Renewable Energy Incubator Launches in Rochester

Aug 18 - Chemical Engineering Progress

A new business incubator in Western New York will help renewable energy companies harness available business resources and raise their visibility.

Leaders of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), High Tech Rochester (HTR), Greater Rochester Enterprise (GRE), and Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) formed the Renewable Energy Network of Entrepreneurs in Western New York (RENEW NY), a collaborative effort focused on identifying, incubating and creating renewable energy companies and resources, ineluding wind, hydro, solar, biomass and geothermal power in Western New York (defined as the geographic region west of Interstate 81, including the areas of Syracuse, Binghamton, Ithaca, Corning, Rochester, and Buffalo).

One of RENEW NY's primary goals is to market these firms to other companies throughout New York State, both for potential partnership opportunities and for business transactions. It will also assist firms in reaching out to a broader audience out of state; match entrepreneurs with seed capital; assist with grants; provide coaching, mentoring, education and training; offer networking opportunities; and raise overall awareness of renewable energy companies in Western New York.

Funding for RENEW NY is provided by NYSERDA, which is contributing $150,000 toward the effort. Additional contributions come from HTR, GRE, RIT, and the Ennovasion Group, a Rochester- based consulting firm that will provide incubation and other services to RENEW NY client companies.

For more information, contact Zoe A. Piliero, director, marketing and public relations of Greater Rochester Enterprise at 585-530- 6205; Zoe@GreaterRochesterEnterprise.com .

Copyright American Institute of Chemical Engineers Aug 2004