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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.

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/

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.