Category: Innovation

  • Inside the NY SMART I-Corridor Semiconductor Summit

    Inside the NY SMART I-Corridor Semiconductor Summit

    The NY SMART I-Corridor Semiconductor Summit, taking place June 1-2, 2026 at the RIT Inn and Conference Center in Rochester, NY, brings together industry leaders, researchers, manufacturers and partners from across Upstate New York’s semiconductor ecosystem to strengthen connections across supply chain, workforce and research and development.

    This free, two-day summit focuses on innovation and supply chain growth through panels, networking, matchmaking and collaboration opportunities. Day one, the Innovation Expo, highlights emerging technologies and commercialization, while day two, the Supply Chain Exchange, connects buyers and suppliers to strengthen industry relationships and regional growth.

    Attendees will gain insights from global industry leaders, hear real-world success stories and explore opportunities for international collaboration, creating a platform for partnership, knowledge sharing and continued leadership in semiconductor innovation and manufacturing.

    Summit Agenda

    The full summit agenda includes session descriptions, featured speakers, networking opportunities and matchmaking programming across both days of the event.

    Download the Full Summit Agenda

    What you’ll experience

    • Connect with industry leaders, researchers and policymakers
    • Build partnerships through targeted matchmaking and networking
    • Gain insights on semiconductor innovation, supply chains and workforce development

    Featured speakers

    Confirmed speakers and panelists will be announced as the event approaches. The list includes representatives from:

    • Edwards Vacuum
    • NY Creates
    • Syracuse University
    • Rochester Institute of Technology
    • University at Buffalo
    • Cornell University
    • GO-SEMI
    • U.S. Senate
    • Additional industry, academic and investment leaders

    Program overview

    Innovation Expo | June 1

    The Innovation Expo will focus on semiconductor innovation, research collaboration and technology commercialization through:

    • Lightning talks highlighting emerging technologies and research capabilities
    • Panels on advanced packaging, heterogeneous integration and startup growth
    • Sessions covering intellectual property, technology partnerships and capital pathways for startups
    • Networking, resource tables and one-on-one matchmaking opportunities throughout the day

    View the Lightning Talk lineup here

    Featured discussions will explore how partnerships between industry, startups and research institutions are accelerating semiconductor innovation and manufacturing growth.

    Supply Chain Exchange | June 2

    The Supply Chain Exchange focuses on strengthening connections between semiconductor buyers and suppliers while highlighting New York State’s capabilities and growth opportunities.

    Programming highlights include:

    • Keynote discussions with semiconductor manufacturing and supply chain leaders
    • Buyer and supplier matchmaking opportunities and exhibitor engagement
    • Sessions focused on supply chain growth, cross-border collaboration and workforce development
    • Panels highlighting federal and state resources available to support semiconductor industry expansion

    Attendees will gain insights into emerging opportunities, supplier engagement strategies and regional collaboration efforts supporting continued semiconductor ecosystem growth.

    Sponsorship Opportunities

    Sponsorship packages are now available, with opportunities ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. Benefits include event website recognition, signage, exhibitor tables, social media recognition and select speaking and video opportunities.

    Download the sponsorship details to explore all available opportunities.

    Event details

    Date: June 1-2, 2026
    Time: 8 AM – 5 PM
    Location: RIT Inn and Conference Center (5257 W Henrietta Rd, Rochester, NY 14623)
    Cost: Free

    Click here to register

    A discounted room rate is available at the RIT Inn and Conference Center using the attendee code “260602ICTH”, with rooms starting at $119 per night. Additional accommodations are available at Homewood Suites Rochester Henrietta, with rooms starting at $159 per night.

    For more information, contact our facilitators at nysemisummit@gmail.com

  • NY THRIVE Innovation Vouchers Awarded to Six Companies Advancing Semiconductor Manufacturing

    NY THRIVE Innovation Vouchers Awarded to Six Companies Advancing Semiconductor Manufacturing

    The first round of NY THRIVE Innovation Vouchers is delivering real momentum to semiconductor innovation across the NY SMART I-Corridor. Six companies from Syracuse, Buffalo, Ithaca and Rochester have been awarded more than $350,000 to accelerate semiconductor-related research, development and commercialization. Through the NY THRIVE program, these companies gain direct access to world-class academic research capabilities, specialized equipment and leading faculty expertise.

    The companies selected in this first round include:

    Together, they represent a diverse cross-section of the semiconductor supply chain and advanced manufacturing landscape, with projects spanning printed circuit board reliability, robotics for electronics manufacturing, sustainable materials innovation, photonic integration, MEMS technologies and advanced electrochemical devices.

    The Innovation Voucher program operates through the NY SMART I-Corridor’s Collaboration and Commercialization Center (C3), led by Syracuse University in partnership with Cornell University, Rochester Institute of Technology, the University of Rochester and the University at Buffalo, to reduce barriers to commercialization and strengthen New York’s semiconductor ecosystem.

    “This first round of THRIVE Innovation Vouchers marks another important step in translating the NY SMART I-Corridor’s vision into tangible results for businesses across Upstate New York,” says Joseph Stefko, regional innovation officer for NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub. “By giving companies direct access to world-class research facilities, advanced equipment and technical expertise, we’re lowering barriers to commercialization and accelerating the growth of a stronger, more competitive semiconductor ecosystem. These vouchers don’t just support individual firms; they strengthen the entire innovation pipeline that is positioning Upstate New York as a national leader in semiconductor manufacturing, innovation and supply chain.”

    By connecting industry directly with university research assets, NY THRIVE is helping companies move promising technologies from concept to market faster—reinforcing Upstate New York’s position as a national leader in semiconductor manufacturing, innovation and supply chain development.

    Read the full announcement from Syracuse University here: NY THRIVE Innovation Vouchers Advance CNY Semiconductor Manufacturing | Syracuse University Today