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Two local firms named finalists in statewide commercialization competition  

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/. 

[email protected] / (585) 653-4021 

Annual Innovation Summit to include Fuzehub Commercialization Competition

The New York State Innovation Summit will return this fall, featuring FuzeHub’s annual Commercialization Competition.

The annual showcase and celebration of technology will take place Nov. 8 and 9 at the Turning Stone Resort in Verona, Oneida County. The summit brings together some of the state’s brightest minds, most promising technology and manufacturing companies and most resourceful innovation support services.

The summit will feature a series of speakers, breakout sessions and pitches and is organized by Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR) and FuzeHub, the statewide center for the New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership. The 2019 summit was held in Rochester.

Plug Power President and CEO Andrew Marsh is slated to speak this year, as is Cree President and CEO Gregg Lowe, Velan Studios President Guha Balan and Verizon 5G Labs Senior Manager Joshua Ness. Plug Power has a significant presence in the Rochester area.

“This year’s lineup not only illustrates the strength of New York state’s innovation economy, but also represents some of its key sectors: clean technology, semiconductors, digital gaming and information technology,” said NYSTAR Senior Vice President Matt Watson in a statement. “And with a $1 billion chip fabrication plant rising near Utica, the Mohawk Valley is the perfect location to showcase — and accelerate — our state’s technological prowess. Many attendees and exhibitors, including companies represented by our keynoters, have received support from NYSTAR’s extensive network. The summit brings them together to spur even more growth, which in turn creates jobs and strengthens New York’s economic future.”

FuzeHub’s annual Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund Commercialization Competition will be held during this year’s summit. Now in its fifth year, the Commercialization Competition awards significant funding to companies from across New York. Finalists pitch their innovations in front of a live audience and a panel of industry experts selects the winners based on the commercialization potential of their technologies.

At last year’s Commercialization Competition, FuzeHub and NYSTAR awarded a total of $300,000 to six companies.

“At the heart of each Innovation Summit has been the potential for commercialization of cutting-edge technology developed and manufactured in New York state,” said FuzeHub Executive Director Elena Garuc. “That’s what makes our Commercialization Competition a natural fit; I expect the bar to be higher than ever before. As in the past, startups and manufacturers will also have access to resources from NYSTAR and NY MEP to help them get to the next level.”

Breakout sessions will include information on Economic Development in New York, National Trends and Disruptive technologies.

[email protected] / 585-653-4021
Follow Velvet Spicer on Twitter: @Velvet_Spicer

State’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership helped with 6,600 jobs in 2020

New York’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership, a statewide network of 11 organizations that provide growth and innovation services to small and mid-sized manufacturers, helped create or retain more than 6,600 jobs last year and generated $994 million in financial impacts, NY MEP said this week.

“As New York’s manufacturers confronted uncertainty, adversity and disruption amid the pandemic, the NY MEP network stepped up in a big way. Each of the centers was tireless in its work to help manufacturers overcome challenges, pivot to new products, adopt new technologies and scale innovative ideas,” said Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology and Innovation Senior Vice President Matt Watson. “By deploying NYSTAR funding, providing direct assistance and helping companies navigate NYSTAR’s robust network of over 70 innovation assets, the NY MEP centers delivered a massive economic impact in 2020, measuring at nearly $1 billion and over 6,600 jobs.”

In the Finger Lakes Region, NextCorps serves as the regional NY MEP Center. The 11 centers statewide are among more than 70 NYSTAR-backed centers statewide that are actively working to generate technology-driven economic growth, officials noted. The network provides entrepreneurs, researchers and business leaders with access to the support, assistance and resources they need to solve challenges, develop and scale new technologies, start companies and grow existing businesses.

NYSTAR oversees the NY MEP, which brings together 10 regional centers and one statewide center, FuzeHub. In New York state, manufacturers employ more than 419,000 people, which represents a payroll of roughly $38 billion. The industry produces an economic output of $84.4 billion, officials noted.

“As our state’s recovery gains momentum, the NY MEP will remain focused on helping manufacturers address emerging challenges, accelerate growth and create jobs,” Watson said.

[email protected] / 585-653-4021
Follow Velvet Spicer on Twitter: @Velvet_Spicer

Local nonprofits receive FuzeHub grants

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.”

[email protected] / 585-653-4021
Follow Velvet Spicer on Twitter: @Velvet_Spicer

Statewide Manufacturing Extension Partnerships launch $1 million grant programs

Four centers within the New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) network have launched competitive grant programs that will help manufacturers solve challenges created by COVID-19.

Rochester area MEP NextCorps is working closely with the Manufacturing & Technology Enterprise Center (MTEC) to administer the Next Generation Grant Program, which focuses on helping manufacturers optimize operations for the post-pandemic era.

Combined, the four programs will award nearly $1 million to manufacturing and technology companies statewide. In addition to the MTEC-led program, New York City MEP, ITAC, will award $250,000 through the Personal Protective Equipment Fund; the Capital Region’s MEP, CEG, will award $200,000 through the Supply Chain Grant Program; and FuzeHub, the statewide MEP, will award $170,000 through the Manufacturing Reimagined Fund.

The MTEC-led program will award $350,000 in total through grants of up to $10,000 per recipient. The funds will enable manufacturers to ensure they are operating safely, effectively and efficiently in a virtual business environment.

“Some companies need help adjusting to this new way of doing business. Our goal is to get them up to speed and connect them with services they need,” said Alexis Wilson, MTEC project manager, virtual assessments & assistance.

The NY MEP is a network of 11 organizations that provide growth and innovation services to small and mid-sized manufacturers statewide to help them create and retain jobs, increase profits and save time and money. The MEPs are supported through a combination of federal and state funding.

[email protected] / 585-653-4021
Follow Velvet Spicer on Twitter: @Velvet_Spicer

Local companies named finalists in FuzeHub commercialization competition

Two Rochester-area companies have been named finalists in the 2020 Commercialization Competition, sponsored by FuzeHub, a not-for-profit organization responsible for assisting small to medium-sized manufacturing companies in New York state.

Locally, WexEnergy LLC and Paradigm of NY LLC were chosen as finalists in the annual competition.

As part of the Jeff Lawrence Manufacturing Innovation Fund, FuzeHub will hold its fourth Commercialization Competition virtually on November 18 and 19. Fourteen entrepreneurs statewide have been selected as finalists and will pitch their ideas during the online event. A total of $300,000 will be awarded to the top presentations.

“FuzeHub is excited that we are able to host the event again this year with modifications to allow the companies to pitch remotely. This has been a successful program for the past three years and has contributed to the growth of both the innovation ecosystem and manufacturing in New York state,” said Julianne Clouthier, director of industry engagement at FuzeHub. “We hope the virtual platform will provide an opportunity for potential investors to see the caliber of companies that will present their prototype product or technology.”

The virtual two-day event will feature a panel discussion that showcases the entrepreneurial journey of three prior competition awardees, networking and an opportunity to see some of New York’s newest innovators.

Companies will demonstrate the commercialization potential of their product or technology for the opportunity to win up to $50,000. Award funds must be used to improve a working prototype that will enable the company to pursue additional investment and customers, leading to the commercialization of its product concept.

WexEnergy’s demonstration will focus on WindowSkin, a low-cost window retrofit that reduces operating expenses for building owners by improving the energy efficiency of aging windows. The product involves no construction, no tools and no disruption, officials explained.

Paradigm of NY’s product is the Paradigm Plasma System, which is a diesel emissions control device that eliminates up to 98 percent of the carbon soot in diesel engine exhaust. The company said truck fleets and bus fleets can reduce carbon dioxide and improve fuel mileage up to 6 percent, reduce maintenance costs up to 25 percent and increase engine uptime with the product.

“This is considered one of FuzeHub’s signature events. It brings awareness to the diversity of innovation and entrepreneurship that exists in all of our regions across New York. Each year, we continue to see new cutting-edge products and technologies,” said FuzeHub Executive Director Elena Garuc. “These awards can be an essential element to help companies achieve sales and growth.”
The event will allow individuals to network with others in the entrepreneurial and investment ecosystems and see how FuzeHub is continuing to spur technology development and commercialization across New York State. Registration and full agenda details are available at FuzeHub Commercialization Competition 2020.

[email protected] / 585-653-4021
Follow Velvet Spicer on Twitter: @Velvet_Spicer

NYSTAR, FuzeHub to host innovation showcase

Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology & Innovation (NYSTAR) will team with Fuzehub, the statewide center for the New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) next week to host the New York State Innovation Asset Showcase.

The Sept. 29 and 30 event will be held virtually this year and will focus on the state’s vibrant innovation ecosystem and its role in driving economic recovery.

The webinar-based showcase will feature both dynamic informational programming and networking opportunities to build connections that can drive business growth. The showcase is free and open to all involved or interested in the state’s innovation ecosystem.

“New York state has built innovation infrastructure that reaches every region of the Empire State, and we want new and innovative tech companies to know we’re here to help during this difficult time for our economy,” said NYSTAR Senior Vice President and Executive Director Matt Watson. “This critical network of innovation resources will play a vital role in our state’s technology-led economic recovery, and our Innovation Asset Showcase will highlight how it’s already working with industry to propel us forward.”

Designed to showcase companies and researchers at the forefront of emerging technology and advancements in production capabilities, the New York State Innovation Asset Showcase will feature panel discussions focused on various industry clusters and the latest innovation trends. They include:
• Advanced Materials and Supply Chain Innovation
• Cleantech, Energy and Environmental Innovations
• Digital Game Development
• Industry 4.0 and Modernizing Manufacturing
• Data and Information Technologies
• Advanced Electronics and Photonics
• Biotechnology, Medical Technology and Life Sciences
• Food, Agricultural and Water Innovation

Startups, tech companies and established manufacturers will learn how to partner with NYSTAR-backed innovation assets and how to leverage their capabilities and expertise to expand their research and development, commercialize products and accelerate business growth.

“In previous years, FuzeHub has teamed up with NYSTAR to host a New York State Innovation Summit that would gather hundreds of attendees. It facilitated connections and collisions that led to collaboration and new innovation,” said FuzeHub Executive Director Elena Garuc. “This year, with in-person meetings limited, we knew we needed to find an alternative – because it has never been more important to bring people together to discuss technology-led economic growth. We’re excited so many people have already signed up to join this important dialogue.”

[email protected] / 585-653-4021
Follow Velvet Spicer on Twitter: @Velvet_Spicer

Rochester-area businesses, universities receive FuzeHub funding

FuzeHub, a nonprofit organization that provides manufacturers with programs and resources, has awarded eight collaborative projects through the Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund, including two in the Rochester area.

The innovation fund, consisting of $1 million annually, supports a set of activities designed to spur technology development and commercialization across New York state. As part of the fund, FuzeHub offers manufacturing grants to nonprofit organizations in New York, including higher education institutions that are proposing innovative projects to be undertaken in partnership with a small- to medium-sized manufacturer.

Project categories include the adoption of a new technology to enhance a process or product; prototype development; design for manufacturing; proof-of-concept manufacturing; certain equipment purchases; manufacturing scale-up; among other things. The fund also is used to provide assistance to early-stage companies through an annual commercialization competition and an innovation challenge.

Locally, Rochester Institute of Technology’s Golisano Institute for Sustainability and Falcon Fuel Cells Inc. were awarded roughly $50,000 for a project that aims to capitalize on the existing commercial demand for improved power sources for unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, by advancing fuel cell design and manufacturing.

The second grant in Rochester went to the University of Rochester’s Biomedical Engineering department and SiMPore. The roughly $50,000 grant will be used by SiMPore to adopt manufacturing methods of the PI James McGrath laboratory at UR to create “tissue chips” called the μSiM. The chips are used in biomedicine as miniature models of human tissues.

“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 Julianne Clouthier, industry engagement manager for FuzeHub. “These awards are allowing the applicant organizations, where possible, to continue to stimulate the economy through the purchase of raw materials, supplies and equipment along with funding engineering and design-for-manufacturing service costs.

“From medical device innovations and novel antimicrobial treatment technology to development of advanced materials for manufacturing and fuel cell design, these grant awardees have the potential to provide opportunities to many small New York manufacturers that may be experiencing disruption in their businesses,” she added.

FuzeHub also is preparing for its fourth Commercialization Competition, a two-day event that will be held in November in Albany. The event features a pitch competition showcasing innovative early-stage companies, panelist discussions and networking opportunities. Finalists will compete to demonstrate the commercialization potential of their technology or product.

[email protected] / 585-653-4021
Follow Velvet Spicer on Twitter: @Velvet_Spicer

FuzeHub offers manufacturing grants for masks, ventilators

FuzeHub, the statewide New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership center, has launched a competitive grant program that will award a total of $400,000 in COVID-19 manufacturing grants.

Everton Henriques
Everton Henriques

“In this program, we have a total of $400,000; $100,000 each for two companies that can come up with the ability to manufacture ventilators, and in the area of the N95 respirators or masks we have four $50,000 awards,” said Everton Henriques, NY MEP solutions director for FuzeHub.

The grants will be funded through FuzeHub’s Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund, which annually awards some $1 million to bolster New York’s manufacturing, technology and startup arenas. The application deadline is 4 p.m. April 17.

“We support economic development in New York State. In looking at the issues, we recognized that there is a shortage of these particular components, not only nationally, but in New York State,” Henriques explained.

The Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund typically funds two rounds of grants and a commercialization competition, he added.

“We decided that it would be in the interest of the state and communities to repurpose that funding to help offset these needs for materials that are in short supply,” Henriques said.

FuzeHub is particularly interested in the N95 masks for industrial uses. Those masks are approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

“It’s important to realize that there are many, many masks out there, but not all are approved, and we’re focusing on masks that we know that once these manufacturers are done they will be able to stay in business, not go out of business immediately,” he said. “People who manufacture NIOSH-approved masks can later satisfy the FDA requirements if they follow the guidelines.”

The NY MEP is a state and federally funded program that is overseen by Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology & Innovation (NYSTAR).

The panel reviewing the grant applications will prioritize projects that are clearly defined and ready to be undertaken immediately. Projects will be expected to be completed as quickly as possible to help address emerging shortages of supplies.

“Fuzehub is constantly monitoring the situation and we’re trying to do everything we can to help New York State manufacturers, and in this particular case, the citizens of New York in general,” Henriques said. “The impact (of COVID-19) is — unless you are a required business — your production will be impacted because your workers will not be on the job. The smaller businesses will see an even tighter impact, except the essential businesses. But even then, they’re feeling a strain too.”

[email protected] / 585-653-4021
Follow Velvet Spicer on Twitter: @Velvet_Spicer

Three local companies win commercialization competition

Three local companies have been named winners of the FuzeHub Commercialization Competition. Each company will receive $50,000 for commercialization efforts.

Rochester’s Circle Optics Inc., Combine Energies LLC and Molecular Glasses Inc. joined startups in Ithaca, New York City and Woodbury in Nassau County as recipients of the funds, provided by the Jeff Lawrence Manufacturing Innovation Fund through Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology and Innovation and administered by FuzeHub.

During the competition, 18 finalists statewide pitched their innovations in front of a live audience. A panel of six industry experts selected the award recipients based on the commercialization potential of their technology.

Circle Optics’ mission is to enable immersive, real-time experiences through seamless 360-degree content capture. The company’s camera system solves the problem of stitching by instantly capturing a perfect 360-degree representation of any scene.

Combined Energies is focused on the design, production and sales of specialty power electronics for renewable power generation, energy storage and electric vehicle applications in an estimated $5.6 billion market. The company has a patented DC to DC converter that provides improved functionality and higher efficiency than available alternatives.

Molecular Glasses has created a new class of organic light-emitting diode (OLED) materials that are used in cellphone displays and elsewhere. The company has a patented, novel class of OLED materials.

“Applied research and commercialization are essential to a successful manufacturing industry that creates viable products, and I congratulate the 2019 Commercialization Competition winners on innovative ideas that will expand New York’s manufacturing marketplace,” said ESD Acting Commissioner and President and CEO-designate Eric Gertler.

The competition was launched in 2017 to support pre-revenue businesses at a specific stage in their product development. Award money must be used to produce or improve upon a working prototype, to enable the company to pursue additional investment and customers, leading to commercialization of their product.

“It’s exciting to hold this event every year,” said FuzeHub Executive Director Elena Garuc. “With additional funding, these companies can advance their commercialization strategies, which was one of the major objectives of the competition.”

FuzeHub is a nonprofit organization that connects small and midsized manufacturing companies across New York to the resources, programs and expertise they need for technology commercialization, innovation and business growth.

[email protected] / 585-653-4021
Follow Velvet Spicer on Twitter: @Velvet_Spicer

Local institutions, companies receive innovation grants

Several local colleges and universities will receive tens of thousands of dollars in state grants to support their innovation and collaboration with small- and medium-size manufacturers.

A total of $417,165 is being awarded from the Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund, FuzeHub announced Tuesday. FuzeHub is a not-for-profit agency that connects companies with resources to promote business growth.  Tuesday’s announcement represents the second of two rounds of funding this year, and a portion of $1 million a year provided over five years.

“From 3D printing for wearables to collaborative robots (cobots), and advanced medical testing for Lyme disease and management of dry eye disease, these grant awardees are demonstrating that there is no shortage of innovation in New York,” said Julianne Clouthier, industry engagement manager for FuzeHub.

A total of nine companies working with academic institutions were funded.  Those in the Rochester area include:

  • $50,000 to Alfred University’s Inamori School of Engineering and FlexTraPower Inc., also known as Bonbouton for a project involving 3-D printing of textiles.
  • $50,000 to the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University and Lithoz America, for work toward commercialization of fuel cells and batteries using additive manufacturing.
  • $50,000 to Finger Lakes Community College and New Scale Technologies for developing grippers and other tools that can be plugged into “collaborative robots” known as cobots.
  • $50,000 to Rochester Institute of Technology’s Center of Excellence in Advanced and Sustainable Manufacturing and Enetics Inc. for continued development of a gas telemetry system used to test prototypes and finalize products more quickly for utility companies.
  • $49,600 to University of Rochester’s Institute of Optics and Optel Inc. to commercialize a proprietary laboratory instrument to characterize and manage dry eye disease.

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Rochester company one of seven winners of FuzeHub competition

fuzehub-logoA Rochester startup has been named a winner in the second annual FuzeHub Commercialization Competition 2018.

MicroEra Power, a system integrator designing CHPplus—an onsite power system with high-efficiency hardware, thermal storage and smart software to provide businesses and utilities with energy security and a fast payback—is one of seven companies across the state that will receive $50,000 each from the Jeff Lawrence Manufacturing Innovation Fund, which FuzeHub administers.

MicroEra Power’s FuzeHub project will prototype the thermal storage hardware and develop the POWERBROKER software functions for optimal cost savings and reduced carbon emissions.

During the competition, 18 finalists in New York pitched their innovations in front of a live audience. A panel of 12 industry experts selected the seven award recipients based on the commercialization potential of their technology. In addition to MicroEra Power, the following companies were chosen for the award:
• Bonbouton, New York City
• Capro-X Inc., Ithaca
• Iko Systems, Ithaca
• Lux Semiconductors, Albany
• RemWell LLC, Potsdam
• VitaMe Technologies Inc., Ithaca

“These seven innovators—and truly, all 18 finalists—are a testament to the vitality of New York’s entrepreneurial ecosystem,” FuzeHub Executive Director Elena Garuc said in a statement. “It is clear that New York has a bright future in manufacturing and FuzeHub is proud to do its part and to support the competition winners with the funding to help advance their commercialization strategies.”

FuzeHub is a nonprofit organization that connects New York’s small and midsized manufacturing companies to the resources, programs and expertise they need for technology commercialization, innovation and business growth. FuzeHub is the statewide Manufacturing Extension Partnership center (MEP) supported by Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology & Innovation.

Launched in 2017, the Commercialization Competition supports pre-revenue businesses at a specific stage in their product development. Prize money must be used to produce or improve upon a working prototype or beta phase, to enable the company to pursue additional investments and customers, leading to commercialization of their products.

[email protected] / 585-653-4021
Follow Velvet Spicer on Twitter: @Velvet_Spicer

FuzeHub awards funds to manufacturing projects

fuzehub-logoThree Rochester manufacturing projects have been awarded a total of more than $120,000 from FuzeHub’s Innovation Fund.

Rochester Institute of Technology’s Center of Excellence in Advanced and Sustainable Manufacturing (COE-ASM) and Enetics Inc. have been awarded $21,685. RIT and Enetics will design a test bed for advanced prototype and production unit testing of products that provide remote, near real-time monitoring of gas distribution pipelines.

Upon COE-ASM’s completion of the design, the test flow loop will be fabricated by Enetics as an on-site platform to rigorously replicate the testing of its telemetry system to ensure it performs effectively.

The University of Rochester and EndoGlow have been awarded $50,000 to produce a medical device that fluoresces using near infrared imaging for clinical evaluation. Called the “GreenEgg,” the product will be used in robotic-assisted surgery to help surgeons identify critical anatomy and improve surgical efficiency.

UR and Imaginant Inc. have been awarded $50,000 to develop ultra-high-frequency ultrasound transducers and novel batch-manufacturing processes for the biomedical and biotechnology markets. The joint project will enable the advancement of Imaginant’s innovative, wafer-level transducer-manufacturing process as well as the development of novel bioengineering applications and systems based upon the transducers.

FuzeHub is a nonprofit organization that connects the state’s small and mid-sized manufacturing companies to the resources, programs and expertise they need for technology commercialization, innovation and business growth. FuzeHub is the statewide New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program (MEP) center, supported by Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology & Innovation.

[email protected] / 585-653-4021
Follow Velvet Spicer on Twitter: @Velvet_Spicer

Local manufacturers to compete for funding

Two area manufacturers have been named finalists in the FuzeHub 2017 Commercialization Competition.

Zero Valent NanoMetals Inc. in Rochester and VerdimiNe LLC in Geneseo will compete against 15 other companies at the two-day Jeff Lawrence manufacturing Innovation Fund in Albany in November. A total of $250,000 will be awarded to the top presentations.

FuzeHub—the Empire State Development-designated statewide Manufacturing Extension Partnership—is a nonprofit organization that assists small- to medium-sized manufacturing companies in New York through the administration of the $1 million Manufacturing Innovation Fund. The annual fund supports a set of activities designed to spur technology development and commercialization across the state.

“FuzeHub is pleased to be able to provide funding at this phase in a company’s product development,” said FuzeHub industry engagement manager Julianne Clouthier. “The goal of this investment is to move these early stage companies toward commercialization and we believe that these funds will help advance their products to the next level as well as to address specific challenges that they have identified.”

Zero Valent is a materials science company focused on creating and commercializing transformative print media to further advance and enable 2D and 3D metal ink jetting. VerdimiNe is a clean tech business that earned second place this year in the New York State Business Plan Competition. The startup produces chemical compounds without hazardous waste.

Follow Velvet Spicer on Twitter: @Velvet_Spicer

(c) 2017 Rochester Business Journal. To obtain permission to reprint this article, call 585-363-7269 or email [email protected].

FuzeHub awards grants to UR, UB

FuzeHub, a not-for-profit organization that helps small to medium-sized manufacturing companies in New York State by matching them with technical and business resources, has awarded grants to the University of Rochester and the University at Buffalo.

The University at Buffalo is getting $75,000. Edward Furlani, in the school’s departments of electrical engineering and chemical and biological engineering, has partnered with CleanSlate UV and Grantwood Technologies to develop a desktop ultra violet-based disinfection technology. This project is expected to generate at least 10 new advanced manufacturing jobs in western New York within 12 months.

The University of Rochester is getting $45,760. The school plans to buy two research instruments to measure to support a collaboration with The Institute of Optics and the Flaum Eye Institute at the University of Rochester and Clerio Vision Inc. in research to develop a new method to manufacture contact lenses. The project is expected to create about 10 jobs in the Rochester region over the next three years.

FuzeHub also awarded $75,000 for a project at Syracuse University and $74,890 for a project on Long Island.