. NYSTAR will provide the center with nearly $8.8 million in funding over the course of the ten-year designation. Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky said: "The City University of New York is one of the most prestigious, diverse public university systems in the United States — and it is at the forefront of academic achievement and scientific discovery. This designation recognizes CUNY's work to develop and commercialize new sensor technology and will help develop our economy, create jobs and generate opportunity."  “We are excited about the opportunities that CAT-SENSE will bring for STEM entrepreneurship, industry partnership and workforce development across New York State and all 25 CUNY campuses,” said CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez. “Our faculty and students contribute significant intellectual capital to New York, and this new partnership will provide resources and infrastructure for developing these contributions in an intentional way that drives economic development across New York.” The CAT-SENSE will facilitate academic-industrial partnerships to develop next-generation sensor systems and applications, tap into the growing global sensor technologies market, and help New York State accelerate its role as an applied research and business leader. The center will also play a vital role in connecting intellectual and research resources by supporting entrepreneurial partnerships between researchers and the state's business innovators and leaders. The CAT-SENSE will encompass all aspects of sensor design, development and prototyping. Specifically, it will focus on biomedical and environmental sensors, and the development of new approaches to high-sensitivity sensing by incorporating New York’s advanced research and expertise in photonics, materials and nanoscience. Application areas for these sensors run the gamut from fundamental laboratory research to prototype sensors for food, cosmetics and biomedical industries; including wearable sensors, ultrasensitive biosensors and biodegradable sensors. Annette Gray, Associate Dean for the Sciences at The Graduate Center, CUNY and Executive Director of the ASRC said: “We are excited about the opportunities that CAT-SENSE will bring for STEM entrepreneurship, industry partnership and workforce development across New York State and all 25 CUNY campuses. The ASRC is a hub for advanced technology and interdisciplinary research, and it is well positioned to seed development of next-generation sensors for wireless technology and medical, personal-health and environmental monitoring. Under the leadership of Dr. Rein Ulijn, CAT-SENSE will help develop the talent and intellectual property that will attract industry, create jobs and make New York a leader in this multibillion-dollar industry.”  The CAT designation funding will be used to directly support economic impact in New York State through applied research, development and technology transfer. The funds are focused on budget items benefitting industry through support for CAT infrastructure, staffing, and direct research support to New York State companies. 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 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, visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov. About the Advanced Science Research Center The Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC) at The Graduate Center, CUNY is a world-leading center of scientific excellence, which elevates scientific research and education at CUNY and beyond through initiatives in five distinctive, but broadly interconnected disciplines: nanoscience, photonics, neuroscience, structural biology, and environmental sciences. The ASRC promotes a collaborative, interdisciplinary research culture where renowned scientists advance their discoveries using state-of-the-art equipment and cutting-edge core facilities. Contact: Jack Sterne | [email protected] | (212) 803-3764 ESD Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313

Investment Complements "Southern Tier Soaring" - The Region's Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that its Division of Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR) has awarded a Center for Advanced Technology (CAT) designation to Binghamton University. The school's Center for Flexible Hybrid Medical Device Manufacturing (FlexMed) will assist with job creation through the development and commercialization of technologies in New York State. NYSTAR will provide the center with nearly $8.8 million in funding over the course of the ten-year designation. Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, "Binghamton University is a gem of the SUNY system, consistently ranking as one of the best public universities in the country. We are proud to support Binghamton's place at the center of medical and pharmaceutical device manufacturing – a rapidly emerging industry cluster that will continue to expand and create the foundation for new companies to form and grow."  The FlexMed CAT will serve as the nucleus of a manufacturing industry cluster in the quickly-emerging field of medical and pharmaceutical device manufacturing. It will enable industry partners to scale up flexible-hybrid electronics technologies and present them to the marketplace more quickly, while harnessing wide-ranging academic capabilities for product development and commercialization, workforce development and job creation efforts for New York State. The FlexMed CAT will also develop a comprehensive system to support the state's existing workforce development initiatives. Among its intended goals, the CAT will offer training, workshops and academic classes that support the vision and mission of the FlexMed CAT, provide support to encourage companies of various sizes and stages to locate in New York State, and foster collaboration between FlexMed CAT members including materials suppliers, tool designers, systems integrators, device manufacturers and academic partners. Mark Poliks, Binghamton University Empire Innovation Professor of Engineering/Director Center for Advanced Microelectronics Manufacturing (CAMM) said, “The FlexMed CAT will allow researchers at Binghamton University and our industry partners to build on more than a decade of experience in designing and manufacturing flexible electronics.  We have unique facilities and expertise in partnering with industry that will enable us to make contributions to New York companies' R&D right away. This investment, combined with our ongoing work as the New York node of the NextFlex manufacturing institute, establishes us as a major resource for large and small firms that are interested in flexible, wearable medical and industrial devices.  As an educator, I'm also excited about the workforce development aspect of this center.  Students at Binghamton and at SUNY Polytechnic Institute will have opportunities to learn state-of-the-art techniques and will be prepared for careers in this vital and growing economic sector when they graduate." The CAT designation funding will be used to directly support economic impact in New York State through applied research, development and technology transfer. The funds are focused on budget items benefitting industry through support for CAT infrastructure, staffing, and direct research support to New York State companies. Senator Fred Akshar said, "Advancements in medical technology and manufacturing create enormous potential for new jobs and economic development in the Southern Tier. Time and again, Binghamton University shines brightest in the SUNY system and opportunities like this help light new paths toward prosperity for our community." Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo said, "Binghamton University has been at the cutting edge of this exciting new technology for some time. The FlexMed CAT designation is well deserved and comes at a time when demand for these types of products is on the rise.The ongoing research occurring at BU's Innovative Technologies Complex adds enormous value to our region's economic recovery, providing workforce development opportunities and game changing innovations." Broome County Executive Jason Garnar said, “This is another great, well-deserved, recognition for Binghamton University. The university plays an integral role when it comes to economic development and job-growth in Broome County, and I’m excited to see continued success with the help of this funding over the next decade.” Binghamton Mayor Richard David said, “Binghamton University continues to be a hub for job creation. This investment in high tech manufacturing will support or community’s revitalization and grow Binghamton University’s reputation as a global leader in applied research and innovation. We thank Governor Cuomo and Empire State Development for their recognition of the University’s economic impact on our region.” Contact: ESD Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313