NY THRIVE INNOVATION VOUCHERS
Commercialization support for semiconductor and advanced manufacturing
UB Business and Entrepreneur Partnerships (BEP) helps companies explore NY THRIVE Innovation Vouchers and connect with university facilities, research expertise and commercialization resources across the NY SMART I-Corridor.
What is NY THRIVE?
NY THRIVE Innovation Vouchers help companies access university resources needed to advance semiconductor, advanced manufacturing and related supply chain technologies.
Through UB Business and Entrepreneur Partnerships (BEP), companies can explore whether their project is a fit, identify relevant UB facilities or expertise, and connect with the Commercialization and Collaboration Center (C3), a university network supporting commercialization across the NY SMART I-Corridor.
C3 is part of the NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub and connects companies with partner universities across the region—including the University at Buffalo, Syracuse University, Rochester Institute of Technology, the University of Rochester and Cornell University.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
NY SMART I-Corridor
The Region
One super-region linking Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse to position Upstate New York as a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing, innovation and workforce development.
C3
The Assets
The Commercialization and Collaboration Center (C3) allows companies to partner with universities and industry to access facilities at Cornell, RIT, Syracuse University, the University at Buffalo, and the University of Rochester.
NY THRIVE
The Funding
Access to capital through the NY THRIVE Innovation Voucher Program to support the cost of using C3 assets for businesses commercializing new technologies.
ELIGIBILITY
NY THRIVE is designed for companies developing semiconductor, advanced manufacturing or related supply chain technologies that are ready for later-stage development.
Competitive projects generally align with Technology Readiness Levels 6-9—meaning the technology has moved beyond early research and is ready for testing, validation, prototype demonstration, scale-up or use in a relevant operating environment.
The project must demonstrate economic impact within the designated NY SMART I-Corridor region– spanning the areas of Buffalo, Rochester, Ithaca, Syracuse, Batavia and Auburn. Companies not operating in, nor currently conducting regular business within, the defined region may apply to the Voucher Program, provided they demonstrate a measurable economic impact in the Tech Hub region.
FUNDING STRUCTURE
Tier 1
Up to $50,000
Maximum project duration: 12 months
No match required
Tier 2
$50,001-$250,000
Maximum project duration: 12 months
10% in-kind company match
Tier 3
Above $250,000
Maximum project duration: 24 months
25% in-kind company match
HOW FUNDS CAN BE USED
Funds may support
- Access to university facilities or equipment, testing and characterization, supplies under program limits, software fees, technical assistance, engineering support and commercialization and legal services.
- Other qualified expenses outside of the University resources.
Funds cannot support
- Company staff salaries, travel, equipment purchases, equipment installation or company indirect costs.
STEP 1
Submit Letter of Intent (LOI) through the NY THRIVE application portal.
STEP 2
Discuss your company, technology and project needs with UB BEP.
STEP 3
Identify UB facilities, expertise, C3 resources, scope and budget.
STEP 4
Submit full proposal and voucher request
Companies supported through NY THRIVE
NY THRIVE Innovation Vouchers are already supporting companies working with UB BEP to advance semiconductor-related and advanced manufacturing technologies.
IBEX Materials
Mark Swihart, PhD
SUNY Distinguished Professor, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering
A UB spinout focused on the development and commercialization of next-generation materials for energy storage applications.
Additional resources for discovery and growth
Unlock a range of funding options—from pre-seed startup capital and venture investments to R&D matching funds and industry collaboration support—designed to accelerate your business growth and innovation.
Protect new discoveries, novel approaches or unique ideas or explore the potential for commercial applications.
Find product-market fit and gain insights into your idea's ability to expand into a business or licensing opportunity through the I-Corps Interior Northeast Hub
Programs.