Author: Emily Jaworski

Government contracting might feel like uncharted territory for semiconductor and advanced technology companies. But with the right tools, selling to the government can open the door to significant opportunities, fueling growth, funding innovation, and strengthening your role in critical national supply chains.

That’s why the NY SMART I-Corridor partnered with the Monroe County–Upstate NY APEX Accelerator to share three essential steps for businesses looking to break into the government marketplace.

Why It Matters

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has identified Microelectronics as one of its Critical Technology Areas (CTAs), meaning the government is actively investing in innovation and commercialization in this space. For Upstate New York companies, that translates into a major opportunity: whether you’re a startup working toward commercialization or an established firm seeking to expand, government contracts can provide both stability and growth.

By understanding the requirements and pathways, semiconductor and advanced tech businesses can better position themselves to compete and compete successfully.

Tip #1: Understand Where You Fit in the Technology Roadmap

Every company’s product is at a different stage of development, from early innovation to commercialization. The DoD has created Critical Technology Area Roadmaps designed to prevent companies from falling into the infamous “valley of death” between R&D and market adoption.

Microelectronics is just one of several CTAs that matter for semiconductor firms, alongside Advanced Computing, Future Generation Wireless Technology, Quantum Science, and others. You can view the roadmaps here.

Knowing where your company’s technology fits will help you identify the best entry points for government contracting opportunities.

Tip #2: Complete the Foundational Steps

Whether you pursue contracts as a Prime (direct contractor with the government) or Sub (works under a Prime), you’ll need to meet specific requirements to participate in the Defense Industrial Base. At a minimum, companies should be prepared for:

• SAM Registration
• CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification)
• JCP (Joint Certification Program)
• ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations)
• ISO Certification
• SBIR/STTR Programs

These certifications and registrations prove that your business is ready, capable, and qualified.

APEX Accelerators also work closely with large government primes and agencies, helping them identify subcontractors, conduct market research, and streamline their efforts. That means if your company is properly prepared, you could be matched with bigger players already winning contracts.

Tip #3: Build a Government Marketing Strategy That Wins

Getting your foot in the door is only part of the process. To compete successfully, companies need to:

• Develop a clear government marketing strategy that keeps your pipeline full.
• Research who needs your capabilities and how they buy.
• Write high-quality, responsive proposals that are fully compliant.
• Learn from past submissions and refine your approach over time.
• Sign up for a free bid match service to save time and focus on opportunities that matter.

Focus on What You Do Best

Government contracting can feel complex, but you don’t need to navigate it alone. The Monroe County–Upstate NY APEX Accelerator is part of a nationwide network of 90 centers managed by the DoD Office of Small Business Programs. Their mission is simple: to provide businesses with the education and training they need to succeed in government contracting.

Whether you’re new to this space or looking to scale, their team will work with you one-on-one to create a customized government marketing roadmap, so you can focus on what you do best while growing your impact.

Learn more about more about Monroe County – Upstate NY APEX Accelerator here: https://www.mcflapex.org/

Discover NY THRIVE Innovation Assets

The NY THRIVE Innovation Voucher Program gives businesses access to world-class research facilities and expertise across Upstate New York, enabling advanced R&D and semiconductor development. While NY THRIVE supports a variety of research assets throughout the region, this spotlight highlights two standout facilities: URnano at the University of Rochester and the Cornell NanoScale Facility (CNF).

URnano is a premier open-access nanofabrication center offering advanced capabilities in nanofabrication, characterization, and semiconductor device development. Its interconnected cleanroom, deposition/etch, lithography, and metrology facilities enable seamless R&D from design to device validation. Highlights include a Class 1000 cleanroom, multi-modal imaging tools such as SEM, TEM, and STEM, advanced lithography with electron- and ion-beam tools, deposition and etch capabilities including evaporation, sputtering, ALD, and wet chemistry, and comprehensive metrology for nanoscale analysis. Businesses can work with URnano staff to leverage these capabilities for prototyping, materials development, and device innovation.

Similarly, the Cornell NanoScale Facility (CNF) provides an open-access environment with over 180 advanced tools for lithography, etching, thin-film deposition, and characterization. Its 17,000 sq ft cleanroom supports quantum devices, microfluidics, and next-generation semiconductors, while 26 staff with over 600 years of combined experience guide projects from prototype to production. CNF’s fully user-focused, independent model ensures businesses can access the expertise and facilities needed to bring advanced technologies to market.

Through NY THRIVE, businesses can access funding to utilize both URnano and CNF’s unique resources, accelerating innovation and helping fuel Upstate New York’s growing semiconductor ecosystem.

For more information or to explore opportunities, contact Kate Jordon, Innovation Concierge at the University of Rochester, at Kate_Jordon@URMC.Rochester.edu or John Sinnott, Industrial Programs Manager and Innovation Concierge at Cornell University, at jps39@cornell.edu.

Learn more about NY THRIVE: New Funding Available to Connect Businesses with Cutting Edge Research Assets   – NY SMART I-Corridor
Explore URnano: Integrated Nanosystems Center : University of Rochester
Explore CNF: Cornell NanoScale Facility – CNF | CNF

NY SMART I-Corridor Featured on CenterState CEO’s Talk CNY Podcast

CenterState CEO’s Talk CNY podcast recently checked in with the three convening organizations leading the NY SMART I-Corridor: Dottie Gallagher, President & CEO of the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, Joe Stefko, President & CEO of OneROC, and Ben Sio, Acting President & CEO of CenterState CEO.

One year after the NY SMART I-Corridor was named the nation’s only federally funded semiconductor-focused tech hub, the conversation explored progress on supply chain readiness, workforce development, and innovation support. The leaders also emphasized how the collaboration between Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse is creating new opportunities across Upstate New York and positioning the region to compete on a global scale in the semiconductor industry.

Listen to the full episode here.

The 2025 Department of Defense Northeast Regional Council (DoD NERC) Conference brought together hundreds of leaders from government, industry, and small business to strengthen the defense industrial base. Over two days, participants attended workshops, matchmaking sessions, and networking events that connected innovative companies with agencies and prime contractors shaping the future of national defense.

Showcasing Upstate New York’s Strengths

At the conference, the NY SMART I-Corridor spotlighted the powerful capabilities of Upstate New York, from advanced manufacturing and semiconductor technology to research in materials science, optics, and defense-related systems, positioning the region to play a pivotal role in advancing the nation’s industrial and defense priorities.

Our presence reinforced the NY SMART I-Corridor’s mission to accelerate innovation, strengthen the supply chain, and drive economic growth. By connecting companies, universities, and research institutions with federal agencies, prime contractors, and industry partners, the NY SMART I-Corridor works to:

• Build a resilient, secure, and forward-looking industrial base
• Bring advanced technologies into the defense supply chain
• Expand opportunities that grow business capacity and workforce skills

For attendees, this meant access to a coordinated regional network that helped identify collaboration opportunities, navigate procurement processes, and bring cutting-edge technologies to market. The NY SMART I-Corridor offers a direct line to partners and resources that can help turn innovative ideas into operational solutions.

Panel Highlights

A highlight of day two was a panel discussion moderated by Joseph Stefko, President and CEO of OneROC, featuring:

• Dr. Robin Cole, Vice President of Economic & Workforce Development & Career Technical Education
• Yoanna Ferrara, Director for Technology Innovation at Syracuse University
• Jen Flagg, Director of the UB Center for Supply Chain Analytics

The discussion explored how the NY SMART I-Corridor is building an integrated, industry-driven ecosystem that links workforce development, innovation, and supply chain growth across Upstate New York.

As Dr. Cole noted:

“Our approach is about linking people, resources, and businesses to drive innovation, economic growth, and supply chain resilience across Upstate New York.”

Driving Collaboration and Growth

Collaboration, innovation, and supply chain resilience were central themes at the conference, mirroring the NY SMART I-Corridor’s work to connect the region’s diverse assets and position Upstate New York as a national leader in technology-driven growth. Connections made at DoD NERC will strengthen relationships between local innovators and the federal agencies and contractors that rely on advanced technological solutions, helping keep our economy strong and our nation secure.

Ready to plug into the NY SMART I-Corridor? Now’s the time.

Micron Technology has taken a major step toward bringing its historic chipmaking complex in Clay, NY, to life. Gilbane Building Company has been selected to begin early site preparation this fall, including tree clearing and fill operations at the 1,400-acre site at Route 31 and Caughdenoy Road.

With deep roots across New York State, especially along the I-90 corridor, Gilbane has delivered major projects like the new Highmark Stadium, Northland Workforce Training Center, Corning Museum of Glass, Lake Placid Olympic venues, and the Onondaga Lake Amphitheater. Their involvement marks another milestone in advancing this once-in-a-generation investment.

A free information session is scheduled for August 28 to help interested firms learn more about construction and site work opportunities. Register here.

Contractors and suppliers can also submit their interest using a short Contractor Interest Form provided by Gilbane and Micron.

To stay connected with opportunities like this, submit your information here.

NY THRIVE Innovation Vouchers will spark Semiconductor Growth in Upstate New York

The NY SMART I-Corridor is accelerating the future of American semiconductor manufacturing, and the NY THRIVE program is one-way businesses can plug into that momentum.

What is NY THRIVE?

The Tech Hub Resources & Innovation Vouchers for Enterprises (NY THRIVE) program supports businesses in commercializing new technologies by offering innovation vouchers. These vouchers can be used to access advanced facilities, specialized equipment, maker spaces, and research assistance provided by participating universities, nonprofit organizations, and companies across the region. NY THRIVE is a key initiative of the NY SMART I-Corridor’s Commercialization & Collaboration Center (C3), which drives semiconductor innovation.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must be senior representatives, such as CEOs, CTOs, or R&D leaders from companies involved in semiconductor design, manufacturing, technology development, or related sectors.

To be eligible, proposals must:

• Demonstrate clear economic impact in one of the designated regions (Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Ithaca, Batavia, or Auburn)
• Align with the objectives of the NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub
• Include use of facilities, equipment, or intellectual assets from a participating university, nonprofit, or industry partners, such as:
  • Cornell NanoScale Science and Technology Facility
  • Cornell Center for Materials Research
  • Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source
  • Platform for the Accelerated Realization, Analysis, and Discovery of Interface Materials
  • Davis Hall Electric Engineering Cleanroom
  • Center for Advanced Semiconductor Technologies
  • University of Rochester Integrated Nanosystems Center
  • Rochester Institute of Technology Semiconductor Nanofabrication Laboratory
  • Rochester Institute of Technology Center for Electronics Manufacturing and Assembly

Funding Levels

NY THRIVE offers three funding tiers to support projects of varying scale:

• Tier 1: Up to $50,000 for small-scale projects (12 months)
  Ideal for equipment use testing, preliminary research, or early-stage prototyping
  No matching funds required
• Tier 2: $50,001–$250,000 for medium-scale projects (12 months)
  Supports product development, comprehensive research, and extended testing
  10% match required
• Tier 3: Over $250,000 for large-scale projects (up to 24 months)
  Focused on long-term research and deep collaboration
  25% match required

Voucher funds are disbursed directly to Applicant for all work delivered in connection with the Services at the designated service provider, testing facility, participating university, company, or nonprofit organization.

How to Apply

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through the NY THRIVE portal. If approved, the applicant signs a Voucher Agreement and begins work. A final technical report is required upon project completion. Economic impact reports are also required within two years of project completion.

Why Apply?

The NY SMART I-Corridor is the fastest-growing semiconductor ecosystem in the United States. By 2034, one in four American-made chips will be expected to be produced in the Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse region. New York is undergoing a historic economic transformation, and with programs like NY THRIVE, your business, team, or bold idea can be part of it. Companies affiliated with the I-Corridor are also eligible to apply to the NSF I-Corps Conference Course for Semiconductor and Microelectronics Innovators, gaining experience with customer discovery for their technology and funding to attend Semicon West in Phoenix AZ. (I-Corps applications are due August 20, 2025).

Get Started Today

A team of Innovation Concierges is available to assist companies in accessing the physical (e.g., equipment, facilities, labs) and intellectual assets (e.g., research and development expertise) across the NY SMART I-Corridor. To start a conversation about accessing these opportunities, submit your information here. Ready to apply? Click here to get started.

The NY SMART I-Corridor has made major strides in advancing the semiconductor ecosystem across the region. From the launch of our new website, policy wins in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), the rollout of Innovation Vouchers, and progress on Micron’s Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS), this effort is advancing not just with speed, but with purpose. Together, these milestones reflect the strength of our coalition and how important this work is to our regional economy and national security.

Catch up on all the updates in our July 2025 newsletter: July 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 scale of opportunity in New York’s semiconductor industry is hard to overstate. Since 2020, more than $131 billion in investments have been announced in New York, and new fabrication plants are rising across the Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse region. This area is quickly becoming a national hub for advanced manufacturing and innovation.

To help businesses navigate this growing ecosystem and find ways to get involved, the Center for Supply Chain Analytics in the University at Buffalo School of Management released the NY SMART I-Corridor Opportunity Guide. The resource highlights what makes New York’s semiconductor supply chain so competitive, including historic private sector investments, billions in state and federal funding, and a growing network of technical support and workforce programs.

Inside the Guide

The Opportunity
New York offers a range of supports, including tax credits, grants, utility discounts, and expert technical assistance. Its research and development capacity is strong, with major investments like the $10 billion NY CREATES High-NA EUV center. Workforce training is also a focus, led by the $200 million ON-RAMP program, part of a larger $550 million commitment.

Buying Needs
Semiconductor Manufacturers like Intel, GlobalFoundries, Micron, Onsemi, and Wolfspeed work with more than 169 suppliers across the globe and are increasingly seeking regional partners to localize and diversity their supply chains. IBM, ASML, Applied Materials, 3M, and Newmont are among the top suppliers, sourcing materials and components from more than 175 smaller companies. There is also rising demand for logistics, warehousing, equipment maintenance, and machining. The Guide details the specific products buyers are looking to source locally, and will be updated frequently as buyer needs are identified and cataloged.

Supplier Requirements
The Guide takes a closer look at what it takes to work with leading fabs like Intel, Micron, TSMC, and Qualcomm, including certifications for quality, safety, sustainability, cybersecurity, and business continuity.

How to Get Involved

The Guide outlines how businesses can plug into New York’s growing supply chain with details on funding, workforce development, supplier readiness tools, and more. Whether you are already part of the industry or exploring ways to break in, the support is here.

Your Role in New York’s Semiconductor Future

The semiconductor industry in New York is transforming the region into a hub for innovation and advanced manufacturing. The NY SMART I-Corridor Opportunity Guide helps you understand this growing ecosystem and shows how your business can get involved. Whether you are a supplier, service provider, or emerging company, the guide offers resources to help you succeed in this fast-growing industry. Don’t miss your chance to be part of New York’s semiconductor future.

Explore the full guide here.

Ajay Balan, Senior Manager of Silicon Planning at Micron, delivering the keynote address

The University at Buffalo’s Bridging the Gap: Activating the Semiconductor Supply Chain Network conference connected leaders, manufacturers, and regional stakeholders for a two-day conversation on how to grow New York’s presence in the global semiconductor industry. Held July 15-16 at the UB Center for the Arts and Alfiero Center, the event offered a valuable combination of insights, networking, and strategy building around supply chain activation and industry readiness.

What Happened

Over the course of two days, participants connected with industry leaders from companies such as Micron, Moog, and Edwards Vacuum. Sessions explored the quality standards required for semiconductor suppliers, how to navigate federal and state purchasing processes, what it takes to finance a business expansion, and what it takes to successfully play a part in domestic chipmaking.

Hosted by UB’s Center for Supply Chain Analytics, in partnership with the NY SMART I-Corridor, the conference highlighted the region’s growing role in shaping America’s semiconductor future. “The United States is making a comeback in semiconductor production,” said Ajay Balan, Senior Manager of Silicon Planning at Micron Technology.

How Employers Benefited

In addition to the information shared, the Lightning Round Buyer Needs Talks, one-on-one supplier meetings, and targeted sessions on government contracting helped businesses better understand the landscape and upcoming opportunities. Presentations from Edwards Vacuum, Moog, and GDI offered direct insights into specific sourcing needs.

• Edwards Vacuum is seeking materials like sheet metal, aluminum and iron castings, piping, and tubing.
• Moog is looking for suppliers of precision machining and electronic components.
• GDI emphasized their facility services, particularly contamination control in the clean rooms that are critical in semiconductor production which refer to cleanliness classifications critical in semiconductor manufacturing.

The key takeaway: the semiconductor supply chain is deeply interconnected and presents exciting opportunities for Buffalo Niagara businesses to get involved.

Looking Ahead

Bridging the Gap was more than a conference, as it marked a milestone in Upstate New York’s rise as a national semiconductor leader. The strategies shared, partnerships formed, and challenges addressed all reinforce that the NY SMART I-Corridor is not waiting for the future but actively building it.

Stay Connected
To follow ongoing progress and opportunities across the Corridor, visit nysmarticorridor.com.