Business incubators and other innovative programs to grow your business

New York State offers resources designed to enable new and existing businesses to become more competitive through the use of innovative technologies. Empire State Development's Division of Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR) programs and centers emphasize the importance of working with industry as a way to leverage New York State’s technology strengths to produce new products. The state also offers other innovation development support resources, including financial incentives, to foster university collaboration, research and innovation.

Watch the 2025 New York State Innovation Summit video here.

NYSTAR programs

Leverage New York State’s unparalleled investment in world-class technology assets and expertise with programs that can assist your company from start-up through maturity. Resources include NYSTAR's 70+ funded facilities and tools that enable growth.

Centers for Advanced Technology

Engines for companies to create academic partnerships with New York's top universities to develop and commercialize new technologies. Designed for R&D-focused companies seeking academic collaboration in specific technology areas.

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Centers of Excellence

Academic partnerships with New York’s top universities to turn your innovative research into market-ready products. Designed for high-tech innovators and entrepreneurs looking to commercialize scientific breakthroughs.

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New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership

A network of organizations that provide growth and innovation services to small and mid-sized manufacturers in every corner of the state.

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New York State Accelerators and Competitions

Empire State Development connects scalable companies with New York State’s top universities, talent, and manufacturing facilities through its support of several cutting-edge accelerator programs and funding competitions.

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NYS-Certified Business Incubator and Innovation Hot Spot Program

Support for early-stage companies varying from physical space to access to capital.

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Matching Grants Leverage Program

Matching funds and support letters to strengthen competitive federal and foundation R&D grant proposals. Designed for New York higher education and not-for-profit research institutions to leverage funding for high-tech economic development.

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New York State Science & Technology Law Center

Helps entrepreneurs and companies with new technologies identify potential challenges and devise strategies to bring that technology to market.

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Cornell Center for Materials Research (CCMR)

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Innovation Matching Grants Program

Matching funds for qualifying federal SBIR/STTR recipients to pay for commercialization costs not covered by federal awards. Designed for New York tech startups and researchers ready to bring innovations to market.

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New York Fashion Innovation Center

A consortium advancing renewable fibers and sustainable textiles across fashion, agriculture, and other industries. Designed for New York fashion tech and agricultural entrepreneurs advancing sustainable materials.

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Explore our regions

New York’s rich and diverse regions offer a multitude of advantages for business, from world-class cities to transportation hubs to innovation hot spots and regions ideal for manufacturing, tech, R&D, farming and more.

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Connect with our industry experts to find out more about how New York State can help your business.