THE BINGHAMTON INCUBATION PROGRAM (BIP)
Binghamton University's Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Partnerships manages multiple programs to provide opportunities for students, researchers and entrepreneurial members of the regional business ecosystem.
Programs provide the resources and guidance startups need to succeed, expanding on the beneficial facilities offered.
In FY2018 BIP companies raised over $17M and created over 120 jobs, supporting regional economic development.
Students, individuals, teams or researchers interested in these programs are encouraged to inquire about how E&IP can best support your venture. Programs within BIP are as follows:
Clean Energy Incubator Program
The Clean Energy Incubator Program offers key resources and mentorship to innovative startups in the clean energy, cleantech and climate tech spaces. The nationally recognized Clean Energy Program provides industry knowledge, connections, start-of-the-art laboratories and more to ensure the continued progress and growth of program participants. The program’s ultimate goal is to provide our companies with resources, support and training to build a successful startup or grow an existing venture. In-state, out of state and international members are all welcome to apply.
Ideal applicants should be working on a venture in the clean energy, cleantech, or climate tech areas. This is broadly categorized as ventures seeking to reduce or remediate carbon emissions either directly or indirectly. Companies focused on grid optimization, solar, energy storage and battery technology and more are welcome to apply. Interest in New York State presence
Business Incuabtor Program Program
The Business Incuabtor Program provides mentorship, guidance and resources to early-stage entrepreneurs and startups seeking to grow their venture. Mentors work one-on-one with entrepreneurs to refine business concepts and expand their operations. Businesses across various sectors are involved in the program including: app & website development, deep technology, AI/software, food & agriculture, cannabis, and more.
From entrepreneurs with early business experience and revenue, to existing startups looking to take their business to the next level, the Business Incubator Program offers a customized experience that tailors to varying industries and applications. Ideal applicants should have an interest in receiving mentorship and seeking resources offered at Koffman.
Soft Landing New York
The Soft Landing New York Program offered by the Koffman provides the tools and connections needed by foreign startups and entrepreneurs to establish a strong business foundation in the United States. The program assists participants in evaluating and navigating their way into the U.S. market, setting up operations, and successfully integrating into the regional economy. Participants receive one-on-one mentorship from Koffman staff and have access to additional workshops and training covering topics such as intellectual property, marketing, customer discovery, and more. The Koffman is the only entity in New York State with a Soft Landing Designation from the International Business Innovation Association (InBIA). Two cohorts of the program are offered virtually each year and run 3-4 months in length.
NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION I-CORPS
The I-Corps programis for undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty and staff with research-based concepts looking to progress their research. Research can originate from student work, research (funded or unfunded), institutional, or industrial projects. National Science Foundation resources combine with Binghamton University's to provide infrastructure, advice, networking opportunities, training and funding to bring research from the lab to market.
Through the use of short-courses, the I-Corps program will determine potential customers for specific research and explore the business model canvas to understand the viability of launching a startup. Upon completion of the I-Corps program, participants are eligible to apply for the NSF I-Corps Team National program (an intensive six-week NSF training with the opportunity to be awarded a $50,000 grant) as well as other funding opportunities.
START-UP NY
START-UP NY offers new and expanding businesses the opportunity to operate tax-free for 10 years on or near eligible university or college campuses in New York State.
By partnering with Binghamton University through this program, businesses gain direct access to advanced research laboratories, development resources and experts in key industries — in addition to the tax incentives.
Since 2013, more than 200 companies have made use of START-UP NY, and the program has resulted in more than 4,000 jobs and over $200 million in investment in companies' respective communities, according to the state.
To be eligible for the program, businesses must operate inside New York or be willing to relocate to the state. Once approved, businesses enjoy the benefits of research facilities within the universities, development resources and experts in industries relevant to their field.