Inclusive Growth

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

The region’s innovation ecosystem brings together innovative local business builders, startups and pioneering enterprise level companies in a community that values inclusive entrepreneurial growth. Technologies are researched and developed, business models are nurtured, and entrepreneurs and innovators are empowered to thrive.

As part of that ecosystem, CenterState CEO helps entrepreneurs access programs, resources, funding, space, mentorship and events needed to start and grow successful businesses. Its dedicated business incubator provides a suite of support for entrepreneurs and innovators at any stage of the business life cycle to help ensure the best chance for success. Our Inclusive Growth team also serves as a convener for the entrepreneurial community and strives for increased equity and inclusion within the innovation ecosystem. It does this through a suite of programs and resources to meet each entrepreneur where they are in their startup journey, regardless of industry.

 

CenterState's INSPYRE Innovation Hub Expansion is Underway

Tenants, partners & supporters: get ready to be part of the future of innovation in CNY!

The Central New York region is experiencing investment and momentum not seen in a generation. Expanding the business incubator at 235 Harrison Street will enable Syracuse to meet the pace of its rapid tech industry growth and reimagine who is served and how, to broaden the reach and impact to drive more equity and inclusivity in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Once a collapsed parking garage, and formerly The Tech Garden, the INSPYRE Innovation Hub is now an integral part of Central New York’s growing innovation and startup economy.  

The thriving ecosystem created by years of work and investment is ready to grow. What’s possible for an entrepreneur in the region in the present day is well beyond what was possible ten years ago. As the region faces this exciting period of growth and opportunity, it’s imperative the space that serves as Syracuse’s center of innovation is one ready to meet the needs of the whole community.

Interested in becoming a tenant in the new space, or accessing programs and resources? Or are you ready to invest in Central New York's innovation future?

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About the Expansion Project

The new space will still be the home of programs like GENIUS NY and Syracuse Surge Accelerator, but with even more space. The 46,000 square-foot expansion will encompass not only incubation, acceleration and support of tech startups, but also non-tech startups and small businesses run by founders from underrepresented populations. The future center of innovation in Syracuse will be committed to being a premiere space for the entire entrepreneurial community, where businesses can find the assistance and partnership needed to thrive and enhance the Central New York innovation ecosystem.  

The new state-of-the-art building will include:   

  • Additional meeting and coworking areas  

  • Private offices to accommodate additional startup tenants  

  • A new makerspace/hardware center; and  

  • New space for product and prototype development  

  • A more vibrant and welcoming streetscape serving as a gathering point in Syracuse’s Southeast Gateway 

The expanded facility will serve as the anchor of Syracuse's City Center Innovation Hub, a core component of the Syracuse Surge economic development strategy, and will be the gateway to "Innovation Alley" on Warren Street in Syracuse, home to several growing tech companies, many of which benefited from the Innovation Hub’s programs. This project will connect major assets like the Marriott Syracuse Downtown Hotel and the Oncenter, while expanding the ability of the incubator to accept new businesses.

Programs

CenterState CEO's business incubator is home to several programs designed to help entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses, including:

Resources include:

Ideation coaches | Mentor pool | Funding programs | Pitch coaches | Pre-seed workshops | Hackathons | Startup competitions | Vendor pool | Seminars | Investor connections 

It also works collaboratively with several other ecosystem partners, including SUNY Upstate's CNY Biotech Accelerator, the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Syracuse University and the Syracuse CoE, and InSourcing.

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Related News & Events

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ribbon cutting at INSPYRE
Media Coverage | 09/19/2025

INSPYRE Innovation Hub Opens in Downtown Syracuse

CenterState CEO with its public and private sector partners celebrated the opening of CenterState's INSPYRE Innovation Hub in downtown…

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INSPYRE exterior photo
CEO News | 09/18/2025

INSPYRE Innovation Hub Holds Opening Celebration

Gov. Kathy Hochul marked the official grand opening of the new INSPYRE Innovation Hub by CenterState CEO in downtown Syracuse.

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M&T Bank sign lighting at INSPYRE
CEO News | 09/09/2025

M&T Bank Named Founding Sponsor of CenterState CEO’s INSPYRE Innovation Hub

M&T Bank is the Founding Sponsor of INSPYRE Innovation Hub, helping to enable the growing startup ecosystem.

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UAS drone operator
Media Coverage | 09/03/2025

GENIUS NY Finalist Shares CNY UAS Ecosystem Insights on Syracuse.com

Modovolo CEO Justin Call shares Central New York's strengths in the uncrewed aerial systems sector in Syracuse.com opinion article.

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GNY Stage 2024
Media Coverage | 08/13/2025

GENIUS NY Names Five Finalists for Cohort Nine

GENIUS NY, operated by CenterState CEO, unveiled its five selected finalists for the ninth cohort of the accelerator for uncrewed systems.

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GNY9 Finalist Graphic
CEO News | 08/11/2025

Empire State Development Announces Finalists for GENIUS NY Cohort 9

Empire State Development announces five uncrewed systems startups for GENIUS NY Round 9.

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modovolo drone
Media Coverage | 08/01/2025

GENIUS NY Semifinalist Featured in Syracuse.com "Conversation on Leadership" Series

The CEO of Modovolo, a GENIUS NY Cohort 9 semifinalist, Justin Call was featured in the latest "Conversations on Leadership" series from…

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GNY8 Completes program graphic
CEO News | 07/30/2025

GENIUS NY Cohort 8 Completes Yearlong Accelerator

The five companies making up GENIUS NY’s eighth cohort finished their time in the yearlong accelerator for uncrewed systems this July.

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GENIUS NY Round 9 Semifinalists
CEO News | 06/24/2025

GENIUS NY Announces Semifinalists for Cohort 9

CenterState CEO announced 11 companies are semifinalists for GENIUS NY program’s ninth cohort. GENIUS NY, operated by CenterState CEO, is…

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INSPYRE Innovation Hub Ask Why, Explore How
Media Coverage | 04/23/2025

See CenterState CEO's Expanded Business Incubator: INSPYRE Innovation Hub

CenterState CEO President Rob Simpson shared the facility will be called INSPYRE Innovation Hub at the 2025 Annual Meeting.

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John Liddy for Leadership Lessons
Media Coverage | 04/16/2025

CenterState CEO's John Liddy Shares Leadership Lessons with Syracuse.com

John Liddy sits down with Marie Morelli for Syracuse.com's Conversations of Leadership series.

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KJ and SYR9 interview 012025
Media Coverage | 02/04/2025

CenterState CEO's Kara Jones Discusses GENIUS Round 9 with NewsChannel 9

Kara Jones speaks with NewsChannel 9 about the latest round of GENIUS NY, now accepting applications.