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Key takeaways: 

  • A dedicated platform is now live to connect businesses, institutions and individuals with resources and opportunities in the semiconductor sector. 
  • The NY SMART I-Corridor is one of only 12 nationally recognized Tech Hubs. 
  • Spanning Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse, it is the only Tech Hub in the U.S. focused on the entire semiconductor value chain, aiming to produce 1 in 4 American-made chips by 2034. 
  • Companies are preparing for increased demand tied to major projects tied to the corridor.

 

Plans for the NY SMART I-Corridor continue to advance, with the launch of a new website designed to help businesses collaborate across what leaders envision as a regional semiconductor ecosystem. 

The platform outlines the corridor’s three core initiatives: Supply Chain Activation Network (SCAN), Semiconductor Talent and Employer Partnership Upstate New York (STEP UP) and Commercialization and Collaboration Center (C3). 

Together, these programs aim to strengthen supply chains, expand the talent pipeline, and accelerate semiconductor innovation in the Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse region. 

Joseph Stefko

“This website is a major step toward making Upstate New York a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing,” said Joseph Stefko, president and CEO of OneROC. “It gives businesses, institutions and individuals the resources needed to get involved with Tech Hub opportunities.” 

He added that the federal Tech Hub designation will help attract more semiconductor companies and suppliers over the long term. 

The site helps businesses engage with the corridor by: 

  • Connecting manufacturers with suppliers and tools to scale production 
  • Linking employers with workforce training programs and labor data, and
  • Supporting startups and researchers with funding and cross-industry collaboration. 

The NY SMART I-Corridor is one of just 12 federally designated Tech Hubs and is led by the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, CenterState CEO and OneROC. The initiative is backed by more than 100 organizations, including universities, economic development groups, and private businesses. 

Local partners include Monroe Community College, Greater Rochester Enterprise, NextCorps and Rochester Institute of Technology. 

In total, the designation brings over $50 million in funding—$40 million from the federal government, $8 million from New York state and additional matching investments. 

“We see it as a down payment on a long-term investment,” Stefko said. 

The coalition’s 10-year goals are ambitious and include: creating over 9,000 new middle-skill and construction jobs, securing $5.2 billion in average annual investments and generating $18 billion in additional GDP growth. 

Since 2022, the corridor has already attracted nearly $121 billion in semiconductor-related investments and is home to more than 100 companies in the sector, including five fabrication facilities. 

Stefko noted that the corridor is the only Tech Hub in the nation focused on the full semiconductor value chain and is positioned to produce 25% of all American-made chips by 2034—thanks to continued investment from companies like Micron, Wolfspeed, Menlo Micro, Corning and Edwards Vacuum, the latter of which is expected to be fully operational in Genesee County in 2026.  

Local semiconductor companies are preparing for the expected growth.  

Christine B. Whitman, chair and CEO of Rochester-based Mosaic Microsystems, said the designation will help drive business and innovation. 

“Any federal support for scaling manufacturing would be welcome,” Whitman said. “Workforce development for semiconductor expertise would be beneficial, and RIT, UR, AIM Photonics and Cornell are great partners for advancing innovation.” 

Swagelok Western New York, based in West Henrietta, is also gearing up. Marketing and business development manager Chris Gilman said the company has long supported fluid systems for the semiconductor industry and expects a surge in demand. 

“Swagelok has worked closely with Micron on other projects, and we expect the same with the build in Clay,” Gilman said, referring to Micron’s multibillion-dollar fab planned in Onondaga County. 

He said the firm is increasing inventory—particularly semiconductor-specific components—and considering staff expansions in its Syracuse office to support projected demand. 

“These measures will ensure that we can support the ramp-up in demand while maintaining the usual high level of service for all our customers,” Gilman said. 

Businesses interested in connecting with the NY SMART I-Corridor are encouraged to visit: nysmarticorridor.com.  

[email protected] / (585) 653-4021 

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