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.