NYSTEC identified a gap between early-stage entrepreneurship programs and later-stage accelerators in Central and Upstate New York.

We developed an early-accelerator model that uses lean startup methodology, customer discovery and development, and experiential learning within a community-oriented, collaborative environment. This model was IgniteU NY—powered by NYSTEC.

IgniteU fosters the entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem in Upstate and Central New York, prepares local startups for seed funding, and facilitates their entrance into later-stage accelerators. In addition to its eight-week early-accelerator program, IgniteU is committed to continuing engagement and collaboration with the community by hosting technology-centric forums focused in specific industries, such as health-IT, ed-tech, and smart cities.