IgniteU NY

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

06/03/2026

Happy Pride Month!

At IgniteU, we're committed to creating spaces where people feel welcomed, valued, and empowered to be their authentic selves. We know that diverse perspectives fuel innovation, strengthen teams, and help build workplaces where everyone can thrive.

This Pride Month, we honor the power of inclusion, the importance of belonging, and the progress made toward a more equitable future for all.

05/27/2026

Last week, New York State Technology Enterprise Corporation (NYSTEC)’s IgniteU NY, Empire APEX Accelerator, and business development teams attended the New York State Economic Development Council (NYSEDC) Annual Meeting.

It was a wonderful conference and an incredible opportunity for leaders in workforce and economic development to connect, exchange ideas, and build on the work happening across New York State.

We’re proud to be part of conversations that help strengthen New York’s workforce development and support our role in making NYS a leader in the global economy.

Thank you to Ryan Silva, Stephanie Carpenter, Kate Manley, and the entire NYSEDC team for hosting such a valuable and energizing event.

See you next year!

05/14/2026

Last week, Dayna M. Maniccia and Kim Fredericks had the opportunity to serve as judges at the Lehman Launch Pitch Competition, sponsored by NYSTEC—and it did not disappoint.

Nine impressive students took the stage to pitch their startup ideas, each bringing creativity, passion, and real entrepreneurial drive. From innovative solutions to bold visions, the energy in the room was incredible.

Congratulations to the three winners who earned seed funding to bring their ventures to life, and a big shoutout to all the participants for putting themselves out there and sharing their ideas.

05/08/2026

As National Small Business Week comes to a close, IgniteU NY is proud to recognize the outstanding small businesses and partner organizations that have contributed to the success of the IgniteU NY Fellowship program.

A diverse and resilient small business ecosystem is essential to New York State’s continued economic growth, innovation, and competitiveness. Through the Fellowship program, we are grateful to collaborate with partners across industries who are helping cultivate talent, strengthen business capacity, and support the state’s broader economic security.

Thank you to our valued Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 Fellowship partners:

Rensselaer County Chamber of Commerce
BXEDC
E218 Events
EOS/ESD Association
Exotrail-US
WLKATA Robotics
Andro Leading Edge Communications
LACI / Batworks
Conquiro
Yrikka
NYSTEC / IgniteU NY

We appreciate your partnership and your continued commitment to advancing innovation and opportunity across New York State.

05/07/2026

Yesterday’s IgniteU STEAM session brought students from Redemption Christian Academy with physics professor Sandra Penny (Russel Sage) to explore Newton’s Third Law.

Students explored how forces interact and how time influences impulse during collisions. They then used these concepts in a design challenge aimed at reducing the force of impact between a moving cart and a wall.

Throughout the session, students worked through multiple approaches, adjusting their designs based on what they observed and learned.

Thank you again to Sandra for an engaging and interactive STEAM session!

05/01/2026

The Spring 2026 IgniteU Fellowship has officially wrapped—marking another impactful semester of connecting talented college students with organizations across New York State.

This cohort brought together 21 students from six institutions: Hudson Valley Community College, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, Le Moyne College, Lehman College (CUNY), and The City College of New York (CUNY). Each Fellow contributed fresh perspectives, curiosity, and drive to their work.

Throughout the semester, Fellows collaborated in teams with eight small businesses, nonprofits, and professional organizations. From market research and process improvement to technical analysis, they tackled real-world challenges and delivered meaningful, actionable results—strengthening both their own professional readiness and the capacity of their partner organizations.

Beyond project work, Fellows participated in a structured curriculum led by Dr. Dayna Maniccia, building skills in communication, design thinking, research methods, and professionalism. Weekly sessions created space for collaboration, reflection, and growth—bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world application.

While the semester has come to a close, the impact continues. Partner organizations walk away with valuable insights, and Fellows leave with hands-on experience and strengthened capabilities.

The Spring 2026 cohort represents another step forward in IgniteU’s mission to connect education, business, and community—supporting workforce and economic development across New York State.

— Victoria Palasieski, IgniteU Program Manager

04/21/2026

The reauthorization of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs marks an important development for the U.S. innovation ecosystem.

On April 13, 2026, S. 3971, the Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act, was signed into law—extending and reforming SBIR and STTR, collectively known as America’s Seed Fund, through 2031.

Key impacts include:
• Establishment of award opportunities up to $30 million.
• Streamlined and faster contracting timelines.
• Long-term program stability through 2031.
• Expansion of Technical and Business Assistance (TABA) to all agencies, including flexibility for small businesses to select vendors.
• Expansion of Direct to Phase II (D2P2) opportunities across select agencies (e.g., DOE, NASA, Department of Education).
• Greater emphasis on commercialization and transition outcomes.

For innovators, entrepreneurs, and the organizations that support them, these changes signal a continued evolution of the program landscape—where success will increasingly depend on both technical innovation and the ability to demonstrate market readiness and measurable impact.

Click here to learn more: https://www.sba.gov/article/2026/04/13/administrator-loeffler-applauds-sbir-sttr-reauthorization

04/20/2026

What will it take to drive sustainable economic growth across New York State?

In this episode of the IgniteU NY Podcast, powered by New York State Technology Enterprise Corporation (NYSTEC), we’re joined by Ryan Silva, Executive Director of the New York State Economic Development Council (NYSEDC), to explore the priorities shaping the state’s future. From supporting small business growth to scaling clean energy, addressing housing challenges, and strengthening advanced manufacturing.

Listen now on our YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/3YImmruY6U0

04/17/2026

Looking to get involved in some of the largest development projects in New York’s Capital Region?

On Monday, April 27, the NYS Division of Minority and Women’s Business Development is hosting the Projects Pop-Up Series: Capital Region—a valuable opportunity for MWBEs and small businesses to connect directly with the organizations driving major state-affiliated projects.

Attendees will have the chance to engage with representatives from initiatives like the Life Sciences Public Health Lab, Kiliaen’s Landing, Palace Theater upgrades, North Pearl Street revitalization, Deloitte, and more.
In addition to networking, the event offers access to on-the-spot technical assistance and resources, including guidance on financing, bonding, and business advisory services.

If you're looking to expand your reach, explore upcoming procurement opportunities, and build meaningful connections with project leaders, this is an event worth attending.

RSVP here: https://esd.ny.gov/new-york-state-projects-pop-series

Be sure to save the date and take advantage of this opportunity to position your business for growth in the Capital Region.

04/14/2026

On March 25, SUNY Poly hosted a Speaker Series event organized by Mohawk Valley EDGE, bringing together regional industry and community leaders for an engaging evening of discussion and collaboration.

The series highlighted key developments across industries in the Mohawk Valley, with speakers sharing insights on regional growth, workforce needs, and the evolving economic landscape. Conversations centered on innovation, partnership, and continued development of opportunities throughout the region.

Events like this continue to strengthen connections across the community and support ongoing dialogue around the future of work and industry in New York State.

Scott Souva, Cassandra Bixler, Jessica Edmonds, Dayna Maniccia, and CeCe Whalen attended the Mohawk Valley Edge, Steven Dimeo Speaker Series, at SUNY Polytechnic Institute on March 25th. The speakers included Dr. Winston Oluwole Soboyejo (SUNY Polytechnic), Dr. Randall VanWagoner (MVCC), Dr. Stephanie Nesbitt (Utica University), and Dr. Terri Grates Day (Herkimer College).

Address

333 Broadway, Ste 350
Troy, NY
12180

Website

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

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