Author: autumn

POWER UP New York (Promote Opportunity with Electric Readiness for Underdeveloped Properties) is a $300 million New York State initiative focused on preparing industrial sites for the energy demands of advanced manufacturing, including semiconductors, agribusiness, and cleantech.

The program represents a shift in how New York approaches industrial site readiness, prioritizing power infrastructure early so companies can move faster from site selection to operation.

What POWER UP New York Offers

Modeled on the success of FAST NY, which supports municipalities in preparing industrial sites, POWER UP focuses specifically on electrical and transmission infrastructure upgrades.

Eligible projects may include improvements such as:

• Substations and transmission connections
• Utility upgrades needed to support high load manufacturing
• Infrastructure that enables clean and reliable power delivery

By addressing power needs upfront, POWER UP creates “turn-key” power-ready industrial sites that are ready to support next-generation manufacturers.

Why POWER UP Matters for the NY SMART I-Corridor

The NY SMART I-Corridor is emerging as a national hub for semiconductor manufacturing and advanced technology. These industries depend on reliable, high-capacity power, and POWER UP helps ensure the region’s sites are prepared to meet those needs.

By funding power and transmission infrastructure at strategically located sites, POWER UP helps:

• Reduce development timelines
• Attract semiconductor and supply-chain companies
• Support good-paying manufacturing jobs
• Strengthen regional competitiveness

This approach eases one of the biggest barriers to advanced manufacturing development — access to sufficient electrical capacity — while supporting long-term economic growth across Upstate New York.

Strategic Investment in Upstate New York’s Manufacturing Future

POWER UP is administered by Empire State Development in consultation with the Department of Public Service, ensuring funded sites are positioned to support advanced manufacturing and aligned with long-term energy planning.

By upgrading industrial sites with modern power and energy infrastructure, New York is supporting the advanced manufacturing future the NY SMART I-Corridor is building. This investment lays the foundation for a strong, competitive, and sustainable semiconductor and advanced manufacturing ecosystem across Upstate New York.

Interested in developing a site with high power needs? Learn how to apply for POWER UP here.

2025 was a transformative year for the NY SMART I-Corridor, strengthening Upstate New York’s position as a national hub for semiconductor manufacturing and advanced technology.

From the launch of innovation programs to the progress of major infrastructure projects, the Corridor connected businesses, researchers and communities to high-value opportunities.

Here’s a look back at some of the highlights from 2025.

Impact snapshot

• Nearly $200K awarded in NY THRIVE Innovation Vouchers
• 89 industry partners engaged, 30+ training providers and 75+ workforce support partners connected through STEP UP
• 100+ companies engaged and 12+ technical assistance projects launched through SCAN
• Projects underway to support 9,000+ jobs, $5.2B in annual investment, and $18B in regional GDP over the next decade

Events driving collaboration

In July, UB hosted Bridging the Gap: Activating the Semiconductor Supply Chain Network, bringing together 130+ leaders, 30 speakers, and 40+ matchmaking meetings. Participants engaged with Micron, Moog, and Edwards Vacuum, learning about supplier standards, financing, and navigating federal and state purchasing.

In December, the Buffalo Niagara Partnership hosted the Opportunity Exchange, where manufacturers, educators, and economic development partners explored Upstate New York’s semiconductor ecosystem. Highlights included:

• Micron Clay mega fab: Creating thousands of jobs and supplier opportunities
• Edwards Vacuum: Local sourcing and cleanroom facility services
• APEX Accelerators: Guidance on government contracting and supplier readiness

These events showcased supply chain integration, world-class R&D at universities including UB, RIT, Syracuse, and Cornell, and workforce development efforts addressing growing industry needs.

State support & programs

The FY2026 state budget made key investments to support Tech Hub efforts, including:

• Expanded Excelsior Jobs Program for semiconductor supply chain roles
• 15% tax credit for R&D projects over $100M
• Up to 75% of wages and training costs covered for workforce development
• $300M POWER UP infrastructure investment to support site readiness

Programs like NY THRIVE awarded nearly $200K in innovation vouchers, helping companies access labs, maker spaces, and specialized equipment to accelerate research and commercialization.

The NY SMART I-Corridor Opportunity Guide provides a roadmap for businesses to connect with semiconductor opportunities, highlighting major investments, workforce programs, sourcing opportunities from top manufacturers, and supplier requirements covering quality, sustainability, cybersecurity, and business continuity.

Micron Clay mega fab

Key milestones in 2025:

• Environmental reviews and permits completed
• Construction slated for mid-2026; operations expected around 2030

This historic project will create thousands of jobs, generate billions in investment, and cement Upstate New York as a national semiconductor manufacturing hub.

Looking ahead

2025 demonstrated that the NY SMART I-Corridor is actively building the future. Strategic events, state support, innovation programs, and major projects have strengthened the region’s role as a national leader in semiconductors and advanced technology.

As 2026 begins, the Corridor will continue expanding supply chain opportunities, supporting workforce growth and driving innovation that shapes Upstate New York’s semiconductor ecosystem.

The NY SMART I-Corridor continues to unite partners across Upstate New York to advance the region’s role in America’s semiconductor future. On December 8, the Buffalo Niagara Partnership hosted the Opportunity Exchange, bringing together manufacturers, technology firms, educators, and economic development organizations to explore how companies can engage directly in the growing semiconductor supply chain.

The event underscored the momentum building across the NY SMART I-Corridor. Attendees heard updates on cornerstone projects shaping the region’s advanced manufacturing landscape, including Micron Technology’s historic Clay mega fab and Edwards Vacuum’s new Genesee County manufacturing facility. They also received guidance from APEX Accelerators on how businesses can meet federal and prime contractor requirements and position themselves for supplier opportunities.

Participants were introduced to the expanding suite of Tech Hub resources available to companies across the Corridor. These initiatives support supplier readiness, connect businesses to world-class university research capabilities, and help build the skilled workforce required for long-term industry growth.

The Opportunity Exchange demonstrated how regional partners are working together to ensure that companies of all sizes have clear pathways to participate in this once in a generation economic transformation.

To read the full event recap from our partners at the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, click here.

The NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub is excited to announce Shannon Ealy’s promotion to Deputy Regional Innovation Officer. In this new role, Shannon will help lead one of the nation’s most ambitious regional innovation efforts, advancing the Tech Hub’s mission to grow high-tech industries and strengthen advanced manufacturing across Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse.

As Director of Programs and Partnerships at OneROC, Shannon has been instrumental in driving transformative initiatives and building strong connections across Upstate New York’s innovation ecosystem.

In her new position, Shannon will oversee Tech Hub operations, coordinate leadership across the three core metros, and help advance key projects in supply chain, workforce development, and commercialization, critical pillars of the NY SMART I-Corridor strategy.

Reflecting on the opportunity, Shannon shared:

“I’m honored to step into this role and support our partners across Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse. Together, we have a generational opportunity to strengthen collaboration and create transformative opportunities for people and industry across Upstate New York.”

With her leadership and collaborative approach, the NY SMART I-Corridor is poised to continue advancing its mission and creating transformative opportunities across Upstate New York.

The NY SMART I-Corridor continues to drive momentum in building Upstate New York’s semiconductor future. This quarter saw major advances in workforce development, supply chain readiness, and innovation — from a $2.1 million NSF grant supporting K–12 STEM leadership to the opening of CenterState CEO’s INSPYRE Innovation Hub. With Micron’s megafab planning underway and partners leading at national events, the corridor’s impact continues to grow across education, industry, and innovation.

Catch up on all the updates in our October 2025 newsletter: October 2025 Tech Hub Newsletter

Stay in the loop and sign up to receive future newsletters from the NY SMART I-Corridor: Subscribe to Our Newsletter

The future of New York’s semiconductor and microelectronics industries depends on today’s classrooms. Strong teacher-leaders are the foundation of a talent pipeline that inspires students to explore STEM, pursue advanced education, and step into careers that fuel regional innovation.

That’s why the University of Rochester and Boise State University have been awarded a $2.1 million grant from the National Science Foundation, with support from the Micron Foundation. Over the next five years, the program will prepare 15 STEM teachers in New York and Idaho to become leaders in their schools and communities, designing engaging curriculum, building industry connections, and encouraging students to pursue STEM fields.

“STEM teachers provide a critical foundation for regional innovation industries,” said Michael Daley, principal investigator on the grant and associate professor at the University of Rochester. “Supporting their leadership is essential for high-quality STEM instruction and future innovation.”

This initiative comes at a pivotal moment. With Micron’s planned $100 billion investment in Central New York and the region’s federal designation as the NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub, demand for skilled talent is accelerating. By equipping educators to lead, the program ensures that young people across rural and urban districts alike can access pathways into the fast-growing semiconductor sector.

Leaders across government, industry, and education agree on the importance of this investment. Senator Charles Schumer said that this federal funding will “will help prepare the teachers who inspire students to see themselves in STEM and connect them to the future opportunities being created in Upstate New York’s booming microelectronics and semiconductor industries.”

For the NY SMART I-Corridor, the project is more than an education initiative. It is a direct investment in workforce capacity and long-term regional growth.

“By empowering K-12 STEM teachers to become leaders, this initiative advances the foundation for the talent pipeline that will fuel the semiconductor and microelectronics industries of the future,” said Joseph Stefko, Regional Innovation Officer for the Tech Hub.

As the semiconductor ecosystem grows, so must the infrastructure that supports it. Building teacher leadership today ensures that students of today are the innovators, engineers, and problem solvers of tomorrow.

Gilbane Building is hosting an Opportunities and Awareness Session for Buffalo-area subcontractors, suppliers, and service providers interested in upcoming bid packages for Micron Technology’s semiconductor site in Clay, New York.

Event Details
Date: Thursday, October 2, 2025
Time: 4:00–6:00 PM
Location: Buffalo Convention Center – Main Ballroom
Address: 153 Franklin Street, Buffalo, NY 14202
Registration: Micron in New York – Opportunities and Awareness Session Tickets, Thu, Oct 2, 2025 at 4:00 PM | Eventbrite

This session offers a chance to meet Gilbane’s project team and prime contractors, learn about bid opportunities, and explore how your firm can get involved in one of the largest semiconductor projects in U.S. history.

See the flyer below for more information.