Hamilton business among finalists eligible for financial boost
FuzeHub, a not-for-profit organization responsible for assisting small and medium-sized manufacturing companies in New York state, announcedthe 2019 Commercialization Competition. As part of the Jeff Lawrence Manufacturing Innovation Fund, FuzeHub will hold its third Commercialization Competition Nov. 18 and 19, 2019, at the Albany Capital Center. Nineteen entrepreneurs from across New York state will pitch their ideas before a live audience; among them is Natural Beauty Breast Prosthesis, LLC, of Hamilton.
A total of $400,000 will be awarded to the top presentations.
“This is considered one of FuzeHub’s signature events,” said Elena Garuc, executive director of FuzeHub. “It brings awareness to the diversity of innovation and entrepreneurship that exists in all of our regions across New York. Each year, we continue to see new cutting-edge products and technologies. These awards can be an essential element to help companies achieve sales and growth.”
This two-day event in Albany features an investment-themed welcome program, exhibits, speakers and the opportunity to see how New York is helping to retain talent and move innovative early-stage companies toward success. Companies will demonstrate the commercialization potential of their product or technology for the opportunity to win up to $150,000. Six companies will receive a $50,000 award and one of six finalists will receive the grand prize of an additional $100,000. Award funds must be used to improve a working prototype that will enable the company to pursue additional investment and customers, leading to the commercialization of their product concept.
“The annual FuzeHub Commercialization Competition is a key driver of innovative economic activity in a variety of industries in New York, and I look forward to seeing the chosen entrepreneurs present new ideas to drive economic growth and job creation in the state,” Matt Watson, Director of Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology and Innovation.
This event will allow individuals to network with others in the entrepreneurial and investment ecosystems and see how FuzeHub is continuing to spur technology development and commercialization across the state. Registration and full agenda details are available at FuzeHub Commercialization Competition 2019.
The Manufacturing Innovation Fund, consisting of $1 million annually, supports a set of activities designed to spur technology development and commercialization across New York. FuzeHub is administering this fund as part of its role as the Empire State Development-designated statewide MEP center. For more information about the Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund, contact Industry Engagement Manager Julianne Clouthier at julianne@fuzehub.com or visit Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund.