Upstate Venture Connect is bringing together the people building what's next in our region for a morning of real conversation, connections, and feedback.

We are so thrilled to have Anna Topol, former CTO of IBM Research participate in a Fireside Chat moderated by Jennifer Tegan, Managing Director, NY Ventures.

Join us for a fireside-style keynote and discussion designed to be practical, candid, and highly relevant to founders and tech employees.

​​Founders will have the option to apply for 1:1 office hour slots with mentors and select investors to receive tailored feedback and strategic insight on their companies.

​​​Agenda: 

​​9:00 am - 10:00 am: Snacks & networking

​​​10:00 am - 11:00am: Fireside chat

​​11:30 am - 12:30 pm: 1-1 Office Hour slots with mentors
You must sign up and be approved for the office hours ticket to be eligible. UVC will assign your schedule after you sign up.

Startup Tech Valley | In Partnership with BIANYS

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.

The 2026 BIANYS Annual Conference of New York State’s Incubators & Accelerators brings together incubator and accelerator leaders, startup ecosystem builders, venture partners, universities, economic development organizations, and founders from across New York State for three days of networking, collaboration, and innovation. Hosted in partnership with the University at Albany, this special 20th Anniversary Celebration will feature incubator and research facility tours, keynote speakers, fireside chats, panel discussions, startup showcases, and curated meetups focused on strengthening New York’s innovation economy and entrepreneurial support ecosystem.

It’s BIANYS’ 20th anniversary, so this is sure to be a special one!

Join the BIANYS mailing list to get updates or follow them on LinkedIn!

Cyber insurance can be confusing, but it is key to risk management for businesses. Dr. Unal Tatar breaks down how cyber insurance works, what policies actually cover, and what businesses need to have in place before applying.

The Cyber Smart Leadership Series is a partnership between LogicalNet and UAlbany’s College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity.

Practical, jargon-free education for business owners and government leaders across the Capital Region.

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, and start utilizing tax incentives that can help your business grow.

Hosted at Tech Valley Center of Gravity in Troy. Lunch will be served!

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.  

Looking to stay competitive in digital manufacturing and advanced production?

Join Train Develop Optimize (TDO) and the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT) for an in-person Introduction to Model-Based Definition (MBD) training designed for manufacturers across aerospace and defense, precision machining, medical devices, electronics, microelectronics, plastics, automation, and advanced manufacturing sectors.

Learn how MBD is transforming design, communication, and production workflows across the manufacturing lifecycle.

There is a $250 training cost fully covered for up to 25 participants through grant funding. Learn more.

How Deep Tech Startups Build AI Moats — and why investors are paying attention

​Deep tech founders spend years hardening their core technology — novel materials, proprietary processes, physical infrastructure with real switching costs. But when investors sit across the table, they're asking a different question: how does AI compound what you've already built?

​This session is for founders in climate tech, biotech, energy, robotics, and advanced manufacturing who want to understand how AI layered on top of hard technology creates the kind of defensibility that VCs actually underwrite.

LogicalNet will co-host a webinar on cybersecurity for entrepreneurs with the University at Albany Cybersecurity Department, one of the largest digital security programs in the New York.

Presented by Dr. C Ariel Pinto, the department chair, this webinar will offer entrepreneurs the guidance they need to protect themselves from hacks and scams. Instead of technical jargon, it will focus on practical, actionable steps you can use to keep your business safe.

Attendees will learn how to:

• Make smarter cybersecurity decisions by treating security as a strategic use of business resources—not just an IT expense.

• Turn cybersecurity investments into measurable business value, enhancing products and services and strengthening customer trust.

• Find the right balance between strong security and day-to-day operational efficiency, so protection supports growth instead of slowing it down.

RPI's newest generation of innovators pitch their technologies and compete for $50,000 in prizes and launch funds.

 Cast your vote for best pitch!

Awards include:

• The Clarke Thrasher IV '24 SaaS Digital Venture Prize.

• The Vida and Art Goldstein '57 Prize in Quantum Innovation.

• The Tech Transfer Challenge supported by the Ajit Prabhu '98 Catalyst Fund.

• Catalyst Launch Awards supported by the Ajit Prabhu '98 Catalyst Fund.

• The Business Plan Grand Prize supported by the Agrawal Family Foundation Fund.

Please join BIANYS hear from Nicole Camarre, Vice President of Investments & Platform at 43North New York States $5M accelerator program. She leads the end-to-end investment process — from sourcing and selection through diligence and portfolio support — and oversees platform strategy acting as a “player-coach” who works closely with founders to ensure they have the capital, resources, and networks needed to scale. 

Join us at Startup Tech Valley, the Capital Region’s premier startup event, featuring four technology-driven startups taking the stage to pitch.

Connect with innovators, investors, business leaders, mentors, students, and startup supporters from across the Capital Region. Whether you’re actively building, investing, advising or simply curious, this event is designed to engage and inspire.

What to Expect:

• Four live startup pitches from emerging technology companies

• High-impact networking with the region’s entrepreneurship ecosystem

• Complimentary light refreshments; cash bar available

• Free to attend (RSVP is required)

• 5:30 p.m. Networking | 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Pitch Sessions

Don’t miss this opportunity to see what’s next in tech — and connect with the people building it.

Market positioning, defining a target audience, developing a compelling brand identity, and leveraging digital platforms for promotion and sales.

Instructor: Richard Sellers, SCORE

This is the third class in our Entrepreneurship program. 
Registration opens March 4, if space is available.

Register for the entire program at https://innovationcentersaratoga.org/entrepreneur

Thank you to NBT Bank and Phillips Lytle LLP for their sponsorship of this program.

The Québec–New York Transportation Rendezvous & B2B returns to Plattsburgh for a full day of networking, business matchmaking, and industry insights. This in-person event brings together manufacturers and service providers from the ground transportation and aerospace sectors to connect with potential customers, suppliers, and resources across the Québec–New York corridor.

Attendees will gain access to a dedicated B2B matchmaking platform hosted by B2B/2GO, along with keynote presentations, panels, and breakout sessions focused on timely industry topics. In 2024, the event attracted nearly 220 participants who engaged in almost 200 B2B meetings.

How does your business create, deliver, and capture value–whether you are a for-profit or a non-profit? It’s the core mechanism that makes your business work. Develop a plan that details how you will do it, including strategies, timelines, and financial projections.

Instructor: Richard Sellers, SCORE

This is the second class in our Entrepreneurship program. 
Registration opens February 25, if space is available.

Register for the entire program at https://innovationcentersaratoga.org/entrepreneur

Thank you to NBT Bank and Phillips Lytle LLP for their sponsorship of this program.

With electricity costs rising and grid reliability margins shrinking, the decisions being made this year on the State’s energy strategy will shape New York's path for decades to come. At this February membership meeting, we will discuss our plans for 2026, share progress across our five strategic initiatives, and explore how members can help ensure that cost-effective energy storage solutions are central to New York's grid modernization plans.

Please note: this is a members-only event. Click through for planned agenda.

Join us for a Startup Tech Valley Holiday Happy Hour to connect with the Capital Region entrepreneurship community. 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!

The Innovation Center at Saratoga will host its first annual Holiday Makers Market on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, inviting the community to shop local, discover regional artists, and support neighbors in need—all under one roof.

The indoor market, held at the Innovation Center’s creative makerspace at 16 Old Stonebreak Road, Malta, will feature 27 juried local artisans and makers offering a wide variety of handcrafted gifts, including fiber arts, woodworking, jewelry, ceramics, holiday décor, take-and-make art kits, baked goods, and more. Specialty coffee drinks will be available from Saratoga Sundry.

“We’re thrilled to bring so many talented makers together in one space,” said Beth Moeller, President of the Board of Trustees of the Innovation Center at Saratoga. “The Holiday Makers Market is about more than shopping. It is about celebrating creativity, supporting our local artists and entrepreneurs, and building community during the holiday season.”

Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy live music while they explore the Innovation Center’s collaborative makerspace and learn more about its mission to support creators, entrepreneurs, and innovators in the region. The Innovation Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides shared equipment, studios, classes, and business support for artists and makers of all ages.

In the spirit of the season, admission to the Holiday Makers Market is a canned or boxed good—or hygiene item—donated to Lifeworks’ Food Programs. The Innovation Center will also be raffling off products donated by participating artisans to raise additional funds to support the continued growth of the makerspace and its community programming.

“We want this event to reflect what the Innovation Center is all about—creative energy, connection, and giving back,” added Moeller. “When you shop here, you’re not only finding one-of-a-kind gifts, you’re directly supporting local makers and helping us expand opportunities for learning, making, and collaborating in our region.”

The Holiday Makers Market offers:

· 27 local artisans with unique, handcrafted gifts

· Indoor, family-friendly market with a warm and welcoming atmosphere

· Live music from local musicians

· Specialty coffee drinks from Saratoga Sundry

· Plenty of free onsite parking

· Community impact, with admission supporting Lifeworks’ Food Programs and raffle proceeds benefiting the Innovation Center at Saratoga

Community members are encouraged to follow the Innovation Center at Saratoga on Facebook at https://facebook.com/InnovationCenterSaratoga for artist spotlights, vendor previews, and event updates leading up to the event.

Connect with Leaders at CEG’s Premier Event

Connect with Capital Region business and civic leaders for exclusive insights into economic development, emerging industry trends, and meaningful networking.

November Lunch & Learn:

Inventor or CEO? What to Know Before You Begin

Can an inventor be a successful CEO? We'll delve into these two roles and the importance of distinguishing them for the health of a startup. This interactive session is geared toward researchers who are considering the next steps of commercializing their inventions/intellectual property and would like to know more about the characteristics that separate the two before taking the journey. 

Event attendees will: 

• Begin to understand the key differences between these roles and where overlap exists 

• Learn about cap tables and why equity matters 

• Learn about the dynamic and potential conflicts of interest 

• Understand the differences between running a lab and running a business   

Lunch will be served.

2025 Winners: Eben Bayer ’07 and Gavin McIntyre ’07.

Innovation is a significant part of RPI's storied past. The William F. Glaser ’53 Rensselaer Entrepreneur of the Year Award recognizes successful entrepreneurs whose vision, commitment, and creativity exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit that is the past, present, and future of RPI.

Please join us in celebrating the 2025 Entrepreneur of the Year Award on Thursday November 6, 2025 @ 1 pm in RPI’s EMPAC Theater. Parking is available in the garage on College Avenue.

Awards ceremony, fireside chat with President Marty Schmidt, startup pitch competition, poster presentations, and networking.

Free and open to the public.

Held the day before the Innovation Summit, this meeting is for NYSTAR assets.

Want to know why all startups should master the pivot?

Speaker Randy Stewart, who has run wildly successful startups, will share lessons learned from a $1 billion pivot. Come and talk to Randy and learn why the pivot is so important.

Where pigs can fly, there are no boundaries. Unleash your inner innovator.

Food and drinks served.

You’re invited to Shop Talk - a networking event at the Tech Valley Center of Gravity.

All the time, TVCOG hears some version of "I've looked in the windows, the COG looks really cool, but I have no idea what goes on in there." Here's a chance to find out!  

TVCOG is inviting a variety of local businesses & organizations for a behind-the-scenes look at the COG community, resources that might be of use, and how you can get involved.

Free coffee and breakfast snacks.

How do you know there’s actually a market for your new product? Join this workshop to learn more about customer discovery tools for entrepreneurs developing physical products. We’ll cover market research basics, tips and tricks, and low-barrier prototyping tools to get you collecting data faster. You’ll also hear real-world examples from professional designers on how prototyping is used to determine final product specifications.

Tech Valley Center of Gravity is a makerspace & incubator that empowers makers to connect, collaborate, and create. Their fabrication shop is ideal for individuals and startups who need access to workspace and prototyping equipment in order to test new ideas and grow their business.

Dan Falkenstrom, Operations Director, has experience as a manufacturing engineer, and helps connect manufacturing startups with resources to overcome their roadblocks.

Ignite U, powered by NYSTEC, is a nonprofit dedicated to the sustainable development of New York by building specialized programming designed to support the economic and educational initiatives of New York State.

Diane Borghoff is a professional in assessing numerous early-stage products, services, processes, and techniques in various domains. Her career spans more than 15 years with expertise building business cases, marketing plans, mentoring Lean LaunchPad techniques and go-to-market strategies. These range from ideating creative, disruptive solutions and navigating intellectual property needs to shape their advancement into the marketplace.

Fun Stuff Design, led by Julian Goldman and Dierdre Shea, is a Troy-based industrial design studio. Their focus is on biomaterials and objects that endure, with experience in sustainable supply chain, product strategy, and product development.

The startup world abounds with cautionary tales about going into business with friends, colleagues or family members. Starting a business with someone you know sounds fun but even the tightest of friendships can be undone by poorly executed agreements, if one is even created.  

No matter how you and your co-founders came together, a Founders’ Agreement provides a strong foundation on which to build your business while protecting each founder’s interests and cultivating a healthy working relationship.  

Richard Honen ’82, Partner at Philips Lytle LLP, will join us to answer your questions about founders’ agreements, such as:  

1. When do you need a founders’ agreement? 

2. What is the legal strength of these agreements?  

3. What are the components of a founders' agreement? 

Attendees are invited to submit their questions to innovationcenter@albany.edu. This presentation is for both new founders and already formed companies.  A Q&A will follow the presentation.  

Join MACNY for an engaging online seminar showcasing how Registered Apprenticeship can help employers address workforce needs and develop skilled talent from within.

Hear firsthand from Indium Corporation’s Jackie McDowell, Senior Manager of Human Resources, and
Software Developer Apprentice, Austin Eannace-Caro.

Whether you’re new to apprenticeship or looking to expand your program, this session will provide practical insights, real-world examples, and strategies you can put into action.

Presented by:

• Meredith O’Connell, Manager, Workforce Development,CEG

• Amy Stage, Director of Apprenticeship & Workforce Development, MACNY, The Manufacturers Association

• Rich Turner, Director of Workforce Development, RTMA

• Jackie McDowell, Senior Manager, Human Resources, Indium Corporation

• Austin Eannace-Caro, Software Developer Apprentice, Indium Corporation

This is a virtual event.

Join us in Buffalo on Wednesday, September 10 for AI in Healthcare 2.0: Opportunities, Challenges and Next Steps. We are pleased to partner with Business & Entrepreneur Partnerships | University at Buffalo on this state-wide summit as we tackle the biggest challenges in artificial intelligence and health – product integration, care delivery, and attracting investment. We’re bringing together leading voices from industry, hospital systems and the investor community for a day of problem solving and best practices. 

Panel discussions will include: 

Implementing  Artificial Intelligence into Healthcare Delivery Systems. We’re joined by leaders from regional hospital and health systems to discuss how their institutions are implementing AI into delivery systems to improve care and reduce costs.

Attracting Investment into AI Enhanced Products and Services. This panel of investment experts will discuss successful strategies for attracting investment to AI powered products and services.

Integrating Artificial Intelligence into Health Products and Treatments. Our panel of industry experts will discuss strategies for enhancing the power of medical devices, pharmaceuticals and diagnostics through the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning tools.

Spotlight on Innovation. We’ll be joined by some of the region’s most exciting health product innovators who will discuss their technologies and how AI is transforming healthcare products and delivery.

Join FuzeHub and partners on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 for an interactive, full-day workshop at SUNY New Paltz. This beginner-focused event is designed to help first-time hardware entrepreneurs and startups avoid common pitfalls and access the right resources to develop and commercialize physical products.

Participants will explore everything from IP strategy and prototype production to marketing, funding, and navigating New York’s robust innovation ecosystem. Attendees will also tour the Hudson Valley Additive Manufacturing Center and enjoy a networking reception with speakers and peers.

Register here: https://fuzehub.com/product-development-fundamentals-event-2025