Tech Valley Center of Gravity

06/10/2026

Applications are now open for our Digital Fabrication for Artists Residency!

Starting in July, this residency will teach you how to use digital fabrication techniques like 3D modeling, 3D printing, laser cutting, CNC routing, and more. You will also get full 24/7 access to TVCOG for the duration of the program, allowing you to work on more than just your final project. Speaking of your final project- you will have a small materials stipend to work on a signature project to be displayed, alongside your other work if you so choose, at Downtown Troy’s Annual Victorian Stroll. Residents are also able to sell their work as a part of our Makers Market that runs during the event.

Apply today: www.tvcog.net/residency

If you, or someone you know, is an entrepreneur, we also have our Entrepreneurship Residency! You can find more information about this track on our website.

Thank you to the Howard and Bush Foundation, and the The Arts Center of the Capital Region for sponsoring this residency track!

The Arts Center of the Capital Region’s Statewide Community Regrant Program is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts, with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

06/08/2026

Here at TVCOG, we are getting ready for another amazing Business Incubator Association of New York State, Inc. Annual Conference.

This year, TVCOG is featured on the ecosystem tour on Tuesday, June 16 and our Director, Dan Falkenstrom, will be moderating the "From Concept to Creation — Integrating Makerspace Resources Into Your Ecosystem" event panel on Wednesday, June 17.

Get your tickets now!

We hope to see you all there!

Business Incubator Association of New York State, Inc. Annual Conference kicks off with a little pre-conference fun on Tuesday, June 16th. Join us for an ecosystem tour, followed by some fun and games.

We'll visit UAlbany Innovation Center, STEAM Garden, Tech Valley Center of Gravity, and AMPS at Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.

After you catch a breath, we'll meet up for some AR golf, networking, and food at The Bunker!

Get your ticket today! https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2026-bianys-annual-meeting

05/30/2026

Applications for our Digital Fabrication for Artists Residency open next week!

This education-intensive program provides residents with a free series of intensive, hands-on classes in digital fabrication techniques like 3D printing, laser cutting and more. The program also provides 24/7 access to TVCOG and all our equipment, custom mentorship, and a small materials stipend for their final showcase.

If you, or someone you know, are a hardware-based startup, we also have our new Entrepreneurship Residency! Find more information about both residencies at www.tvcog.net/residency

Thank you to the Howard and Bush Foundation, and the Arts Center of the Capital Region for sponsoring this residency track!

The Arts Center of the Capital Region’s Statewide Community Regrant Program is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts, with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

05/29/2026

We have our Shop Talk: Membership Meeting next week! Join us on June 3rd from 6-8pm for an informal gathering for those interested in being more involved in the makerspace community.

This meeting will go over:
- Dan shares his experience at the Mechanism National Gathering in Philadelphia, which included tours of the NextFab makerspace and TinyWPA.
- We're overhauling how we recruit and empower Volunteers. Get a sneak peek at what we're thinking!
- Another sneak peek - we're partnering with RPI Startup Meridian to empower members to organize and run their own COG clubs. See the preview at https://tvcog.meridian.study/
- Open floor. Bring up anything you want to talk about.

Registration not required but appreciated: www.tvcog.net/community-events

05/25/2026

The Hot Spot Tax Credit allows companies to be state sales tax exempt, while founders are state income tax exempt. We are hosting Innovate 518’s Lunch and Learn on May 27th where you can learn more!

See if you are eligible and register here:
https://albany.jotform.com/form/hot-spot-info-session-May-2026

Innovate 518 is one of ten Innovation Hot Spots in New York State, a program of NYSTAR and Empire State Development.

05/24/2026

Have you registered for our upcoming classes yet? Check them out at www.tvcog.net/group-classes

May 31: Fiber Arts 101: Basic Tote Bag with Sarah Collen of Troy Sew Shop
In this beginner-friendly class, students will be introduced to the basic sewing techniques including pattern cutting, using a sewing machine and basic seam. You'll walk away with your very own tote bag!

June 6: Glass Arts 101: Fused Glass Jewelry
Create up to three fused glass pieces of your own design! This introductory class will walk students through the steps of creating fused glass pieces, including glass selection, glass cutting and kiln use.

05/23/2026

The COG was a proud Contributing Sponsor of the Capital Region Chamber's Entrepreneur Boot Camp. At the culminating Pitch Competition, 3rd Place winner Curtis Witters received a 2-month Professional Maker membership to The COG. He will be using this membership to support his business, Lil Villa Publishing.

Curtis has already started learning 3D printing, which he will be using to develop figurines of a character from his upcoming children’s book. He has also spent time in our 2D printing area, helping a client work towards publishing their new work. His overall goal is to organize his marketing and advertising materials, and to learn digital fabrication techniques, such as laser cutting, for his business needs.

If you would also like access to our digital fabrication equipment, as well as dedicated workspace, consider a Professional Maker membership. You will also receive discounts on equipment usage, and have connections to resources such as funding, manufacturing referrals, business assistance, and our community of makers. For more information and to sign up, go to www.tvcog.net/membership/for-businesses

05/21/2026

This month we are hosting Innovate 518’s Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Hot Spot Tax Credits! Join us on May 27th to learn about this amazing resource for businesses in NYS incubators.

Find more information and register here:
https://albany.jotform.com/form/hot-spot-info-session-May-2026

The basics of the Hot Spot Tax Credit:
This tax incentive allows companies to enter into a five year window of exemption from NYS income tax (personal taxes, for all founders) and state sales tax on purchases (for the business). This window lasts for five years, regardless of company age when entering the program, provided the company remains in good standing as a resident or graduate of its incubator.

05/20/2026

This year, we have two Makerspace Residencies available! Both residencies are FREE, as part of our commitment to reducing the barriers to making and to ensure accessibility in the local entrepreneurship ecosystem.

For artists, we have our Digital Fabrication Residency. Learn how to incorporate digital fabrication techniques such as 3D modeling, 3D printing, CNC routing, laser cutting, and more into your art through classes and mentorship hours. Then, work on your final showcase piece to present at Downtown Troy’s Annual Victorian Stroll with a small materials stipend. Thank you to the Howard & Bush Foundation and The Arts Center of the Capital Region for sponsoring this residency track!

For hardware startups, we have our new Entrepreneurship Residency. This residency was created to assist with early stage prototyping. You will receive a full year of TVCOG membership, along with customized mentorship and a dedicated workspace. More details coming soon! Thank you to the City of Troy CRC and the Troy Now Initiative for sponsoring this residency track.

Applications for both programs open in June. www.tvcog.net/residency

The Arts Center of the Capital Region’s Statewide Community Regrant Program is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts, with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

05/19/2026

Upcoming Classes:

May 31: Fiber Arts 101: Basic Tote Bag with Sarah Collen of The Troy Sew Shop
In this beginner-friendly class, students will be introduced to the basic sewing techniques including pattern cutting, using a sewing machine and basic seam. You'll walk away with your very own tote bag!

June 6: Glass Arts 101: Fused Glass Jewelry
Create up to three fused glass pieces of your own design! This introductory class will walk students through the steps of creating fused glass pieces, including glass selection, glass cutting and kiln use.

Register at www.tvcog.net/group-classes