Five BIPOC-Led Tech Startups Complete CenterState CEO’s Syracuse Surge Accelerator Program

The inaugural Syracuse Surge Accelerator teams received direct access to resources, such as capital, expertise and skill building, to advance their startups

The Accelerator helps advance the goals of Syracuse Surge, the city’s strategy for inclusive growth in the New Economy

CenterState CEO and program partners celebrate five Syracuse Surge Accelerator teams as they complete their yearlong program. A recognition event at Le Moyne College on Aug. 7, 2024 featured presentations by Surge Accelerator team founders, a keynote address and the opportunity to network with the teams. Learn about each of the teams: Clutch Delivery, Certainty Analytical Labs, HippoH Apparel, Sign-Speak, and Talkadot.

The resource-driven program provides Black-Indigenous-Persons of Color (BIPOC) entrepreneurs who want to launch and accelerate tech-related and tech-adjacent startups with supports needed to grow a successful business. Teams had access to free workspace at CenterState CEO’s The Tech Garden, extensive programming, executive advisors, marketing and fundraising support. Each team also received financial support such as ignition grants and monthly stipends, totaling more than $50,000. Funding for the Syracuse Surge Accelerator provided, in part, by JPMorgan Chase Foundation and Microsoft.

“We are so lucky to be a part of these five incredible companies’ journeys. Over the course of the year, they have all been able to advance their businesses, bringing their innovative ideas to life,” said Emad Rahim, Syracuse Surge Accelerator program manager. “The perspectives and experiences shared by these five founders will continue to shape CenterState CEO programming as we seek to continually build a more inclusive economy.”

“The Syracuse Surge Accelerator played a pivotal role in helping me overcome a significant challenge I was facing before joining the program,” said Yami Payano, co-founder of Sign-Speak. “One of the main issues I encountered was effectively scaling my sales operations. Through the accelerator, I gained access to experienced mentors and industry experts who provided invaluable insights and strategies tailored to my specific needs. Additionally, the collaborative environment fostered by the program allowed me to exchange ideas and receive feedback from fellow entrepreneurs, which further refined my approach.”

“This program was created in response to a critical gap in the innovation ecosystem. Fewer than 25% of tech startups in the United States have founders of color, which is fueled by structural and cultural barriers,” said Rob Simpson, president of CenterState CEO. “The Syracuse Surge Accelerator gives BIPOC entrepreneurs direct access to resources and expertise, and with this support, each founder advanced their business and gained skills they’ll use to continue their success. I can’t wait to see all that they accomplish in the future.”

“Nationally less than 25% of tech startups are founded by people of color—the Surge Accelerator is one of several initiatives to ensure inclusive growth in the New Economy,” said Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh. “The Syracuse Surge Accelerator is the right kind of investment to help breakdown systemic and social barriers that have kept founders of color away from the tech space and out of the workforce.  I look forward to helping these entrepreneurs grow scalable businesses and thrive here in Syracuse—a new and growing tech-hub.”

CenterState CEO’s Tech Garden expansion project will expand programmatic offerings, broadening the type of entrepreneurs that can benefit from its resources and maintaining that equity is at the center of the region’s growth. The new facility is expected to open in spring 2025 and will be the home of CenterState CEO’s flagship entrepreneurship programs, like GENIUS NY and the Syracuse Surge Accelerator.

The Syracuse Surge Accelerator has not yet started accepting applications for the next cohort. Anyone interested in applying should fill out the Interest Form and will be notified when the application period opens.

About CenterState CEO

CenterState CEO is Central New York's premier business leadership and economic development organization, committed to creating a region where business thrives, and all people prosper. Its vision is to be recognized as a visionary leader, effective advocate, exceptional employer and a force for positive outcomes for the community. 

About Syracuse Surge 

Syracuse Surge is an inclusive community plan to ignite economic growth and neighborhood transformation in the city of Syracuse and the Central New York region. It builds on a massive investment in technology infrastructure to drive new strategic investment.​