A Reflection on the Past Year, from Syracuse Surge Accelerator Program Manager, Emad Rahim

Posted on February 15, 2024

Image
Surge Accelerator Teams Innovation Night

It is hard to believe it has been a full year since we launched the Syracuse Surge Accelerator. In reflecting on this inaugural year, I am incredibly proud of what we have created through this program, and excited to witness its continued growth and impact.  

Not long after the Syracuse Surge Accelerator began, our staff and programs moved to Equitable Tower 1 as construction kicked-off on The Tech Garden’s 46,000 square-foot expansion. At the same time, we welcomed new staff members to our team. Both investments, in facilities and people, will allow us to serve more diverse businesses and grow the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Central New York.

Something that makes this program remarkable are the connections, experiences and resources we provide for our founders. I am also incredibly grateful to our many community partners for their engagement and support over this past year. Here are a few highlights: 

The Syracuse Surge Accelerator kicked-off with a City Proclamation presented by Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh. August 22, 2023, is now known as the Syracuse Surge Accelerator Day in the city of Syracuse. In addition, this cohort received membership to the Upstate Minority Economic Alliance (UMEA). UMEA is Central New York’s first and only minority chamber of commerce and serves as an economic conduit for some of the region’s premier minority-owned business enterprises. 

Read more of Dr. Rahim's reflection

Other
CEO News

Image
NY Smart I Corridor Offical Awardee graphic 2
CEO News | 07/03/2024

How the NY SMART I-Corridor will Advance Global Semiconductor Innovation, Manufacturing and Workforce Training

The NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub was developed by a consortium of partners that has engaged 100+ institutions, including assembling commitments from industry, academia, labor, nonprofit, government and other private sector members.

Image
tech hubs awardee
CEO News | 07/02/2024

NY SMART I-Corridor Is the First Tech Hub Award Winner in The Nation

Syracuse, NY - CenterState CEO President Robert Simpson issued the following message to members and stakeholders regarding  the NY SMART I-Corridor's being awarded one of 12 grants through the federal Tech Hubs program:

Image
Community Priorities Document Press Conference
CEO News | 06/27/2024

The Central New York Community Engagement Committee Presents Community Priorities Document

The document is intended to serve as a guiding strategy to amplify the benefits of Micron and New York State’s investments in Central New York.

Image
Flight Fest Genius NY 7 teams
CEO News | 06/27/2024

GENIUS NY Celebrates the Graduation of Its Seventh Cohort

Flight Fest event highlights the Central New York Uncrewed Aerial Systems community and future opportunities.

Image
Micron Steering Committee 2024
CEO News | 06/13/2024

Oswego County Micron Strategy Steering Committee Releases Annual Report and Holds First Micron Preparation Summit

Micron’s megafab chip plant is a catalyst for transformational renewal in the Central New York region and across New York State.

Image
gny8 semi finalist
CEO News | 06/11/2024

GENIUS NY Selects Semi-finalists for 8th Round

CenterState CEO announces 14 companies have been named semi-finalists for the GENIUS NY program’s 8th cohort.

Image
microelectronic stock image PCB
CEO News | 06/06/2024

CenterState CEO Joins Team of Partners in ESD's Upstate Defense Initiative

The Upstate Defense Initiative will support workforce development, bolster supply chains and cultivate innovation and entrepreneurship to strengthen New York’s microelectronics and semiconductor industries.

Image
northland workforce training center tour
CEO News | 06/03/2024

CenterState CEO & Partners See Best Practices in Action during Northland Workforce Training Center Visit

The CenterState CEO Inclusive Growth team and a robust network of partners recently traveled to Buffalo and toured the Northland Workforce Training Center.

Image
ceo pride support graphic
CEO News | 06/03/2024

CenterState CEO Issues Statement of Support During Pride Month

CenterState CEO stands with the LGBTQIA2S+ community. Read CenterState CEO's full statement of support as we begin celebrating Pride Month: