Go Bills! Buffalo Welcomes the 2026 NYS Innovation Summit

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Quantum computing, space technology and the commercialization of emerging innovations are taking center stage at the 2026 New York State Innovation Summit, held Oct. 27-28 at the Buffalo Convention Center.

The two-day event brings together technology leaders, manufacturers, researchers, entrepreneurs and investors to explore advancements shaping New York's economy and its position in emerging industries.

Hosted by FuzeHub in partnership with Empire State Development's Division of Science, Technology and Innovation, known as NYSTAR, the summit connects research institutions, startups and established businesses with resources to accelerate innovation and bring new technologies to market.Quantum computing moves into focus

One of this year's featured discussions, "The Quantum Revolution: What Comes Next," examines the opportunities and challenges surrounding quantum technologies as research advances toward commercial applications.

Moderated by NYSTAR Executive Director Ben Verschueren, the discussion features Charles Black of Brookhaven National Laboratory, Eden Figueroa of Stony Brook University and Anna Topol, CEO of Qlithic Technologies.

Quantum computing represents a potentially transformative shift in computational capabilities, with applications spanning materials science, cybersecurity, pharmaceuticals and complex industrial systems.

For New York, the opportunity extends beyond scientific discovery to building the companies, infrastructure and workforce needed to translate quantum research into commercial products.

New York's role in the growing space economy

The summit also highlights the state's aerospace capabilities through a session titled "NY State's Place in the New Space Economy."

The discussion brings together representatives from Cornell University, Rochester Institute of Technology, Moog and emerging aerospace companies to examine New York's competitive advantages in a rapidly expanding commercial space industry.

Panelists include Mason Peck, professor of astronautics at Cornell University; Michael Zemcov, professor of astronomy at RIT; Steven McDonald of Moog; and Kaylon Paterson, CEO of Paterson Aerospace Systems.

As commercial satellite operations, space exploration and advanced propulsion technologies create new markets, the conversation focuses on opportunities for New York's manufacturers, research institutions and technology companies to participate in the industry's growth.

Nine startups compete for $430,000 in funding

Entrepreneurship and commercialization are also central to this year's summit, with nine startups competing for a combined $430,000 through the ninth annual New York State Commercialization Competition.

Administered by FuzeHub through its Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund, the competition provides early-stage companies with an opportunity to showcase emerging technologies, connect with investors and secure funding to accelerate commercialization.

The 2026 finalists include:

• Axenica Bioscience (Western New York) — Developing viral reference materials to improve infectious disease diagnostics.
• CarbonCLAIR (New York City) — Developing mobile air-treatment systems to capture dust, fumes and pollutants at construction and industrial sites.
• CaroRhythm (New York City) — Developing wearable technology to monitor stroke risk indicators and support early detection.
• Eggstraordinary (Southern Tier) — Commercializing Eggiyo, a protein-rich, egg-based breakfast cereal.
• Lucent EMS Solutions (Long Island) — Building AI-powered documentation technology for emergency medical responders.
• ProViZiGen (New York City) — Developing an injectable biologic designed to prevent osteoarthritis following joint injuries.
• PSSP Technologies (OVAI) (Long Island) — Developing a wearable patch to continuously monitor hormone levels through sweat.
• Resolvia Biosciences (Capital Region) — Developing therapies targeting chronic inflammation and tissue repair.
• SUPERClean Glass (Long Island) — Developing waterless self-cleaning technology to improve solar panel efficiency.

Four companies will receive funding, including a $150,000 grand prize, a $110,000 runner-up award and two additional awards of $85,000 each.

The winners are scheduled to be announced Wednesday, Oct. 28, during the second day of the summit.

The competition reflects a broader effort to strengthen New York's startup ecosystem by connecting university research, emerging businesses and private investment with resources needed to bring new products to market.

Connecting innovation with investment

Beyond quantum computing, aerospace and startup commercialization, the summit features discussions on artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, energy innovation and venture capital.

A panel on venture capital's role in reindustrialization examines how investment can support the development and expansion of technology-driven businesses and manufacturing capabilities.

The summit also features remarks from Hope Knight, president, CEO and commissioner of Empire State Development, and presentations from GE Vernova and other industry leaders.

For New York's innovation ecosystem, the event underscores the importance of connecting scientific research, private investment and industrial capabilities to build businesses and create economic opportunities.

With Buffalo serving as host city, the summit also reflected the region's unmistakable hometown enthusiasm. Several speakers punctuated their remarks with a familiar Western New York rallying cry: "Go Bills!"

As technologies such as quantum computing and commercial space systems continue to develop, the challenge will be translating research and technical expertise into scalable companies, competitive industries and long-term economic growth.

Additional information, including the full summit agenda, is available on the event's website.