New York state launched a new collaborative
resource platform developed to spur the growth
of manufacturers in the state.
FuzeHub aims to better connect small and
medium-sized manufacturing companies to a
wealth of state technology resources, including
the New York Manufacturing Extension
Partnership (MEP) program, universities,
economic development organizations, and
other programs to help these businesses overcome
challenges, encouraging innovation and
driving economic growth and job creation, state
officials said.
“The FuzeHub initiative builds on the state’s
work to create a business environment that
allows manufacturers to thrive in New York,”
Gov. Andrew Cuomo said.
“FuzeHub brings together all of our leading technology resources under one umbrella allowing companies to quickly and easily access critical expertise and resources. Manufacturers are the economic backbone of many communities in New York, and when they do well, all New Yorkers reap the benefits. This initiative will stimulate innovation, spur job creation and grow companies across the state.”
According to the governor, FuzeHub provides a new way for companies to connect directly to the expertise they need on a 24/7 basis by submitting their requests online at www.fuzehub.com.
A core team of technical and manufacturing professionals will respond within 48 hours and work with the companies through live, oneon- one discussions to identify business challenges and provide targeted connections to the specific set of experts and resources needed.
This federally funded initiative was developed in partnership between Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology & Innovation (NYSTAR) and the U.S. Department of Commerce National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
The FuzeHub web platform – developed by a New York State start-up company, Rock the Deadline – was presented at NYSTAR’s fall meeting at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, which brought together nearly 100 representatives of its programs across the state, including its Centers of Advance Technology (CAT); Centers of Excellence (COE); Regional Technology Development Centers (RTDC); High Performance Computing Program (HPC) and other NYSTAR partners.
“We can use FuzeHub to better connect with our manufacturing businesses and provide the resources they need to succeed and grow,” said Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Kenneth Adams joined the NYSTAR. “This powerful new tool has the capacity to bring the breadth of the State’s assistance directly to the companies who need it and we urge all of our NYSTAR partners to use it to help communicate the needs of New York state businesses.”
“FuzeHub works for manufacturing companies. It’s our business to know in-depth, what resources, equipment, expertise and capabilities are available, affordable and reliable. Our technical and manufacturing professionals source and connect companies to custom solutions and resources, and we are available at every step of the way–live and in-person. Our goal is to accelerate growth and access for companies, and we strive to be a fast, effective way for companies to get the solutions they need,” said NYSTAR Director of Technology Development Matt Watson, who oversees the initiative.
U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand said the initiative “is the kind of innovative effort we need to grow and strengthen manufacturing throughout New York. Our manufacturers powered our economy through the 20th century, and will be the key to fueling our economy in the 21st century. It’s time to see ‘Made In America’ again starting right here in New York, and this federally-funded partnership with the state will provide critical resources and support to reinvigorate New York’s great manufacturing communities, start more new businesses, and create more family-supporting jobs right here where we need them the most.”
Through the FuzeHub initiative, the Hudson Valley Technology Development Center and the Center for Economic Growth (the Capital Region MEP Center) recently collaborated to provide assistance to ThermoAura, a nanotechnology and clean-tech start-up in the Capital Region.
For more information on FuzeHub, please visit www.fuzehub.com or contact Laura Mann, director of strategy and operations, at laura@ fuzehub.com.