Cross-Sector Innovation Convening

Works to strengthen the Long Island technology ecosystem by promoting the software and information technology industries, improving the quality and quantity of the tech workforce, facilitating collaborations between companies, universities, and government, supporting high-technology centers, educating the public on emerging technologies, and mentoring technology startups.

Provides free business advisory services and resources to startup and growth-stage technology companies through a virtual accelerator program, including access to Business Advisory Resources and alliances with other associations and support groups.

Operates an online platform for members of the Long Island technology community to discuss technical topics, ask questions, share knowledge, and post job opportunities.

Founded O-High Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, as part of its broader efforts to support the technology community.

Organizes and hosts regular events that connect technology companies, educators, startups, and business groups to share ideas, present local innovations, and build professional networks across the Long Island tech community. Events include dinners, keynote addresses, and forums such as the LITE (Long Island Tech Ecosystem) forum.

Operates the Digital Ballpark in Plainview, a co-working and event space serving as a hub for technology collaboration, streaming media, and community engagement on Long Island.

Provides an annual membership program with tiered dues based on company size, free attendance at all organizational meetings, exclusive access to LISTnet events, and sponsorship packages that include membership benefits. Also offers membership to educational institutions and economic development organizations.

Hosts the annual LISA Awards event to recognize achievements and leadership in the Long Island technology community, including awards such as the Visionary Award, Diamond Award, Techonomic Award, Tech Cares Award, Rookie of the Year, and the John Kominicki Award.

Develops and provides specialized software products including LBi HR HelpDesk, an HR case management and knowledge base workflow tool, and LBi Dynasty, a custom sports analytics platform delivering data-driven insights to sports decision-makers.

Provides capacity-building support to a network of over 150 optics, photonics, imaging, and laser (OPIL) companies in the greater Rochester/Finger Lakes region by fostering collaboration among industry, academia, and government to enhance regional competitiveness.

Fosters, performs, and sponsors research and development to advance semiconductor chip manufacturing and related technologies across the supply chain.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.