FUZEHUB
Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund
Competition Application Period
Opens July 7, 2025
Closes August 8, 2025 at 11:59PM EST
Finalists Notified September 2025
Finalists Present In-Person October 29-30, 2025 at the
New York State Innovation Summit in Rochester, NY
Introduction
FuzeHub administers the Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund, which supports initiatives to advance technology development and commercialization across New York State.
As part of the Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund, FuzeHub will hold a New York State Commercialization Competition on October 29 & 30, 2025, in Rochester, NY. Participating companies will compete for up to $150,000 in funding by demonstrating the commercialization potential of their product or technology. This competition is designed to help emerging manufacturing and technology companies further develop their prototype, attract customers and investors, and strengthen their “go-to-market” strategies, as they move from new product/production method to marketplace.
Target sectors include, but are not limited to: advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, cleantech, health/medical, photonics, textiles, consumer products, electronics, agri-tech, robotics, and IoT (such as wearables, or smart devices).
Award Details
Up to $410,000 in funding is available for this year’s competition, as follows:
- Grand award: $150,000
- Runner-up: $100,000
- At least 2 awards of up to $80,000 each
FuzeHub reserves the right to adjust award amounts based on proposal strength and available funding. All winners must execute a Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) to receive funds. Awards are contingent upon continued funding from Empire State Development.
