Governor Hochul announces nearly $3 million renovation to expand the CNY Biotech Accelerator at SUNY Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse

New York – Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a nearly $3 million renovation project that state leaders say will significantly expand the capacity and impact of the CNY Biotech Accelerator at SUNY Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, reinforcing Central New York’s growing role in life sciences innovation and medical research.

The project is designed to address a clear and growing shortage of incubator and laboratory space for early- and mid-stage biotechnology companies operating within the accelerator. By renovating underused areas of the existing facility, the initiative will create new, flexible spaces tailored to the needs of companies working to bring biotech ideas from concept to commercialization.

“This latest investment in the CNY Biotech Accelerator, reaffirms our commitment to leading the future of healthcare, helping to ensure that the next critical medical breakthrough happens here in New York State,” Governor Hochul said. “The entrepreneurs who are bringing their ideas to this supportive incubator are focused on advancing medical science, helping to drive our economy, and securing treatments and hope for those battling life-threatening diseases.”

The renovation plan includes the construction and outfitting of 1,809 square feet of flexible wet laboratory space, 308 square feet dedicated to cold storage, 526 square feet for shared equipment, and 548 square feet of office and cubicle space. Together, these additions will allow the CNY Biotech Accelerator to support up to 10 additional companies each year, expanding opportunities for startups that require specialized lab environments to move forward.

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight emphasized the broader economic and innovation benefits tied to the project, particularly for Central New York’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

“Our continued support for Upstate Medical’s CNY Biotech Accelerator means that even more industry entrepreneurs will have the space they need to grow their innovations,” Knight said. “By helping these next-generation thinkers bring their plans from concept to commercialization, we can promote growth and job creation within this dynamic ecosystem in Central New York.”

The CNY Biotech Accelerator serves as a specialized hub for startup companies working across health technology, pharmaceuticals, biologics, and medical devices. These firms are actively developing and commercializing biotech-related products or services, often requiring costly infrastructure that would be difficult to access independently. Over the past two years alone, the accelerator has generated an estimated $65 million in economic impact for the region, while its tenant companies have created 82 jobs.

The renovation will significantly reshape the internal layout of the facility. Plans include converting underutilized space into a collaborative flex wet lab with movable benches and adaptable seating, transforming an existing conference room into a communal shared equipment area, and repurposing former locker room areas by removing sinks and showers to create a darkroom for microscope work and client storage. These changes are intended to improve efficiency, encourage collaboration, and maximize the value of every square foot.

Read also: Governor Hochul announces major expansion of the Empire State Child Tax Credit to deliver more financial relief to New York families

Dr. Mantosh Dewan, President of Upstate Medical University and holder of the Alan and Marlene Norton Presidential Chair, said the investment underscores the accelerator’s importance to the region’s innovation pipeline.

“The CNY Biotech Accelerator is a cornerstone of innovation in our region,” Dewan said. “Investing more than $2 million to upgrade this facility ensures Central New York continues to be a place where medical breakthroughs are born and accelerated. We sincerely thank Governor Hochul for her leadership and commitment to Central New York and Upstate, which is helping drive innovation, growth, and improved patient care.”

CNY Biotech Accelerator Executive Director Kathi Durdon highlighted how the additional flexible wet lab space will open doors for more companies while maintaining a supportive and cost-effective environment.

“By hosting cost effective flex wet lab space equipped with biosafety cabinets, fume hoods and shared equipment, we are able to bring in additional early to mid-stage companies who can concentrate their efforts on product development, hiring, regulatory requirements, and funding such that they will scale and grow into one of our over 900 square-foot solo wet labs,” Durdon said. She added that the accelerator offers extensive mentorship and programming, including monthly virtual commercialization sessions, pitch events, and innovation challenges that connect entrepreneurs with experts and investors.

Beyond physical space, companies at the accelerator benefit from access to Upstate Medical University’s expertise, core research facilities, and targeted commercialization resources. Eligible clients can also apply to Upstate Biotech Ventures, a partnership involving Empire State Development, Upstate Medical University, the SUNY Research Foundation, and Excell Partners, which invests in high-potential startups affiliated with the university.

Empire State Development is providing up to $2.25 million toward the renovation through the Central New York Rising Upstate Revitalization Initiative. Construction is already underway, with completion expected by the summer of 2028.

The project fits into a broader statewide push to strengthen New York’s biotechnology and life sciences sector, which state officials describe as a major engine of economic growth. Research and development in biotech not only contributes to medical breakthroughs, but also supports high-paying jobs and entrepreneurial pathways that can anchor regional economies.

Building on earlier investments such as Cell and Gene Therapy Innovation Hubs on Long Island and in Western New York, as well as the Biodefense Commercialization Fund, Governor Hochul recently announced plans to renew and expand New York’s life sciences strategy. Her Bolstering Biotech Initiative aims to support every stage of the pipeline, from discovery and research to commercialization and manufacturing.

Read also: State Police arrest Elmira man after responding to a reported disturbance at a Southport residence

The renovation at the CNY Biotech Accelerator also reflects continued investment in SUNY Upstate Medical Center as a whole. Late last year, Governor Hochul announced that the design phase had begun for a $450 million hospital annex at the facility, which will include a new emergency department and expanded burn unit to better serve Central New York.

SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said the upgrades reinforce Upstate Medical Center’s role as a leader in public medical research.

“Upstate Medical Center is a cornerstone to public medical research, bringing powerful medical advancements to the Syracuse community, New York State, and our nation,” King said. “We are grateful to Governor Hochul and state leaders for their generous investment in renovating the university’s facilities. This investment will support the researchers and students who use these facilities to create a brighter future for science and medicine.”

State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald echoed that sentiment, linking the project to broader goals around equity and innovation.

“Modernization of the CNY Biotech Accelerator at the SUNY Upstate Medical Center is a demonstration of Governor Hochul’s commitment to expanding New York’s leadership in biotechnology and life sciences,” McDonald said. “Promoting innovation and entrepreneurship is a key component of our effort to make New York healthier and more equitable for everyone. This investment also demonstrates the Governor’s commitment to ensuring Upstate Medical Center’s future.”

Local and state lawmakers praised the renovation as a critical step for Syracuse and the surrounding region. State Senator Rachel May called the investment essential to sustaining life-saving research.

“The cutting-edge research happening at the CNY Biotech Accelerator is transforming lives,” May said. “The significance of this work cannot be overstated, and this $3 million investment to renovate and expand the facility will secure the program’s future while allowing even more life-saving research.”

Assemblymember Pamela Hunter emphasized the connection between innovation and economic opportunity.

“This investment in the CNY Biotech Accelerator is about building the future of healthcare and economic opportunity right here in Central New York,” Hunter said. “By expanding access to cutting edge lab space and resources, we are helping innovative companies grow, create high quality jobs, and deliver lifesaving breakthroughs.”

City of Syracuse Mayor Sharon Owens said the renovation helps address a long-standing shortage of incubator space while strengthening the region’s position in the life sciences economy.

“These investments address the shortage of incubator facilities and the entrepreneurs joining are not only advancing medical science, but also fueling job creation, attracting investment, and strengthening our position as a leader in the life sciences economy,” Owens said.

The announcement aligns with the broader “CNY Rising” strategy, a regional plan focused on strengthening entrepreneurship, leveraging global market opportunities, and fostering inclusive economic growth across Central New York.

Empire State Development, New York’s chief economic development agency, continues to play a central role in these efforts, supporting job creation, workforce development, and emerging industries across the state. Through initiatives like this renovation, the agency aims to ensure that regions such as Central New York remain competitive in fast-growing sectors like biotechnology.

As work progresses on the CNY Biotech Accelerator, state and local leaders say the goal is clear: to create an environment where scientific ideas can move quickly and efficiently from the lab to the marketplace. By expanding capacity and modernizing facilities, the renovation is expected to help more startups succeed, strengthen the regional economy, and position New York as a national leader in life sciences innovation for years to come.