Category: Supply Chain

The concentration of resources and supply chain assets along I-90 helped position the NY SMART I-Corridor as a federally designated Tech Hub with a key technology area of semiconductors. Now, the new Supply Chain Activation Network (SCAN) Dashboard offers a visual overview of those resources and the advanced manufacturing ecosystem taking shape across Upstate New York. Created by the University at Buffalo’s Center for Supply Chain Analytics, the dashboard provides an early look at the I-Corridor’s semiconductor supply chain, with 72 suppliers currently included and more expected to be added over the coming months.

The dashboard includes an interactive Supplier Capability Map that allows users to explore suppliers by location and learn about their primary and secondary capabilities. Zooming in highlights the distinct strengths found across the corridor, from Buffalo’s concentration of advanced manufacturers to Rochester’s optics and photonics cluster and Syracuse’s mix of semiconductor equipment, engineering, construction and facility support capabilities. Zoomed out, these regional assets show the strength of the supply chain already in place and the opportunity to better connect companies across the corridor.

The dashboard also organizes suppliers by industry sector and North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code, a six-digit code used to classify businesses by their primary activities. The initial set of 72 suppliers spans 26 distinct NAICS codes and 24 industry sectors. Advanced manufacturing and optics and photonics make up nearly two-thirds of the suppliers currently included, while the dashboard also shows capabilities across a much broader range of industries, including:

• Semiconductor equipment and manufacturing
• Electronics and industrial equipment
• Engineering, construction and facility services
• Information technology and business services

The SCAN Dashboard is a valuable tool for Upstate New York’s semiconductor industry. It brings the region’s growing semiconductor ecosystem to life, turning what is often discussed into something people can see and explore. It also sends a clear message to site selectors around the world: the NY SMART I-Corridor has the suppliers and capabilities needed to support continued semiconductor investment.

Is your business part of this growing ecosystem? Put your business on the map by completing the short Semiconductor Supply Chain Company Intake Form today.

Questions? Contact mgt-csca@buffalo.edu.

When most people think about the semiconductor industry, they think about chip fabrication. But manufacturing advanced chips is only one part of a much larger microelectronics supply chain. From advanced packaging to printed circuit boards, every stage plays a critical role in bringing next-generation technologies to market.

The recent opening of TTM Technologies’ new Ultra-High-Density Interconnect (UHDI) manufacturing facility in DeWitt, New York highlights an often-overlooked part of that supply chain while reinforcing the NY SMART I-Corridor’s growing role in domestic microelectronics manufacturing.

TTM has invested approximately $130 million in the new facility, creating up to 400 jobs and expanding its workforce to approximately 1,000 employees. The facility is among the first in the United States dedicated to manufacturing UHDI printed circuit boards and advanced packaging technologies, which support defense systems, aerospace applications, advanced communications technologies, and next-generation computing.

UHDI printed circuit boards allow manufacturers to pack more electronic connections into smaller spaces, enabling faster and more powerful electronic systems. These technologies support applications such as radar systems, missile defense architectures, space-based sensors, autonomous systems, and other advanced electronics that require high performance and reliability.

TTM’s investment adds another important piece to the growing microelectronics supply chain across the NY SMART I-Corridor. As the United States continues investing in domestic semiconductor and microelectronics manufacturing, projects like this help strengthen critical supply chain capabilities that support innovation and national security.

The project also highlights the strong connection between microelectronics and defense manufacturing, two industries that continue to play a significant role in Central New York’s economy.

TTM joins a growing network of companies helping position the NY SMART I-Corridor as a hub for defense, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing, including:

• Lockheed Martin, a leader in radar systems, command-and-control technologies, and defense electronics.
• SRC, Inc., which specializes in radar, electronic warfare, and intelligence systems.
• Saab, whose Syracuse-based Surveillance Systems operation designs, manufactures, and supports advanced radar and sensor systems for air surveillance, air defense, force protection, airport safety, and air traffic control.

TTM’s investment demonstrates that building a competitive microelectronics ecosystem requires much more than semiconductor fabrication. Companies throughout the supply chain, from advanced packaging and printed circuit board manufacturing to defense systems integration, all play a vital role in advancing the technologies that power modern electronics.

As the NY SMART I-Corridor continues to attract investment and strengthen regional partnerships, projects like this reinforce Upstate New York’s position as a growing center for innovation, advanced manufacturing, and national security technologies.

Interested in learning more about the NY SMART I-Corridor? Get in touch with our team to explore partnership opportunities and learn how we’re supporting growth across Upstate New York’s microelectronics industry.

Photo: University at Buffalo | Meredith Forrest Kulwicki

Western New York’s proximity to Canada is a major economic asset. Every day, goods and materials move between the U.S. and Canada, shaping the region’s manufacturing and logistics landscape.

A new initiative by the University at Buffalo School of Management’s Center for Supply Chain Analytics is helping the region build on that advantage while advancing the priorities of the NY SMART I-Corridor.

With more than $1 million in federal funding secured by Rep. Tim Kennedy, the University at Buffalo is expanding its work in cross-border supply chains, supporting small and mid-sized businesses as they implement reshoring strategies and strengthen manufacturing across the region.

“Our region’s future is intrinsically linked to its relationship with Canada,” Congressman Kennedy said in an announcement of the funding. “It’s critical that we strengthen our ties to create good-paying jobs and ensure the long-term viability of our region’s economy.”

This initiative strengthens one of the core focus areas of the NY SMART I-Corridor: The Supply Chain Activation Network (SCAN). SCAN is building more resilient and efficient supply chains that support advanced manufacturing and regional competitiveness by connecting businesses directly with university-led research and analytics, while also providing access to technical assistance, capital, and strategic matchmaking to help firms enter, expand, and compete within the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem.

Visit our Supply Chain Opportunity Guide to explore how your business can plug into New York’s growing semiconductor ecosystem.

Companies will work alongside faculty and students to better understand supply chain risks, costs, and opportunities tied to cross-border trade, while also building stronger connections to the region’s broader network of support.

“By combining faculty expertise and student talent with the great work already underway by local resource providers, we can elevate awareness of the opportunities available to businesses and better connect them to the broader support network,” said Jennifer Flagg, NY SMART I-Corridor SCAN project lead and executive director of UB’s Center for Supply Chain Analytics.

As global trade continues to evolve, investments like this position Western New York to compete and grow while reinforcing its role within the NY SMART I-Corridor as a hub for cross-border innovation.

Interested in getting connected with a member of our SCAN team? Click here.

As the semiconductor ecosystem continues to grow across the NY SMART I-Corridor, businesses across the region are exploring how they can participate in this rapidly expanding industry.

From advanced manufacturing to logistics, construction, engineering, and professional services, the semiconductor supply chain is broader than many companies realize. Many firms already have capabilities that could support semiconductor production or services. The challenge is making those capabilities visible to the right partners.

One of the most effective ways to do that is through a capability statement.

What Is a Capability Statement?

A capability statement is a one-page overview of your company that highlights what you do, what sets you apart, and where you have experience.

Think of it as your company’s resume for supply chain and partnership opportunities. It provides potential partners and buyers with a quick snapshot of your business and how it may fit into the semiconductor ecosystem.

While each company’s statement may look slightly different, most include key information such as:

• Core competencies
• Differentiators
• Certifications and affiliations
• Industries served
• Facilities and operational highlights
• Contact information

When done well, a capability statement helps buyers, partners, and ecosystem stakeholders quickly understand how your company could contribute to the semiconductor ecosystem.

Businesses interested in developing a capability statement can connect with the University at Buffalo’s Supply Chain Activation Network (SCAN) team, which works directly with companies to assemble and verify the information included in the document.

Why Does a Capability Statement Matter for Your Company?

Capability statements help potential buyers quickly determine if a company may be the right fit for their procurement needs. They also help the Tech Hub team and its partners better understand the region’s semiconductor supply chain to facilitate matchmaking.

By working with the SCAN team to develop a capability statement, businesses will be included in the Tech Hub database and capability-mapping dashboard, gaining visibility among potential buyers and suppliers.

In short, a capability statement helps your company get discovered and pursue new opportunities.

Next Steps for Businesses

Developing a capability statement is often the first step in engaging with the SCAN team. From there, companies can explore additional opportunities within the regional semiconductor ecosystem.

SCAN is also documenting procurement needs across the industry to better understand what companies are looking to source locally and where regional businesses may be able to meet those needs.

Companies can also access technical assistance as they prepare for growth, gaining support with certifications, operational improvements, facility planning, and other business needs.

How to Begin a Capability Statement

Many companies express interest in the semiconductor industry but aren’t sure how their existing capabilities translate to this space. The opportunity landscape is broad, and many firms may already have relevant expertise without realizing it.

The SCAN team works directly with companies to:

• Co-develop capability statements
• Identify pathways to grow or pivot into semiconductor-related activities
• Explore opportunities to engage in the regional ecosystem

Getting Started

To learn more and get started on developing your capability statement, contact the SCAN team at mgt csca@buffalo.edu