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Programs

From grants, business competitions, direct investment and other programs, we offer what members need to achieve success.

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GENIUS NY is the world’s largest business accelerator competition for robotics and drones. The accelerator invests more than $3 million in five startups each year. The program is funded by Empire State Development

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The Innovation Hot Spot program is a 5-year tax incentive program designed for formative stage companies in the tech and manufacturing industries. Tax incentive certifications are provided by a NY Certified Innovation Hot Spot whose goal is to provide services and resources that enable these businesses to successfully transition from startup phase to larger-scale commercialization of their products and services.

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Start It! is a 12-session training program that helps aspiring entrepreneurs build the skills and knowledge to launch or grow a business. Participants develop a complete business plan with guidance from experienced instructors and local experts in law, finance, marketing, and operations. The class creates a collaborative, empowering space for entrepreneurs to turn ideas into action.

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Up Start helps local service-based businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs build strong foundations through training, coaching, and connections. Focused on supporting disadvantaged entrepreneurs, the program offers classes, technical assistance, and personalized guidance — with additional support for businesses in Syracuse’s Northside and Southside neighborhoods.

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The Cleantech Accelerator is a one-year program designed to support early-stage cleantech startups with ties to higher education. Based at the INSPYRE Innovation Hub in Syracuse, this accelerator offers founders access capital, mentorship, and a high-growth entrepreneurial community rooted in sustainability.

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Launched in 2024, the Syracuse Surge Accelerator graduated its first cohort of five BIPOC-led tech startups—from AI and SaaS to wearable tech and cannabis testing. Built to support innovation and equity in Central New York, the program is currently on pause, but its impact continues.

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The EPIC Program supported early- to mid-stage companies developing innovative solutions for grid-interactive and energy-efficient building technologies. Delivered in partnership between innovation hub and the Syracuse Center of Excellence, EPIC provided tailored business support, mentorship, and access to testing and validation facilities. Through EPIC, participating companies gained the tools and resources to scale their solutions and contribute to a more sustainable, energy-efficient built environment.

“[INSPYRE Innovation Hub] has been awesome for us. They run classes. They build your knowledge. The staff has been a resource and networking source for us.”

Beth Race

Founder, Eco-Baggeez
Innovation Hot Spot Company

[The Innovation Hub is] catapulting our ideas forward. They're going to create a maker space and connect you with industry experts to really fine-tune what you're bringing to market. And that's really what Syracuse is changing - they're changing that Dynamic to really bring back the entrepreneurial spirit that Syracuse is known for, and it's a pretty exciting time.”

Christianne Radziewicz

CEO, InteliEQ

“First of all, it's really nice to have a brand new building but the most important thing is what they're putting into it. Not only the tech but they're doing all the things that actually are going to help accelerate people understanding what companies like us do.”

Santiago Barrera

COO & Co-founder, Aerialoop