Central New York
A region on the rise, lifted by a diverse economy and a strategic location
Central NY, located in the heart of Upstate New York, features a diverse economy ranging from Life Sciences and Materials Processing to Uncrewed Aerial Systems, Radar/Sensing Technologies and Agribusiness. The region both prepares and attracts top talent thanks to its growing industries, R&D strengths, and quality of life – including vibrant city centers, idyllic rural landscapes, and easy access to outdoor recreation.
The region is preparing for continued growth by expanding demand-driven workforce training initiatives, with top-tier higher education partners`, and creating world-class and connected communities through the state’s downtown revitalization and broadband initiatives. The region also supports entrepreneurial success thanks to public-private partnerships and business incubators.
Key Industries in Central New York
Agribusiness
Biotech and Life Sciences
Materials Processing
Central New York offers a rich pool of diverse talent, including communities that traditionally have been underrepresented in technology jobs.Sanjay Mehrotra, CEO, Micron
Central NY is home to a robust network of Uncrewed Aerial Systems companies focused on the development, manufacturing, and integration of uncrewed vehicles and radar/sensing infrastructure including Saab, SRC and Lockheed Martin. In partnership with the Mohawk Valley and NUAIR the Central NY region offers 240 square miles of beyond visual line of sight airspace for UAS testing with controlled and uncontrolled airspace across urban and rural environments. Central NY is also home to GENIUS NY, the world’s largest UAS business accelerator.
Central NY’s diverse industries are reflected in companies from TTM Technologies, a global leader in printed circuit board manufacturing, to Prison City Brewing, a homegrown, award-winning craft brewery. This diversity is supported by innovative entrepreneurs and a highly educated workforce that has been cultivated by the region’s higher ed centers including Syracuse University, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Colgate University, SUNY Morrisville, and others.
The region is easy to reach by car or air – conveniently located at the crossroads of Interstates 81, 90, and U.S Route 20 with access to state-of-the-art Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) and Oswego County Airport (FZY). The region enjoys an excellent quality of life with robust downtowns, thriving cultural scenes, outstanding dining and beverage options, and top-notch outdoor recreation.
Population 2024
Labor Force Status 2024
Age Distribution 2024
Education Attainment 2024
Data source: ZoomProspector (Applied Geographic Solutions)
Doing Business in Central New York
Tax-Based Incentives
Operational Support
Growth Support
Innovation Development Support
Micron
Find out more about Micron's $100 billion, 1,400-acre green technology campus in Central New York.
Central New York Regional Economic Development Council
Visit the REDC site for more information on members, projects, economic data and funding applications.
Regional Office
The Central New York regional office works hand-in-hand with new and existing businesses to help identify economic development programs to support business growth and expansion—for building new facilities, relocating a business, expanding operations and workforce and entering new and global markets.
620 Erie Boulevard West
Suite 112
Syracuse, NY 13204
United States