ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Rochester has long been known for its legacy industries, research institutions, and engineering talent. But beneath that familiar narrative, a new storyline is emerging one defined by fast growth, modern technology, and the rise of companies that are scaling beyond the region without losing their local roots. From cloud software to fiber infrastructure to AI-driven services, Rochester’s tech ecosystem is accelerating in ways that are reshaping the local busi

CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. — The 2025 Grow-NY Business Competition awarded $3 million to seven emerging food and agriculture companies this week, naming Brooklyn-based Brekland the $1 million grand-prize winner. The awards were announced November 13 at the Grow-NY Summit, held this year on November 13th at the Lake House on Canandaigua, marking one of the region’s most anticipated showcases of agricultural innovation. The competition, now in its seventh year, is funded by Empire State

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Constellation Brands is extending its reach into one of the most powerful ecosystems in American sports as Ruffino Prosecco , one of its signature wine labels, becomes a Proud Partner of the University of Alabama Crimson Tide for the 2025–26 athletic season. The one-year agreement places Ruffino inside the heart of SEC football culture, aligning the Italian sparkling wine with a program known for national titles, high visibility, and a fiercely loyal fanbase

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Global Entrepreneurship Week Rochester, GRWROC , returns November. 18–21,2025 bringing together founders, investors, support organizations and business leaders for four days focused on innovation, collaboration and economic momentum across the region. Positioned as a region-wide celebration of entrepreneurship, the event highlights the people and programs shaping Rochester’s business landscape. Organizers emphasize that the week is designed to connect entrep

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Rochester’s founder community doesn’t run on caffeine alone, but the right coffee shop can absolutely spark better ideas, smoother meetings, and the kind of chance encounters that make building a company here feel special. From indie cafés with personality to chain locations that function as unofficial co-working hubs, here are the region’s most founder-friendly spots to work, meet, build, and collaborate. This isn’t a ranking, just a curated guide to the p

How the Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship is rewriting the rules of business education and expanding into Buffalo ROCHESTER, N.Y. — In the world of startups, growth, agility, and purpose are the hallmarks of success. But one of Rochester’s fastest-growing “startups” isn’t a tech company or venture-backed firm it’s a business school that operates more like a modern accelerator than a traditional college. Founded in 2023 by entrepreneur and philanthropist Tom G

Rochester remains a vital player in New York’s economic landscape. Not just through startups and research, but through established, market-listed enterprises that continue to anchor and employ thousands across the region.

A Connected Know guide to New York’s innovation infrastructure—how accelerators, incubators, and research centers drive statewide economic growth.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — For the first time since 2019, the New York State Innovation Summit returned to Rochester this week, bringing together more than 550 of the state’s brightest minds in technology, manufacturing, and research for two days of conversation, collaboration, and commercialization. Presented by FuzeHub in partnership with Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology & Innovation (NYSTAR), the sixth annual summit reaffirmed New York’s role as a national

A groups are exploring bringing Alpha School to Rochester; a technology-driven, self-directed learning model that's already transforming education in cities like Austin, Miami, and New York City.

Rochester, NY - Bruno’s Books & Beans is officially open for business, with a month-long grand opening celebration throughout October.

September 19, 2025 ROCHESTER, NY  — At NextCorps on Thursday night, the room was electric as Startup Grind Rochester hosted a...

ROCHESTER, N.Y. —  As the United States nears its 250th anniversary, a Rochester-based startup is taking on a national role in preserving the stories that define America. TheirStory.io has been selected as the official oral history provider for America250 , the country’s multi-year commemoration of its semiquincentennial. TheirStory.io is a fast-growing oral history technology company headquartered in Rochester. Built to make storytelling more accessible, the platform allow

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Sept. 12, 2025 Here are three upcoming events in Rochester, NY offering major opportunities for local experts to step up to the mic. Organizers are actively seeking speakers, workshop leaders, and panelists who can offer real-world insights, hard-won expertise, and tactical takeaways. Here are three organizations currently accepting speaker applications: 1. NXT Level Collective: Annual Women’s Retreat Date:  November 5, 2025 Deadline to Apply:  Rolling, earl

Here’s a closer look at five key players in Rochester’s early-stage investment landscape and what founders and startup leaders need to know about them.

A new wave of startups is redefining what innovation looks like in Rochester. From artificial intelligence to wellness and elder care, three emerging companies in Rochester driving innovation.

Startup Grind Rochester has opened applications for its 2025 All-Star Pitch Battle, inviting startups from across the region to compete for the chance to represent Rochester on a global stage at Startup Grind's National convention in San Fransisco.

“There’s no shortage of brilliant founders, researchers, operators and investors working across Rochester,” said the ConnectedKnow editorial team in a statement. “What’s missing is a consistent, credible place to tell those stories. That’s what ConnectedKnow is here to provide.”