Center for Economic Growth

Bots & Brews: Manufacturer's Only Mixer
2025-10-15 17:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | 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

Knowledge @ Noon: 2026 New York State Legislative Session
2026-02-10 12:00 - 13:00
Join the Manufacturing Association of Central New York (MACNY) and Ostroff Associates for an insightful preview of the 2026 New York State Legislative Session.

In this free, must-attend webinar, industry experts will break down key legislative priorities impacting manufacturers, including:

Energy Policy: Moving forward with an “All of the Above” approach;
Workforce Development: Investing in Registered Apprenticeship and Pre-Apprenticeship;
Cutting Red Tape: SEQR regulatory reform; and
Tax Policy: Allowing federal tax benefits to flow to New York investments

Stay ahead of policy changes, reduce risk, and position your business for success in the year ahead.
Presenters:
Randy Wolken is President and CEO of MACNY, The Manufacturers Association, representing over 300 companies and 50,000 employees in Central and Upstate New York, and President and CEO of the Manufacturers Alliance of New York, a statewide coalition representing more than 2,500 companies and 425,000 employees. He joined MACNY in 2001 and has spent over 20 years strengthening the region’s manufacturing sector and business climate.

Casey Marvell joined Ostroff Associates in 2021 and brings extensive experience in lobbying, government relations, and public policy strategy. He advises clients on navigating New York State’s legislative and regulatory landscape across key areas including energy, environment, economic development, transportation, and taxation, with particular expertise in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. Previously, he worked in the New York State Senate and at the Adirondack Council, where he supported the passage of major environmental legislation through advocacy and coalition-building. In 2025, he was named a City & State New York “Trailblazer in Clean Energy,” and he holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political science from the University at Albany’s Rockefeller College.

Register Here

Presenting Sponsor:

Supporting Sponsors:

Startup Tech Valley
2026-02-19 17:30 - 20:00 | Brown’s Revolution Hall, 425 River St, Troy, NY, 12180
Startup Tech Valley is Capital Region’s premier startup event. Connect with the entrepreneurship community. Free and open to all.

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:

Connect + Engage. Start with networking and then get introduced to startups through pitch sessions.
No cost to attend, however RSVP is required.
Light refreshments will be provided. Cash bar available.
5:30pm Networking | 6:00 – 7:00pm Pitch Sessions

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

Knowledge @ Noon: Intelligent Automation in Manufacturing: Enhancing ERP Systems for Smarter Operations
2026-04-14 12:00 - 13:00
Join this free Knowledge @ Noon webinar Intelligent Automation in Manufacturing: Enhancing ERP Systems for Smarter Operations to explore how intelligent automation and ERP integrations are reshaping operations within manufacturing organizations.
We’ll examine how intelligent document processing solutions, like Quidi, can be applied within supply chain transactions to reduce manual effort, improve data visibility, and surface valuable insights related to parts, materials, and sourcing trends. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of how automation can support more efficient workflows and more informed decision-making.
Designed with manufacturing environments in mind, this session will walk through practical examples of how ERP systems can be enhanced through thoughtful integration strategies. The focus will be on operational improvement, measurable impact, and how teams can shift time away from repetitive tasks toward higher-value work.
Shayne Pendergast, Solutions Architect at Garnet River, will share real-world use cases and lessons learned from implementing intelligent automation within ERP ecosystems, along with considerations for organizations evaluating similar initiatives.

Shayne’s Bio:
Shayne is Garnet River’s Solutions Architect, responsible for overseeing the development, implementation, and scalability of the Quidi suite across manufacturing and distribution industries and leading a team of skilled professionals who drive innovation in applications which automate strategies that deliver client value. Shayne joined Garnet River in 2020, spearheading numerous RPA projects and collaborating across Garnet River’s practice groups to integrate RPA initiatives with broader business objectives to grow and maintain what is now the product division.

Register Here

Startup Tech Valley - NYBPC Student Pitches
2026-04-16 17:30 - 20:00 | Brown’s Revolution Hall, 425 River St, Troy, NY, 12180
Welcome to Capital Region’s premier startup event. Connect with the entrepreneurship community. Free and open to all.

Startup Tech Valley is a meetup for the Capital Region entrepreneurship community. 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’s Startup Tech Valley will feature student entrepreneurs competing in the New York Business Plan Competition. Come meet the students, give them feedback as they launch their companies, and cheer on the next generation of innovators.
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.
Light refreshments will be provided. Cash bar available.
5:30pm Networking | 6:00 – 7:00pm Pitch Sessions

REGISTER

Startup Tech Valley
2026-05-14 17:30 - 20:00 | miSci, 15 Museum Drive, Schenectady, NY, 12308

Port of Albany-Rensselaer Maritime Summit
2026-05-19 08:30 - 10:00 | Albany Capital Center, 55 Eagle Street, Albany, NY, 12207, United States
SAVE THE DATE
Tuesday, May 19, 2026 | Port of Albany-Rensselaer | Maritime Summit
Albany Capital Center | 55 Eagle Street, Albany, NY 12207 | Registration and refreshments begin at 8:30am
The program will include internationally renowned Port and Transportation leaders and speakers.
For more information: Call or email Penny Vavura at 518-463-8763 or pvavura@portofalbany.us

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Hot Spot Tax Credits
2026-05-27 12:00 - 13:00 | Tech Valley Center of Gravity, 30 3rd Street, Troy, NY, 12180, United States
Innovate 518 is one of ten Innovation Hot Spot in New York State, a program of NYSTAR and Empire State Development. Come to this session to learn how your startup can benefit from being Hot Spot certified.
Eligible companies meet the following criteria:

Enrolled and be in good standing with an affiliated Innovate 518 incubator or accelerator.
In the first five years of existence (seven years for life science companies)
Tech-focused (industry-agnostic)
In the formative stage of business growth:

Less than one $1 million in annual revenue or equity capital and/or;
In the prototyping/development phase or earlier and/or;
On a path towards sustainability and/or growth

Innovate 518 is a collaborative effort of incubators from New York’s Capital Region, including Albany, Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Warren, and Washington counties, managed by the University at Albany.
Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at 12PM
Location: Tech Valley Center of Gravity, 30 3rd St, Troy NY 12180

Startup Tech Valley
2026-06-17 17:30 - 20:00 | ETEC
Welcome to Capital Region’s premier startup event. Connect with the entrepreneurship community. Free and open to all.
Startup Tech Valley is the Capital Region’s community driven startup networking and pitch event.

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’s Startup Tech Valley will be hosted in partnership with Business Incubator Association of New York State (BIANYS). Join us to meet the community and see local startups pitch!
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.
Light refreshments will be provided. Cash bar available.
5:30pm Networking | 6:00 – 7:00pm Pitch Sessions

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

Register to Attend
