Strategies to Offset Tariffs with Foreign Trade Zones
2025-05-28 10:00 (America/New_York)

Knowledge @ Noon: Eliminating Hidden Supply Chain Costs
2025-06-17 12:00 - 13:00
Join us for a free Knowledge @ Noon webinar on Tuesday, June 17 to hear how leading manufacturers are tackling these challenges head-on.
PJ Bellomo, CEO of P1ston, Inc., will facilitate a discussion with a panel of supply chain practitioners who will each share their recent successes and ongoing challenges related to automating workflows and improving supplier communications.
Panelists include:

Dave Shannon, CIO, Allegis Corporation
John Hand, VP Supply Chain, P1 Industries
Adam Ampuja, Director Supply Chain, Alex Pro

You’ll learn:

The costly impacts of poor supply chain visibility
Proven tools and strategies that drive results
Challenges still facing the industry – and what’s next

Don’t miss this chance to gain actionable insights from seasoned professionals.
Register Here!

Knowledge @ Noon: DISC - Empower Your Team
2025-07-08 12:00 - 13:00
Join us for a free Knowledge @ Noon webinar on Tuesday, July 8 for DiSC: Empower Your Team featuring Sami Gowan, Director Talent Development, Capital Region Chamber.
The DiSC self-assessment can be utilized to improve communication and to better understand oneself and others. Learn how to adapt your leadership style and work preferences to yield better results and drive collaboration. The DiSC assessment gives your team access to the online Catalyst platform that is a fully customized learning hub that reflects your unique team dynamic and supports continued learning.

Samantha (Sami) Gowan joined the Chamber team in November of 2022. She has played a pivotal role as the Liaison to Leadership Capital Region and the Young Professionals Network. In this capacity, she has demonstrated exceptional event management and programming skills. Sami has been instrumental in assembling dynamic committee members and volunteers to drive these meaningful initiatives. In partnership with the Center for Economic Growth, Sami delivers leadership training on DiSC and Five Behaviors of a Cohesive Team. Prior to her role at the Chamber, Sami dedicated sixteen years, in management, learning and development, to a renowned Fortune 500 company.
Sami’s educational foundation is from The University of the Arts in Philadelphia, where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a specialization in Musical Theatre. This formative experience honed her creative and communicative abilities, setting the stage for her future success.
For over a decade, Sami has shared her passion for yoga as a 500 HR certified yoga instructor, with a focus on prenatal and children’s classes. Sami is a proud wife and mother of three daughters. She can most often be found outside of work at any of our local ice rinks, all her girls play hockey or figure skate, which feels like a full-time job! Outside of the rink Sami and her family love to bake pizza from, create art, hike, and spend time in Maine.

2025 UAlbany Tech Roadshow
2025-07-16 09:00 - 11:00 | Center for Economic Growth, 5 Computer Drive South, Albany, NY, 12205, United States
2025 UAlbany Tech Roadshow
Showcasing Energy and Utilities Technology Available to Capital Region Companies and Organizations

July 16 | 9am – 11am
Center for Economic Growth | 5 Computer Drive South, Albany, NY 12205
Please join CEG and the UAlbany Office of Economic Development, Entrepreneurship, and Industry Partnerships (OEDEIP), as OEDEIP kicks off its yearlong effort to bring technology out of the labs and incubator and into the community for partnerships with Capital Region companies.
Researchers and startup founders are heading into the Capital Region to showcase their technology (detailed below) and discuss how the private and public sector can use, test, and/or license the technology. The technologies could have a wide range of use cases, including in the following industries:

Commercial Real Estate
Industrial/Manufacturing
Education
Healthcare
Local Government
Hospitality/Retail
Utilities
Chemicals
Pharmaceuticals/Biotech
Semiconductors/Electronics
Industrial Wastewater Treatment
Food and Beverage Processing
Pulp and Paper Mills
Environmental Remediation and Engineering
Network Equipment Manufacturers
Defense and Aerospace

Presenters
1. ZEOS
Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform designed to facilitate how buildings and facilities manage energy consumption
ReWire Group’s Zero Energy Operating System (ZEOS) is a comprehensive Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform designed to facilitate how buildings and facilities manage energy consumption, comply with regulations, and integrate with the electrical grid. Operating in a rapidly expanding market, ZEOS positions itself as a “virtual energy manager” for property owners and facility managers who lack dedicated energy expertise.
2. TR-CO?
Scalable TR-CO? Heat Pump Systems for Electrified Multifamily Building Retrofits
This project aims to advance and validate a modular, transcritical CO? (TR-CO?) Tri-Service heat pump that delivers space heating, cooling, and domestic hot water using a single high-efficiency system with ultra-low global warming potential. The solution aligns with NYSERDA’s clean energy goals by offering a scalable, all-electric alternative to fossil-fuel HVAC systems, particularly suited for multifamily buildings and other urban retrofit applications.
3. Adsorption-Regeneration Water Treatment Reactor (ARTWR)
A reactor design that performs stripping of target compounds while simultaneously regenerating the adsorbent
Recent water treatment needs focus on low-level chemical contaminants and removing them often requires the use of an adsorbent that must be either discarded or regenerated. A reactor design has been developed that performs stripping of target compounds while simultaneously regenerating the adsorbent. The process uses four different disciplines including: Adsorption (sorption)-stripping target compounds from the water; Compound destruction-regeneration of the adsorbent and prevent it from becoming a pollutant again.
4. CHRONOS
Cloud based Hybrid RF-Optical Network Over Synchronous links
The primary goal of CHRONOS is to design, build and maintain a multi-node, heterogeneous, wideband, scalable and synchronous C-RAN that will enable emerging applications like Virtual Reality (VR), Industrial Internet of Things (I-IoT), 3D broadcast video, telesurgery, etc. The research team works is searching for networking solution companies and companies interested in green and safe wireless technologies to develop LiFi systems, a promising technology for indoor wireless connectivity and localization. Compared to RF, light is unlicensed, safer and more secure against unauthorized access and jamming.

Knowledge @ Noon: Unlock the Power of Modern ERP
2025-09-09 12:00 - 13:00
Is your business running on disconnected systems, manual processes, or outdated tools? Modern ERP platforms are transforming the way organizations manage finance, operations, supply chain, and sales—bringing everything together in one intelligent system.
Join us for an engaging Knowledge @ Noon virtual session, featuring Tim Blake, CEO of BBB Techs.
In this interactive virtual session, you’ll:

Learn how ERP drives agility, efficiency, and smarter decision-making
Explore real-world use cases that show ERP in action
See how AI and automation are shaping the future of ERP
Understand the tangible benefits of modernizing your business systems

Plus, get a live look at Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central in action—helping businesses:

Gain real-time insights
Streamline workflows
Scale with confidence

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how the right ERP can become the backbone of your organization’s growth

Startup Tech Valley Happy Hour
2025-09-23 17:00 - 19:00 | Ilium Brewing Co, 410 Fulton Street, Troy, NY, 12180
Tuesday, September 23 | 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Illium Brewing Co. | 410 Fulton Street, Troy, NY
Startup Tech Valley is a meetup for the entrepreneurship community in the Capital Region. Attendees include entrepreneurs, business leaders, investors, mentors, students, employees of startups, service providers to startups, and anyone else who wants to be involved or is curious.
What to Expect:
Join us for a Startup Tech Valley Happy Hour to connect with the Capital Region entrepreneurship community.Whether you’re an entrepreneur or just someone with a passion for innovation, this is the perfect chance to:

Unwind with refreshing beverages and delicious bites
Network with like-minded professionals and potential collaborators
Engage with the Startup Tech Valley community

Register to attend

Bots & Brews: Manufacturer's Only Mixer
2025-10-15 17:00 - 19:00 | The Parting Glass, 40-42 Lake Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866
October is Manufacturing Month, and what better way to celebrate than connecting with your peers over a cold brew?
Join us at The Parting Glass for a manufacturer only Bots & Brews on Wednesday, October 15 from 5:00-7:00 p.m.
This is your chance to talk shop, share ideas, and build connections with fellow manufacturers of all sizes and specialties.
RW Earl Automation Solutions will be showcasing an automated welding demo using SmoothTool and Universal Robots.
SmoothTool is the ultimate welding automation solution, designed to streamline tasks and boost efficiency. Developed for Universal Robots, it simplifies complex welding processes, allowing you to focus on delivering precise, high-quality welds. Its seamless integration empowers welders with advanced features, making the welding experience intuitive and hassle-free.
Enjoy a free drink ticket, cash bar and light apps, all while networking with industry peers.
*** This event is open to Manufacturers and program sponsors ONLY. During registration, you will be required to confirm your status as a Manufacturer. ***
Register to attend

UAlbany R&E Week - Day 2: BioInnovation Forum 2025: Frontiers of Biotechnology
2025-10-28 08:00 - 17:00 | ETEC Building – University at Albany, SUNY, 1220 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY, 12206, United States
Join CEG for Day 2 of University at Albany’s Research & Entrepreneurship Week!
BioInnovation Forum 2025: Frontiers of Biology

8:30 to 9:00 a.m. — Registration & Networking Breakfast
9:00 to 9:15 a.m. — Welcome and Opening Remarks
9:15 to 10:45 a.m. — Keynote Talks: Frontiers in Biotechnology
Highlighted Topics:
Biologics
Tissue Engineering & Regenerative Medicine
Industrial Biotechnology
10:45 to 11:00 a.m. — Coffee Break
11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. — Advanced Manufacturing & Futures Panel
Highlighted Topics:
Institute Spotlights
Panel Discussion
12:15 to 1:15 p.m. — Networking Lunch
1:15 to 2:15 p.m. – Poster Session and Startup Valley
Calls for Poster Presentations
The BioInnovation Forum invites postdoctoral scholars and early-career faculty and researchers to showcase their work in biotechnology, life sciences, and related fields. Please note that the deadline for new submissions is 10/17/2025.
Call for Startups – Startup Valley
The BioInnovation Forum invites emerging and small biotech companies to participate in Startup Valley.
2:15 to 3:30 p.m. – Industry Perspectives: Capital Region & Beyond
3:30 to 3:45 p.m. – Coffee Break
3:45 to 4:45 p.m. – Academic & Non-Profit Perspectives
5:00 p.m. — Closing Remarks

Details & Registration

Knowledge @ Noon: Connecting Manufacturers with an Untapped Workforce
2025-11-18 12:00 - 13:00
Tuesday, November 18 | 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. | Virtual Webinar

Join us on November 18 for our Knowledge @ Noon free webinar presentation by USCRI Employment Services.
Attracting and retaining talent is a considerable challenge facing employers today. One solution to meet the growing manufacturing workforce need is to capture the skills and abilities of the new American talent pool.
Who should attend:

Human Resources / Talent Acquisition Reps
Plant / Operations Managers
Executive Team / Operations Leads

Since 2005, the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) Albany field office has been assisting our government with the resettlement of more than 6,000 refugees and asylees from Afghanistan, Ukraine, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and other countries. These individuals now call the Capital Region home, and they all have legal status and work authorization. USCRI has placed more than 118 individuals in jobs to date, in 2025. With a variety of skills and experiences, hiring from these groups can fill positions at entry, managerial, and professional levels.

RSVP Here Today!

Following the virtual presentation there will be an opportunity for Q&A.

Speakers and Overview

USCRI Employment Services – Ilona Dovgan, Employment Program Manager, Albany NY U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants
Employment Services Overview
USCRI’s Employment Services program helps refugees, immigrants, and other newcomers achieve self-sufficiency through meaningful employment. We work closely with employers to match motivated, job-ready individuals with workforce needs.
Services Include:

Job Readiness Training: Resume building, interview preparation, workplace culture orientation.
Job Placement: Matching clients with entry-level and skilled positions across industries.
Language & Skills Development: ESL support and referrals to vocational training.
Ongoing Support: Transportation/housing assistance, job coaching, and retention services.
Employer Collaboration: Customized recruitment support, cultural competency guidance, and follow-up to ensure successful placements.

Professional Pathways – Margaret Slotnick, Program Coordinator, Albany NY U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants
Professional Pathways Overview
The New York State funded Professional Pathways Program connects professionally trained new Americans with employers who need their skills. Our candidates are college graduates (often with advanced degrees) with significant work experience in their home countries, who have often worked for a US government agency, a US contractor, or a multinational corporation or non-profit organization. Participants in the Professional Pathways program undergo stringent screening, training, and continuing support. All enrollees in the Professional Pathways Program speak English, are fully work authorized, and are eager to rebuild their professional careers in their new home.

Questions about this event, contact Don Wiesenforth donw@ceg.org

Startup Tech Valley
2025-11-20 17:00 - 20:00 | The Innovation Center at Saratoga, 16 Old Stonebreak Road, Ballston Spa, NY, 12020, United States
Thursday, November 20 | 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
The Innovation Center at Saratoga | 16 Old Stonebreak Road Ballston Spa, NY 12020

Startup Tech Valley is a networking and pitch event for the entrepreneurship community in the Capital Region. Attendees include entrepreneurs, business leaders, investors, mentors, students, employees of startups, service providers to startups, and anyone else who wants to be involved or is curious.
This month, we’re partnering with Innovation Center Saratoga to host presentations in their space. The Innovation Center at Saratoga, Inc. is a makerspace where artists, entrepreneurs, and community members come together to learn, create, and innovate.
What to Expect:

Connect + Engage. Start with networking and then get introduced to startups through pitch sessions.
No cost to attend, however RSVP is required
5:00pm Networking | 6:00pm Pitches | 7:00pm More Networking

If you’re interested in pitching, you can apply here.
If you’re interested in sponsoring, you can reach out here.

Register to attend

Get Venture Ready: From Idea to Investment
2025-12-02 17:30 - 19:30 | Launchbox, 6 Northway Lane, Latham, NY, 12110, United States
Tuesday, December 2 | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Launchbox Flexible Warehouse Suites | Latham, NY

REGISTER TO ATTEND

From lab discovery to fundable startup – learn what it really takes.
Join founders, funders, and ecosystem leaders for a practical look at how academic research becomes a “venture-ready” startup. We’ll walk through the path from idea to company, hear candid lessons from founders who’ve spun out of universities, and highlight the Capital Region and broader NY resources that can help you take the next step.

What is this event?
This session is designed for researchers, students, and university innovators who are serious about turning ideas into companies. We’ll break down what “venture ready” actually means, share real founder stories, and introduce you to the people and programs that can help you move faster.
You’ll hear from:

Former Founders who have spun out of universities, secured funding, and built companies.
Regional Innovation Ecosystem Leaders who run programs like the Venture Readiness Program and NSF I-Corps.
Capital Region Resources that provide funding, facilities, and hands-on guidance across New York State.

You’ll leave with:

A clearer picture of the steps to go from research project to startup to “venture ready”
Concrete examples of how other university founders navigated funding and partnerships
A sense of who does what in the Capital Region innovation ecosystem

Who this is for:

Faculty and researchers curious about commercialization
Graduate students and postdocs considering a startup path
Tech transfer and commercialization office staff
Early-stage founders with university ties
Investors, mentors, and ecosystem partners who support research-based ventures
Whether you just have an idea or are already prototyping and talking to customers, you’ll get value from hearing how others have moved from concept to successful company.

Agenda:
5:30–6:00 PM – Networking & LaunchBox Tours
Arrive, grab a drink, meet other founders and researchers, and take a guided tour of the LaunchBox facilities.
6:00–6:15 PM – Welcome & Purpose
CEG, LaunchBox, and Emerging Innovations Consulting set the stage: why this event exists, how to walk the path from academic research to company formation, and what “venture ready” looks like for the region.
6:15–6:35 PM – Founder Spotlight & Lessons Learned
Founders from university spin-out companies will share their journey and dive deep into their lessons learned.
6:35–7:05 PM – Resource Showcase
Reverse-pitches from the resources and programs in the Capital Region that can actually help you
7:05 PM – Networking & Additional LaunchBox Tours
Additional networking with founders, resource partners, and investors. We’ll have follow-up conversations, intros, and additional facility tours.

About your hosts:
Center for Economic Growth (CEG)
The Center for Economic Growth is the regional business and economic development organization for New York’s Capital Region. Through programs like the Venture Readiness Program, CEG supports early-stage startups, connects founders to mentors and investors, and strengthens the area’s innovation ecosystem.
To learn more and apply to the Venture Readiness Program, visit CEG’s website: https://www.ceg.org/venture-readiness-program/

Emerging Innovations Consulting (EIC)
Emerging Innovations Consulting helps academic researchers and early-stage biotech teams translate science into sustainable startups. Led by Dr. Scott Alpizar, EIC provides commercialization strategy, fundraising support, and mentoring for founders navigating the path from lab to market.
Interested in learning more? Check out EIC’s website: https://www.emerginginnovationsconsulting.com/

LaunchBox
LaunchBox is an innovation hub and startup accelerator space in Latham, NY, designed to connect entrepreneurs, researchers, and industry partners. It provides facilities, programming, and community resources that help founders turn great ideas into scalable ventures.
To learn more about the LaunchBox, visit https://launchbox.co/

REGISTER TO ATTEND

Pre-Apprenticeship Programs ZOOM Info Session
2025-12-03 09:30 - 10:30
Wednesday, December 3 | 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. on ZOOM
What you can expect:
We invite you to join this information session to learn about the
Center for Economic Growth’s pre-apprenticeship programs: Real
Life Rosies and Advance 2 Apprenticeship. During the session, we’ll
provide an overview of pre-apprenticeships, explain how the
programs work, and highlight how they create opportunities for
employment in manufacturing for underrepresented individuals,
including women and people with disabilities. We welcome
community organizations to attend and learn how they can help
About Pre-Apprenticeship programs:
Real Life Rosies and Advance 2 Apprenticeship are no-cost pre-apprenticeship programs
designed to prepare participants for careers in advanced manufacturing and entry into
apprenticeship or entry-level roles. The programs recruit underrepresented populations in the
industry and provide them with hands-on technical skill training and soft skill development to
prepare them for the workplace. By removing barriers to entry through training and wraparound
support, these programs create pathways for individuals to obtain rewarding and sustainable
careers in manufacturing.
REGISTER TO ATTEND

Startup Tech Valley Holiday Happy Hour
2025-12-09 17:00 - 20:00 | Ryan’s Wake, 403 River St. #1, Troy, NY, 12180, United States
Join us for a Startup Tech Valley Holiday Happy Hour to connect with the Capital Region entrepreneurship community on Tuesday, December 9th from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Ryan’s Wake in Troy. Calling all entrepreneurs, business leaders, students, and anyone who supports entrepreneurship! This event is the perfect chance to:

Unwind with refreshing beverages and delicious bites
Network with like-minded professionals and potential collaborators
Engage with the Startup Tech Valley community

Open Mic
Attendees will have the opportunity to take the mic and give their elevator pitch at this event. Polish up your pitches and get ready for your 60 seconds of fame!
Toys for Tots
We have partnered with Toys for Tots to collect toys for children this holiday season. Since 1947, Toys for Tots has distributed 708 million toys to 314 million children. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate at the Happy Hour!

Register Here
