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GRIFFISS INSTITUTE INC
ROME, NY · EIN 030500249 · Form 990 · FY2024 · NTEE U41 · Science & Technology · Large ($10M-$50M) · griffissinstitute.org
revenue
$27.9M
expenses
$28.0M
net assets
$2.7M
employees
398
program ratio
90%
mission · from form 990

THE GRIFFISS INSTITUTE AIMS TO DEVELOP THE NEXT GENERATION OF STEM TALENT AND DEFENSE TECHNOLOGIES THAT WILL STRENGTHEN U.S. NATIONAL SECURITY AND CREATE ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY FOR OUR REGION, STATE AND NATION. WE ELEVATE TALENT. WE EMPOWER INNOVATION. WE ENABLE EXPERIENCE.

profile · synthesized from sources

The Griffiss Institute develops the next generation of STEM talent and defense technologies to strengthen U.S. national security and regional economic opportunity. Based in Rome, New York, it serves as a nonprofit partnership intermediary between the Air Force Research Laboratory and organizations in academia and industry. The institute accelerates technology transfer, supports mission-driven startups, and runs STEM workforce programs through collaborative innovation.

named programs · 4 · from sources

What they call their work

AFRL Internship Program
Overseen by the Griffiss Institute, this program provides students and early-career professionals with research and technical experience at the Air Force Research Laboratory
Local STEM Program
Community-based initiative supporting K-12 and higher education STEM engagement in partnership with AFRL and regional educational institutions
Technology Acceleration & Startup Support
Program that supports dual-use startups and mission-driven entrepreneurs through access to facilities, partnerships, and innovation resources to strengthen the defense industrial base
VICEROY Scholars Program
STEM education and workforce development initiative that prepares students for careers in defense technologies and national security through hands-on learning and real-world application
activities · 5 groups

What they do

  • Research Facility Management 2 activities
    • Hosting and developing quantum research infrastructure
      Hosts a trapped ion quantum computer in the Quantum North lab and is developing the Quantum East lab to establish a quantum network in Rome, NY, co-located with Air Force Research Laboratory and industry resources to advance R&D in quantum computing, networking, sensing, and security.
    • Operating the Innovare Advancement Center to foster collaboration in advanced technologies
      Operates the Innovare Advancement Center in Rome, NY as a collaborative hub that brings together government, academia, and industry partners to advance research, technology development, and commercialization in quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and other national security-focused technologies.
  • Startup Acceleration & Business Growth Support 1 activity
    • Accelerating mission-driven startups and technology transfer
      Supports the creation and growth of startups through the HUSTLE Defense Accelerator and other initiatives, launching 57 new startups between 2021 and 2025, supporting 37 accelerator alumni, and facilitating participation in programs such as NATO’s DIANA Challenge Programme.
  • K–12 Computer Science & AI Education 1 activity
    • Delivering STEM education and workforce development programs
      Offers internships, STEM camps, workshops, hackathons, and afterschool programs such as PASSPORT and STEM Circuit to cultivate talent in robotics, quantum technology, cybersecurity, drones, and entrepreneurship for students in grades 3–12 across the Mohawk Valley, engaging over 1,300 STEM students and providing 1,706 collegiate internships between 2021 and 2025.
  • Biomedical Research and Innovation 1 activity
    • Facilitating federal research partnerships under a PIA with AFRL
      Performs services under a Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA) with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL/RF) to coordinate cooperative activities among small businesses, higher education institutions, and industry partners, advancing innovation in national security technologies.
  • Uncategorized 2 activities
    • Funding innovation in U.S. Air Force C3BM capabilities
      Awards grants to startups developing technologies for U.S. Air Force Command, Control, Communications, and Battle Management (C3BM) capabilities, including a $550,000 funding allocation to support defense-related innovation.
    • Hosting international scientific workshops and competitions
      Hosts high-level international events such as the Q4I 2026 International Quantum Workshop and the annual AFRL Challenge Competition, providing students and global experts with hands-on experience in AI, reinforcement learning, and quantum technologies to solve real-world defense challenges.
financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$27.89M
Contributions & grants$27.53M99%
Program service revenue$319K1%
Investment income$13K0%
Other revenue$31K
expenses
Total expenses$27.99M
Program expenses90%
Admin / overhead10%
Fundraising0%
Salaries & benefits$8.95M
Grants paid out$1.22M
Largest expense lineProfessional Fees
balance sheet
Total assets$6.98M
Cash$1.23M
Investments$17K
Liabilities$4.23M
Net assets$2.74M
Liquid reserves0.5 mo
5 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue -20.0%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024

Who runs it

paid leadership · 11
NameTitleHours/wkCompensation
HEATHER HAGE CURRENT PRESIDENT & CEO 40 $325K
SETH MULLIGAN CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER 40 $191K
BRIAN ABBE INNOVATION AND PARTNERSHIP SUBJECT MATTER 40 $189K
MICHAEL FENG SENIOR DIRECTOR OF INNOVATION AND PARTNERSHIPS 40 $181K
TODD HUMISTON CHIEF TALENT OFFICER 40 $179K
SVEA ANDERSON STEM EDUCATION SPECIALIST 40 $142K
MELISSA TALLMAN CHIEF BRAND OFFICER 40 $142K
BRIAN MARSHALL DIRECTOR OF IT 40 $140K
KATE KOGGE STEM EDUCATION SPECIALIST 40 $122K
DEAN KORSAK GENERAL COUNSEL AND CORPORATE SECRETARY 40 $111K
TRACY DIMEO ASSISTANT SECRETARY AND EXECUTIVE OFFICE MANAGER 40 $78K
board members · 10
  • CHARLES GREEN — DIRECTOR
  • DR RICHARD JOSEPH — DIRECTOR
  • LAUREL MCADOO — DIRECTOR
  • MARK GASTIN — TREASURER
  • PATRICIA BASKINGER — CHAIRPERSON
  • PETER BAILDON — DIRECTOR
  • STEVEN DIMEO — DIRECTOR
  • TIM BUTCHER — DIRECTOR
  • WILLIAM R GRAY — VICE CHAIR
  • WILLIAM VANSHUFFLIN — DIRECTOR
relationships · 46

Who they work with

  • AX Enterprize Partner — Presenting sponsor of the 2026 Strokes of Genius Charity Golf Tournament.
  • Air Force Research Laboratory Government — Partners with AFRL directorates in Rome, NY on quantum and other advanced technology initiatives.
  • Air Force Research Laboratory Government — Primary federal partner; Griffiss Institute hosts events and programs on its behalf, including the Q4I workshop.
  • Air Force Research Laboratory Partner — Collaborates on internship programs, STEM initiatives, and technology transfer activities.
  • Air Force Research Laboratory Partner — Collaborates with Griffiss Institute to host the annual AFRL Challenge Competition, providing scientific expertise and mentorship to student teams.
  • Air Force Research Laboratory Partner — Collaborates with the Griffiss Institute on research and development in national security, artificial intelligence, and quantum sciences
  • Air Force Research Laboratory Information & Spectrum Warfare Directorate Government — Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA) to support cooperative R&D activities with industry and academia
  • Air Force Research Laboratory Information and Spectrum Warfare Directorate Partner — Collaborates with Griffiss Institute on the HUSTLE Defense Accelerator to provide technical expertise and mission context to startups.
  • American industry Partner — Facilitates partnerships with American industry to advance technology transfer and innovation
  • CNY Defense Alliance Partner — Partner organization supporting regional defense innovation and quantum technology development in Central New York
  • Drone City LLC Partner — HUSTLE Defense Accelerator alumni company supported by Griffiss Institute
  • Empire State Development Funder — Provides funding support for the HUSTLE Defense Accelerator program.
  • FMN Creative Partner — In-kind sponsor and community partner for the 2026 Strokes of Genius Charity Golf Tournament.
  • Firestorm Partner — In-kind sponsor and community partner for the 2026 Strokes of Genius Charity Golf Tournament.
  • First Source Federal Credit Union Partner — Gold sponsor of the 2026 Strokes of Genius Charity Golf Tournament.
  • Griffin Foundation Partner — Provides full support for the PASSPORT afterschool STEM program, ensuring its continued growth and impact.
  • Hannaford Partner — In-kind sponsor and community partner for the 2026 Strokes of Genius Charity Golf Tournament.
  • Innovare Advancement Center Partner — Collaborative hub where Griffiss Institute operates to foster innovation and technology development.
  • Innovare Advancement Center Partner — Collaborative partner and host site for the Q4I International Quantum Workshop.
  • IonQ Partner — Collaborates with IonQ on quantum computing, networking, sensing, and security research and development at the Innovare Advancement Center in Rome, NY.
  • IonQ Partner — Supporting sponsor of the 2026 Strokes of Genius Charity Golf Tournament.
  • M&T Bank Partner — Provided a $20,000 charitable gift to support the establishment of the PASSPORT afterschool STEM program and expansion through the STEM Circuit initiative.
  • Market 32 Partner — Local partner whose contributions supported student participation in the 2026 AFRL Challenge Competition.
  • Mastrovito Hyundai Partner — In-kind sponsor and community partner for the 2026 Strokes of Genius Charity Golf Tournament.
  • Mohawk Valley Community College Partner — Engages in educational and workforce pipeline development through strategic partnerships.
  • Mohawk Valley EDGE Partner — Supporting sponsor of the 2026 Strokes of Genius Charity Golf Tournament.
  • NATO DIANA Network — Network in which HUSTLE-supported startups have participated.
  • NATO DIANA Partner — Collaborates through supporting alumni companies' participation in the NATO DIANA Challenge Programme
  • NATO DIANA Programme Partner — Selected Drone City initiative for participation in NATO DIANA Programme.
  • NBT Bank Partner — Supporting sponsor of the 2026 Strokes of Genius Charity Golf Tournament.
+ 16 more
strategies · 4

How they approach the work

Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.

  • Cross-Sector Innovation Convening
    methodology: triple-helix-collaboration
    By convening stakeholders across government, academia, and industry, the organization accelerates innovation in national security and emerging technologies because collaborative ecosystems enable faster problem-solving, technology transfer, and shared mission alignment.
  • Dual-Use Technology Acceleration
    methodology: dual-use technology acceleration
    By connecting dual-use startups with federal mission needs—especially in defense—the organization enables faster technology transition and market viability because alignment with real-world operational challenges de-risks innovation and strengthens national security impact.
  • Immersive, Real-World STEM Learning
    methodology: immersive-stem-education
    By linking hands-on STEM education to real-world national security applications, the organization builds student confidence and technical capability because experiential learning grounded in mission context increases engagement, accessibility, and career pathway development.
  • STEM Talent and National Security Innovation Pipeline
    methodology: stem_talent_and_defense_innovation
    By integrating talent development with technology innovation ecosystems, the organization strengthens national security and regional economic growth because cultivating diverse, next-generation STEM talent ensures sustained technological competitiveness and venture creation aligned with federal missions.