Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a nearly $3 million renovation project at the State University of New York Upstate Medical Center’s CNY Biotech Accelerator in Syracuse. The plan aims to address a shortage of life science incubator space by renovating and equipping over 1,800 square feet of flexible wet lab space, along with additional cold storage, shared equipment areas, and office space. The expansion will allow the accelerator to support up to ten more early to mid-stage companies annually.
“This latest investment in the CNY Biotech Accelerator, reaffirms our commitment to leading the future of healthcare, helping to ensure that the next critical medical breakthrough happens here in New York State,” Governor Hochul said. “The entrepreneurs who are bringing their ideas to this supportive incubator are focused on advancing medical science, helping to drive our economy, and securing treatments and hope for those battling life-threatening diseases.”
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight commented on the project: “Our continued support for Upstate Medical’s CNY Biotech Accelerator means that even more industry entrepreneurs will have the space they need to grow their innovations. By helping these next-generation thinkers bring their plans from concept to commercialization, we can promote growth and job creation within this dynamic ecosystem in Central New York.”
The facility provides resources for biotech startup companies involved in health tech, pharmaceuticals, biologics, and medical devices that are working toward commercializing products or services. In the past two years alone, tenants at the accelerator have generated an economic impact of $65 million for the region and created 82 jobs.
Renovations will transform underused areas into collaborative wet labs and communal equipment spaces. Locker rooms will be converted into darkrooms for microscope work and client storage. Flexible lab features such as moveable benches are also planned.
Mantosh Dewan, MD, Alan and Marlene Norton Presidential Chair and Upstate President said: “The CNY Biotech Accelerator is a cornerstone of innovation in our region. Investing more than $2 million to upgrade this facility ensures Central New York continues to be a place where medical breakthroughs are born and accelerated. We sincerely thank Governor Hochul for her leadership and commitment to Central New York and Upstate, which is helping drive innovation, growth, and improved patient care.”
Kathi Durdon, Executive Director of CNYBAC added: “By hosting cost effective flex wet lab space equipped with biosafety cabinets, fume hoods and shared equipment, we are able to bring in additional early to mid-stage companies who can concentrate their efforts on product development, hiring, regulatory requirements, and funding such that they will scale and grow into one of our over 900 square-foot solo wet labs. CNYBAC offers clients mentorship and support through programs such as the virtual CNYBAC Concept to Commercialization Series held monthly, the Alan W. Rothschild Innovation Award Pitch Event, and highly successful Medical Device Innovation Challenge. CNYBAC clients gain access to Upstate Medical University expertise and CORE Facilities as well as targeted commercialization resources. Additionally, CNYBAC clients are eligible to apply to Upstate Biotech Ventures…investing in high potential startup companies affiliated with the university.”
Empire State Development is contributing up to $2.25 million toward this renovation through its Central New York Rising Upstate Revitalization Initiative program. Construction is already underway with completion expected by summer 2028.
New York’s biotechnology sector continues growing due partly to public investment initiatives like cell/gene therapy hubs on Long Island/Western New York as well as funding efforts for infectious disease treatment research—efforts referenced by Governor Hochul during her recent State of the State address.
This renovation follows other investments at SUNY Upstate Medical Center; last year saw announcement of design work beginning on a $450 million hospital annex featuring an expanded emergency department/burn unit intended for regional service.
SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr., praised these developments: “Upstate Medical Center is a cornerstone to public medical research…We are grateful…for their generous investment in renovating the university’s facilities…This investment will support researchers/students who use these facilities…”
Dr. James McDonald from NYS Department of Health stated: “Modernization of [the] CNY Biotech Accelerator…is a demonstration of Governor Hochul’s commitment…Promoting innovation/entrepreneurship is key…This investment also demonstrates…the Governor’s commitment…”
State Senator Rachel May said: “The cutting-edge research happening at [CNYBAC] is transforming lives…this $3 million investment…will secure [its] future while allowing even more life-saving research…”
Assemblymember Pamela Hunter added: “This investment…is about building…the future of healthcare/economic opportunity right here in Central New York…”
City Mayor Sharon Owens remarked: “The City…and [region] rely on innovation…to improve health/drive economic growth…These investments address…the shortage…and…the entrepreneurs joining are not only advancing medical science…but also fueling job creation…”
Additional information about CNY Biotech Accelerator or SUNY Upstate University Medical Center can be found online.
Today’s announcement aligns with regional strategies like “CNY Rising,” which focuses on entrepreneurship-driven economic development across Central New York.