Ecology of Support

Represents and promotes the interests of the New York biotechnology industry through direct engagement with policymakers, organizing advocacy campaigns, and delivering formal letters to government officials. Activities include participation in Advocacy Day in Albany, hosting roundtables with public officials, and mobilizing industry leaders to support initiatives such as LifeSciNYC’s $1 billion investment in life sciences infrastructure.

Supports early-stage biotech and life science companies through tailored membership tiers, free or reduced-rate fellowships, and access to networking, pitch events, and educational programming. The program includes a three-year fellowship for companies with seven or fewer employees, providing full access to member benefits.

Hosts and organizes an annual conference, pitch days, summits, networking receptions, and other events that convene hundreds of bioscience companies, universities, and research institutions. Past event recordings are made available via YouTube to extend access.

Operates the Empire Advantage savings program and other collective purchasing initiatives that negotiate discounted rates on laboratory supplies, PPE, business insurance, logistics, and waste management services with vendors such as Avantor, Office Depot, and UPS, enabling member organizations to reduce operational costs.

Tracks and analyzes proposed changes to federal research funding, particularly NIH policies, and facilitates member discussions on implications for medical research institutions in New York.

Strengthens ties between the life sciences sector and local communities through strategic collaborations, including joint programming with Life Science Cares New York and support for educational programs at the Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe, including activation of the historic Sayan Center.

Participates in public forums such as the r-House radio show to discuss and promote regional tech development and talent recruitment efforts in Western New York.

Launched the 43North business competition in 2014, contributing to the development of startup infrastructure in Buffalo including accelerators, incubators, and investor networks, and advancing Buffalo’s recognition as an emerging center for AI-led innovation and commercialization.

Launched and commercialized MakeOff, an AI-powered tool for electrical contracting bids and estimates, which has released its first product version and acquired a growing base of paying customers.

Funds and drives initiatives through its core pillars and supports regional partners delivering programs in talent development, innovation, and storytelling to strengthen Buffalo’s innovation ecosystem.

Reinvests proceeds from successful startup exits—such as the $1M investment in ACV Auctions that led to a $3.8B IPO—back into Buffalo's startup community to sustain and grow the innovation economy.

Provides financial and entrepreneurial support to organizations, ideas, and innovation in the Buffalo/Niagara region to promote technological innovation and economic growth, including through a 12-year history of hosting a $5 million annual startup competition and committing $100 million to Buffalo via the 43North Foundation.

Provides primary funding to TechBuffalo to develop a regional tech talent pipeline and high-skill tech workforce, including support for the PowerUp Tech internship program, Microsoft TechSpark and Innovation Fellows programs, and Innovation Fellowships for K–12 educators across dozens of Western New York school districts.

Created Series B[uffalo] to tell a coordinated, intentional story about the positive developments and successes in Buffalo’s innovation economy.

Created and supports Radial Ventures, an AI-native venture studio launched in early 2025, to generate, build, and scale high-quality software startups in Buffalo, including through AI education initiatives.

Operates the region's first structured corporate engagement program—also referred to as a corporate connectivity program—that connects established Buffalo businesses with opportunities in the local innovation economy.

Launched and operates the Ambassador Network to connect Buffalo's established business community with the region's startup and innovation ecosystem, engaging over 70 business leaders and conducting more than 200 meetings with senior executives to foster collaboration.

Sponsors the Accelerate AI event to provide expert-led guidance on practical AI applications for business growth and efficiency in the Buffalo region.