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

06/17/2026

At IgniteU powered by NYSTEC, we believe diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential to building stronger communities, workplaces, and opportunities for the future. Supporting Juneteenth means recognizing the importance of history, honoring Black culture and achievement, and continuing to create spaces where everyone feels seen, valued, and empowered.

To help commemorate Juneteenth, we've highlighted several events that offer opportunities to celebrate, learn, and connect with the community. From cultural celebrations to educational programs and family-friendly activities, these events honor the legacy of Juneteenth while fostering understanding, unity, and appreciation for Black history and culture.

06/13/2026

Today is Get Outdoors & Get Together Day in New York!

To celebrate, we’re sharing photos of some of the ways our IgniteU teammates like to get outside, spend time together, and enjoy the outdoors.

Whether you like to go for a walk, take a hike, spend time on the water, play a sport, visit a park, or simply relax outside, today is a great reminder to make time for fresh air and connection.

We hope you get outside and enjoy the day!

Happy Get Outdoors & Get Together Day from IgniteU.

06/09/2026

Looking for a fun, free way to spend time outdoors this June?

New York’s Get Outdoors & Get Together Day is happening Saturday, June 13, 2026, with events across the state for people of all abilities, ages, identities, and backgrounds.

Hosted by DEC and State Parks in partnership with OPWDD, the Office of the Chief Disability Officer, the Department of Veterans’ Services, the Office of Mental Health, and the Justice Center for the Protection of People With Special Needs, this event is designed to make outdoor recreation more inclusive and accessible for everyone.

Activities may include fishing, archery, kayaking, bird watching, hiking, and more. All locations will offer accessible activities, and many sites will provide adaptive equipment and demonstrations.

Guests are encouraged to bring water, snacks, and sunscreen.

IgniteU is proud to share opportunities that help connect people, strengthen communities, and make New York’s outdoor spaces more welcoming for everyone.

Explore the 2026 event locations and contact the site you’re interested in for details about available activities and adaptive equipment.

Find a location with activities here: https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/outdoors-day

06/06/2026

This National Higher Education Day, we’re celebrating the way education has the ability to create opportunities, build confidence, and shape future leaders. National Higher Education Day was established to encourage students to pursue higher education and explore the resources available to help them succeed.

At IgniteU, we help support learning and encourage higher education by developing an educational pipeline. Our STEAM programming sparks curiosity in high school students, we partner with colleges and universities to support hands on learning with our Fellowship Program that provides direct experiences and professional connections by matching students with small businesses.

Together, these opportunities help prepare the next generation of talent while strengthening New York State’s workforce and economic future.

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

Address

333 Broadway, Ste 350
Troy, NY
12180

Website

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

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