INSPYRE Innovation Hub is the New Name of CenterState CEO’s Expanded Business Incubator

Posted On
April 22, 2025

Image
INSPYRE Innovatoin Hub

INSPYRE celebrates Syracuse’s legacy of innovation and is a beacon to its bold future

The downtown Syracuse facility features more than 90,000 square feet of space for innovation and entrepreneurship

 

CenterState CEO announced at its 2025 Annual Meeting the new name of its expanded business incubator in downtown Syracuse: CenterState CEO’s INSPYRE Innovation Hub. INSPYRE Innovation Hub will be where founders go to dream, build and scale.

Formerly The Tech Garden, INSPYRE celebrates Syracuse’s legacy of innovation and is a beacon to its bold future. It's where the innovation ecosystem convenes, and possibilities are redefined. No longer primarily focused on seeding tech-based startups, INSPYRE Innovation Hub will be a space where founders of all industries, sizes and stages of growth can find support. INSPYRE invites everyone to push boundaries and shape what’s next.

“I am so excited to reintroduce the community to INSPYRE Innovation Hub later this year and share this building’s next chapter with the entrepreneurs who are making our region more vibrant,” said CenterState CEO President Rob Simpson. “The name INSPYRE reflects both the expanded size and scope of our entrepreneurial programming and our vision for what is possible. This state-of-the-art facility is a symbol of CenterState CEO’s commitment to helping the business community thrive as Central New York begins a transformational period of growth.”

This expansion literally and figuratively builds on the legacy of innovation and entrepreneurial programming the organization has created over the last two decades. With more than 90,000 square feet of space dedicated to helping founders grow their vision and bring a business to the next level, INSPYRE is New York’s largest business incubator. The facility will house a renovated Hardware Center and a brand new Makerspace. There will also be an uncrewed systems testing deck, a media production facility, new coworking spaces and a multi-purpose theater with over 3,000 square feet of space for events.

INSPYRE Innovation Hub takes strategies from across CenterState CEO’s teams to create dynamic and effective programming informed by the diverse needs of entrepreneurs. Three primary tiers of engagement offer options for every business owner working to reach their goals and take their vision to the next level. Whether it’s an entrepreneur looking for support, a startup testing industry-disrupting technology or a large regional employer looking for intrapreneurship opportunities, INSPYRE Innovation Hub will have the people and the resources businesses need to find success.

The building is expected to open to clients and the community late this summer.

Learn more about programming and engagement opportunities on the INSPYRE Innovation Hub website. 

Read more about CenterState CEO’s Annual Meeting.

 

Dream. Build. Scale.

Located in downtown Syracuse, INSPYRE is the largest entrepreneurship hub in New York state. It’s CenterState CEO’s business incubator delivering targeted programs, tailored services, events and access to funding and networks that empower entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey, from inception to scaling and beyond. INSPYRE Innovation Hub opens its doors in the Summer of 2025.

www.INSPYREhub.com

Image
 

Key features of the INSPYRE brand:

  • INSPYRE spelled with a Y, putting focus on the “why”—the driving question that fuels curiosity, innovation and growth.
  • INSPYRE is a nod to SYRacuse, reflecting its roots while pointing toward limitless potential.
  • The primary logo tilted to 31.5 degrees, in recognition of the facility’s location.

Other
CEO News

Image
A9207348
CEO News | 10/07/2026

VIP Development Associates, Inc. Will Lead Planning for the Redevelopment of Long-Vacant Syracuse Property for State’s First ON-RAMP Center

VIP will oversee planning for the comprehensive redevelopment of the site, with the ON-RAMP training facility serving as an anchor tenant.

Image
CenterState Signal Graphic
CEO News | 09/30/2026

CenterState Signal: The Planning Trap

Understanding Central New York's current economic picture by analyzing national job data and local factors.

Image
DOL unemployment screen
CEO News | 09/30/2026

NYSDOL to Upgrade Unemployment System

An upcoming change to the New York State Department of Labor's (NYSDOL) Unemployment Insurance system. NYSDOL is retiring its 50-year-old unemployment processing system and replacing it with a modern platform that will include smartphone…

Image
cybersecurity stock inage
CEO News | 09/29/2026

Future-Proof Your Organization Against Cybersecurity  and AI Challenges

Hear real stories and solutions from industry experts on rapidly evolving cybersecurity threats, accelerating technology changes and the growing impact of artificial intelligence at the Future-Proof Your Business, Cybersecurity, Technology…

Image
Take the 2027 Ecnomic Forecast Survey
CEO News | 09/29/2026

Take the 2027 Economic Forecast Survey

Each year, CenterState CEO compiles its Economic Forecast for Central New York based on feedback and strategic insight collected from area business and community leaders. We want to hear your perspectives regarding the current year's…

Image
Constellation - Community Visionary Award Honoree
CEO News | 09/25/2026

Constellation to be Recognized with 2026 Community Visionary Award

CenterState CEO is proud to announce Constellation as the 2026 recipient of its Community Visionary Award.

Image
IIH 1 Year Celebration
CEO News | 09/17/2026

INSPYRE Innovation Hub’s First Year Fuels Growth, Connections and Entrepreneurial Success

In its first year, CenterState CEO’s INSPYRE Innovation Hub has become a cornerstone of Central New York’s innovation ecosystem.

Image
2026-09-10-convo
CEO News | 09/11/2026

CenterState CEO Chief Executive Officer Rob Simpson Receives Upstate Medical University’s President’s Award for Distinguished Service

The award recognizes Rob’s longstanding service to Central New York and his commitment to building strong, collaborative partnerships across the region.

Image
GNY10 Finalist Graphic
CEO News | 09/09/2026

Empire State Development Announces GENIUS NY Round 10 Finalists

Finalists from around the world will compete in this milestone year for GENIUS NY, the world’s largest accelerator for drones and robotics.