Local nonprofits receive FuzeHub grants

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FuzeHub, a nonprofit organization that provides small to medium-sized manufacturers with guided access to a network of industry experts, programs and resources to solve business growth challenges, has awarded 14 collaborative projects through the Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund, including three in the Rochester region.

The Innovation Fund, supported by Empire State Development Division of Science Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR), works to spur technology development and commercialization statewide. To date, the fund has awarded nearly $6 million.

As part of the fund, FuzeHub offers manufacturing grants to New York state nonprofits that are proposing innovative projects to be undertaken in partnership with a New York state small to medium-sized manufacturer. Project categories cover the adoption of new technology to enhance a process and/or product, prototype development, design for manufacturing, proof-of-concept manufacturing, certain equipment purchases, manufacturing scale-up and other projects to advance manufacturing capabilities. In addition, the fund is used to provide assistance to early-stage companies through an annual commercialization competition.

“This is a powerful program that links small manufacturers and promising startups to valuable expertise at New York state’s many innovation assets,” said ESD Senior Vice President and NYSTAR Executive Director Matt Watson. “ESD congratulates the winners and looks forward to seeing them continue to drive economic growth in our strategic industry sectors.”

In Rochester, the following organizations received funding:
• Rochester Institute of Technology, College of Science, Center for Imaging Science/Aktiwave LLC, $49,898
• Rochester Institute of Technology, Department of Packaging Science/Cinterest LLC, $49,585
• Arc of Monroe/ArcWorks a division of Arc of Monroe, $50,000

Associate Professor Jie Qiao of RIT’s Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science, is partnering with Aktiwave LLC to develop a Femtosecond-Laser-Based Welding System prototype, which provides epoxy-free bonding of optical, electronic, mechanical components, and medical devices.

Researchers at RIT are partnering with Cinterest to develop alternatives to conventional packaging solutions by combining biochar with various plant-based and bioplastic materials that offer a pathway to significantly reduce cost and net greenhouse gas emissions. Cinterest is a technology company that designs, develops, and licenses a variety of closed-loop production processes and products focused on carbonizing underutilized organic materials.

ArcWorks, a division of the Arc of Monroe, will partner with NextCorps to develop the Low Volume Contract Manufacturing Lab (LVCM), a flexible, low volume assembly facility to enable rapid assembly/build of pre-EP and EP (Engineering Prototype) hardware. ArcWorks’ integrated and diverse workforce including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities will be empowered to build new technology devices on the forefront of IOT, Climatetech and other sectors.

“In the current climate, the Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund Manufacturing Grant awards are a vital resource to the companies that are supported in these projects,” said FuzeHub Executive Director Elena Garuc. “The awards are allowing companies to stimulate the economy and further bolster manufacturing in New York state.”

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