A renovation plan at SUNY Upstate Medical Center’s CNY Biotech Accelerator in Syracuse was unveiled on Monday that will address a shortage of life science incubator space. The project will renovate existing areas to create 1,809 square feet of flexible wet lab space, 308 square feet of cold storage, 526 square feet of shared equipment space, and 548 square feet of office and cubicle space. The upgrades will allow the accelerator to support up to 10 additional early to mid-stage companies each year.
“This latest investment in the CNY Biotech Accelerator reaffirms our commitment to leading the future of healthcare,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “The entrepreneurs who are bringing their ideas to this supportive incubator are focused on advancing medical science, helping to drive our economy, and securing treatments and hope for those battling life-threatening diseases.”
The CNY Biotech Accelerator supports biotech startup companies in the health tech, pharmaceutical, biologic, and medical device industries that are actively commercializing products or services. Over the last two years, the accelerator has generated a $65 million economic impact in the region, creating 82 jobs.
The renovation will repurpose underutilized space into a collaborative wet lab, convert a conference room into a shared equipment area, and transform first-floor locker rooms into a darkroom for microscope work and client storage. The updated lab will include moveable benches, seating, and other modifications to create flexible workspace.
Empire State Development is providing up to $2.25 million through the Central New York Rising Upstate Revitalization Initiative to support the project. Renovations are currently underway and are expected to be completed by the summer of 2028.
Syracuse Mayor Sharon Owens said the project will strengthen the region’s life sciences economy, create jobs, and attract investment. “These investments address the shortage of incubator facilities, and the entrepreneurs joining are not only advancing medical science but also fueling economic growth,” Owens said.
