IgniteU NY

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Fostering the entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem in Central and Upstate New York. Learn more about what IgniteU NY can do for you.

IgniteU NY is an industry agnostic program that brings together entrepreneurs to engage in their communities, who all have a common goal of creating new opportunities. This extremely collaborative environment unites entrepreneurs to show them how much this area has to offer. Visit our website: http://www.igniteuny.com

10/09/2026

Last week, members of the IgniteU NY team had the pleasure of attending the New York State Economic Development Council’s 2026 Leadership and Policy Summit in White Plains.

Over the course of the two-day event, economic development professionals from across New York and the tri-state region came together to discuss some of the most important issues influencing the future of our communities and economies. The summit featured thoughtful conversations about regional collaboration, energy and infrastructure, housing, workforce development, emerging industries, and the policies that will help shape economic growth in the years ahead.

Events like this are valuable not only because of the knowledge shared, but also because of the relationships built. NYSEDC consistently brings together an impressive group of industry experts for lively, productive discussions, while somehow still creating an environment that feels incredibly welcoming and collaborative.

We strongly encourage our network to follow NYSEDC and keep an eye out for their next event. These gatherings are wonderful opportunities to learn, exchange ideas, and connect with people who are committed to strengthening communities across the state and region.

Thank you the entire NYSEDC team for hosting another outstanding event. We can’t wait to see everyone at the next one!

10/06/2026

There is a lot to learn from those who have been in your shoes before!

The IgniteU Fellowship pairs teams of college students with small businesses to complete project-based work that supports real business needs. Through the experience, Fellows gain hands-on professional experience while helping businesses address meaningful projects and challenges.

Over the past two weeks, our IgniteU Fellows had the opportunity to connect with former Fellows and hear firsthand about their experiences during the program and where those experiences have taken them.

Last Tuesday in New York City, Nicholas Bequette, Ulysses Gonzalez, and Hicham Abarkha joined us for a Former Fellow Panel and shared their journeys from the IgniteU Fellowship to full-time roles at NYSTEC. They spoke about building professional skills, making meaningful connections, gaining confidence, and navigating the transition into the workforce.

The week before, former Fellow and current NYSTEC intern Amanda Johnson also spoke with the Fellows about the projects she worked on, her transition from student to intern, and advice for making the most of new professional opportunities.

Thank you to Nicholas, Ulysses, Hicham, and Amanda for taking the time to share your experiences, answer questions, and support our current Fellows as they continue developing their own professional paths!

09/18/2026

Yesterday, members of our Business Development and Strategic Partnerships teams represented IgniteU NY and NYSTEC at the City & State New York Economic & Workforce Development Summit.

Courtney Olsen moderated an incredibly engaging conversation about the ever-shifting dynamics of our current and future workforce. The discussion reinforced how important collaboration, adaptability, and new ideas will be as organizations work together to prepare New Yorkers for evolving career opportunities and workforce needs.

We appreciated the opportunity to connect with leaders from across the state and participate in meaningful conversations about the future of economic and workforce development in New York.

09/15/2026

Today marks the beginning of Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month, observed from September 15 through October 15.

Throughout the month, we celebrate the contributions, perspectives, and leadership of Hispanic and Latinx communities and the important role they continue to play in strengthening our workplaces, communities, and future workforce.

To begin the celebration, we are revisiting a conversation from the IgniteU Podcast with Dr. Lisette Nieves, President of the Fund for the City of New York. In this teaser, Dr. Nieves shares insights on leadership, innovation, education, and creating opportunities that support meaningful workforce outcomes.

Watch the teaser and revisit Dr. Nieves’s full conversation with the IgniteU Podcast as we celebrate the voices and perspectives helping shape New York’s workforce and communities.

09/02/2026

Building a strong workforce starts long before someone’s first day on the job.

Career exploration, education, hands-on experience, mentorship, and professional connections all play a role in preparing individuals for meaningful careers. Each step provides an opportunity to develop new skills, explore possibilities, and gain the experience needed to move forward.

When education, industry, and communities work together to create these opportunities, we can strengthen the pathways that connect people to meaningful employment and long-term career growth.

Where do you help build the workforce pipeline?

08/25/2026

The Fall 2026 IgniteU Fellowship is officially underway!

Last week, we welcomed 22 talented students into the program with orientation sessions across NYSTEC’s Albany, Rome, and New York City offices. Fellows had the opportunity to connect with one another, meet members of the NYSTEC and IgniteU teams, and learn more about the work they will take on throughout the semester.

During orientation, fellows were introduced to NYSTEC and our mission to inspire, enable, and empower the future of New York, as well as IgniteU’s role in strengthening workforce development across the state. They also learned how the IgniteU Fellowship connects students with meaningful, project-based experiences that address real business and organizational challenges.

Throughout the semester, fellows will collaborate with small businesses while building professional skills through research, teamwork, and consulting-based learning. We are excited to see this cohort grow, build new connections, and bring fresh perspectives to the businesses and communities they will support.

08/11/2026

On Friday, August 7, our summer interns wrapped up their time with NYSTEC, marking the conclusion of a summer filled with learning, collaboration, and meaningful contributions.

To close out their internships, each intern delivered a presentation reflecting on their experiences, accomplishments, and key takeaways from their time with us. Throughout the summer, our interns brought fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and enthusiasm to the igniteU team while gaining hands-on experience and opportunities for professional growth.

Their final presentations gave them an opportunity to showcase what they learned, highlight their contributions, and reflect on the skills and experiences they will carry forward.

A special thank you to our interns for their hard work, dedication, and contributions throughout the summer. We are grateful for the energy, insight, and commitment they brought to the team and for everything they accomplished during their time with NYSTEC.

While the summer internship program has come to an end, the collaboration does not stop here. We are excited to continue our partnerships with Ella Halpern and Maverick Douglas this fall and build on the great work they started this summer.

Congratulations to our interns on a successful summer, and thank you for being part of the NYSTEC team. We look forward to seeing all that you accomplish next!

08/10/2026

CeCe Whalen had a wonderful time attending the 2026 Project Fibonacci STEAM Leadership Conference with IgniteU powered by NYSTEC and supporting a week focused on STEAM learning and student engagement.

Throughout the conference, students collaborated on capstone projects that encouraged creativity, teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving. It was exciting to watch them apply STEAM concepts to real-world challenges while building confidence, leadership skills, and lasting connections with their peers.

The conference concluded on Friday with the Fuel Your Future Fair, where CeCe had the opportunity to staff the IgniteU table, speak with students and families, answer questions about our programs, and share information about the educational and career opportunities available through IgniteU and within STEAM fields.

Events like this highlight the impact that hands-on learning and community partnerships can have on students as they begin exploring their futures. It was a privilege to connect with so many motivated students, dedicated educators, and community partners who are committed to supporting the next generation of innovators and leaders.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this year's conference such a meaningful and successful experience.

07/31/2026

Meet Our Summer Interns!

This summer, we have had the pleasure of working with Ella Halpern and Mav Douglas, two talented interns supporting Strategic Partnerships and IgniteU NY at NYSTEC. We invited them to share a little about themselves and their internship experiences.

Meet Ella

“My name is Ella Halpern, and I am a Strategic Partnerships intern at NYSTEC this summer! I am also a senior at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where I study Business Management and Science, Technology, and Society.

My favorite parts of working at NYSTEC have been contributing to meaningful projects that support workforce development across New York State and working with such an incredible team. A fun fact about me is that I love to run and hope to complete a triathlon one day!”

Meet Mav

“My name is Mav Douglas, and I am an IgniteU and Strategic Partnerships intern at NYSTEC for summer 2026. I am entering my second year as a PhD student in Developmental Psychology at the CUNY Graduate Center in New York City.

One of my favorite parts of working at NYSTEC has been learning how to apply the research skills I have developed in school to projects in the workforce. A fun fact about me is that I have two cats named after two of my favorite book characters: Sherlock Holmes and Alec Lightwood.”

We are grateful for everything Ella and Mav have contributed this summer and look forward to seeing where their experiences and talents take them next!

$Today is Pi Approximation Day! 🔢Observed on July 22 (22/7), Pi Approximation Day recognizes the fraction 22/7, a common ...$

07/22/2026

Today is Pi Approximation Day! 🔢

Observed on July 22 (22/7), Pi Approximation Day recognizes the fraction 22/7, a common approximation of π (pi), one of the most important constants in mathematics.

At IgniteU STEAM, we help students discover how math connects to the world around them. Concepts like pi aren't just learned in the classroom—they're applied in engineering, technology, architecture, design, and many of the hands-on STEAM experiences students explore through our programs.

By building a strong foundation in math, students strengthen their critical thinking skills, solve real-world problems, and prepare for future careers in STEAM.

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333 Broadway, Ste 350
Troy, NY
12180

Website

http://www.igniteuny.com/, https://linktr.ee/theigniteuny

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