Empire State Development

From lasers to AI-powered medical devices, the next wave of OPI innovation is here. 🔬💡 10 startups join Round 9 of Luminate NY—receiving $100K to scale in NY and competing for up to $2M in follow-on funding. Learn more: on.ny.gov/4sPVWTE

📢 Tomorrow, 3/18: Tune into ESD's board meetings: New York State Tourism Advisory Council - 11:00AM New york Convention Center Development Corporation - 2:00PM Find all materials & agendas here: on.ny.gov/3PgiTB9

The Empire State is going green today. ☘️ Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all celebrating across New York — honoring the culture, traditions and communities that make our state so vibrant. 🍀

Under @GovKathyHochul’s leadership, a new Visioning Task Force — including ESD Commissioner Hope Knight & @I_LOVE_NY Executive Director Ross Levi — will help guide the @nysmuseum's new long-term reimagined transformation. on.ny.gov/4uxFNnJ

Buffalo’s Theater District is entering its next act. 🎭🏗️ With support from @GovKathyHochul, construction has begun on the $34.6M expansion of Shea’s Buffalo Theatre—supported by $18.5M from NYS. Learn more: on.ny.gov/417mNPn

Who’s excited for the 98th #Oscars? 🎥✨ Wishing the best of luck to all the New York nominees, including #MartySupreme with its 9 nominations. Congratulations to the crew and talent behind these projects for their incredible work representing the NY film industry. 🏆🍎 #Filme

📢 Tomorrow, 3/16: Tune into the Empire State New Market Corporation Directors Meeting via webcast at 1:00PM – and review the agenda & related materials: on.ny.gov/46ZKzjT

📢 Monday, 3/16: Tune into the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation Directors Meeting via webcast at 10:30am – and review the agenda & related materials: on.ny.gov/3P6p2Qs

📢 Monday, March 16th: Tune into Erie County Stadium Corporation Directors Meeting via webcast at 9:30am – and review the agenda & related materials: on.ny.gov/4cGxmjx

Great backdrop at @mariacollege as we bring @GovKathyHochul message straight to the people in the Capital Region about how the budget can impact them. #transparency @EmpireStateDev

Stop by and say hello at #GDC2026. 🎮 Visit the New York State Pavilion at Booth 1349 to meet Empire State Development, connect with New York studios and universities, and cast your vote for the Video Game Hall of Fame nominees with The Strong Museum of Play.

A $500K state investment → a $12.7M federal award. 💡 NY Based Synko Pharma secured ARPA-H funding to develop broad-spectrum antivirals after early support from ESD’s Biodefense Commercialization Fund. Learn more about ESD’s Life Science opportunities: on.ny.gov/4lAsEEI

Great to kick off #GDC2026 with New York’s game development community. 🎮 Thanks to everyone who joined ESD’s GDC breakfast — bringing together developers, studios, educators and partners powering New York’s growing game industry. More on gaming in NY: on.ny.gov/41Nr4bF

The FAST NY Shovel-Ready Grant Program is jumpstarting site development & bringing manufacturing business to NYS. ️🏗️ Shovel-ready sites are the perfect place for semiconductor manufacturers, interstate distribution & logistics businesses. 🤝 Learn more: #program-status" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">esd.ny.gov/fast-ny#progra…

Women entrepreneurs, innovators and leaders help power New York’s economy every day. 💼✨ On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the women driving growth, opportunity and innovation across the Empire State.

Graycliff’s new visitor expands year-round programming!🎁 @GovKathyHochul announced a new $6M visitor center at Frank Lloyd Wright’s estate in Western NY, backed by $1M from ESD, supporting year-round programming & strengthens the region's tourism economy. on.ny.gov/40Q4b6i

Housing is essential to building strong regional economies. 🏡 With support from @GovKathyHochul, the Accelerate Workforce Housing initiative ublocks $3.5M+ to help communities across the North Country move housing projects from planning to construction. on.ny.gov/4u4UjmC

New York is pressing start on #GDC2026. 🎮✨ Visit the NYS Pavilion (Booth 1349) next week and check out the debut of NYS LVL — our new official GDC off-site hub for networking, coworking & live demos. Learn more: on.ny.gov/4l9ShO7

Under @GovKathyHochul’s leadership, $15M+ is being invested in 13 workforce projects across 9 regions. 💼 Through ESD’s Workforce Development Program, 5,700+ New Yorkers will train for in-demand jobs across a multitude of sectors. See awardees ⬇️ on.ny.gov/40Op5mk

The search for the next generation of food & ag innovators is on. 🌾 Applications are now open for Round 8 of Grow-NY, offering $3M in prize funding and mentorship for startups building in the Finger Lakes, Central NY and Southern Tier. Apply: on.ny.gov/3NjBP1a