Two Rochester-area firms are among the finalists of FuzeHub’s commercialization competition where the winner will receive $150,000.
The event will take place at the New York State Innovation Summit on Oct. 25 and 26 at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center.
The two local finalists are:
- K-Neesio LLC which developed NuNee, a clinically proven and recommended bracing system for treatment of anterior knee pain. In 2023, K-Neesio will grow their existing manufacturing capacity in the Finger Lakes Region, expand their clinical marketing and sales efforts nationally and harden the NuNee product for use in the military and contact sports, and
- Photonect Interconnect Solutions Inc. which is creating a state-of-the-art laser attach machine which connects optical fibers to photonic chips using fusion splicing with a patented adapter integrated into the photonic chip. The machine improves device performance by 4 times and decreases the speed of manufacturing by 10 times, leading to a cost savings of 50 percent per connection.
The competition, part of FuzeHub’s Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund, is in its sixth year. Twelve entrepreneurs from across New York will pitch their ideas before a live audience for the chance to win $50,000 and one company will take home the grand award of $150,000.
Award funds must be used to improve an existing prototype that will enable the company to pursue additional investment and customers, leading to the commercialization of their product concept.
“These 12 finalists represent a wide variety of industries, supporting the idea that this is the best time for innovation in every aspect of manufacturing,” said Elena Garuc, FuzeHub’s executive director. “From improved health care to energy generation and storage, and a general regard for environmental sustainability, you will find an interesting project in this round no matter what your background is.”
The two-day event will also feature keynote speakers, an executive roundtable, exhibits and breakout sessions on economic development trends and disruptive technologies. For more information go to at https://nysinnovationsummit.com/.
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