$32 Million Syracuse-Based Project to Expand Downtown Tech Garden Begins

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the official commencement of a $32 million construction/expansion project for CenterState CEO’s Tech Garden in downtown Syracuse.

The expanded facility will serve as the anchor of Syracuse's City Center Innovation Hub, a core component of the Syracuse Surge economic development strategy, and will serve as the gateway to the "Innovation Alley" on Warren Street in Syracuse.

Notably, the new Syracuse Surge Accelerator (SSA), a one-year in-person technology business incubator program that supports Black-Indigenous-Persons of Color (BIPOC) entrepreneurs in launching tech-related and tech-adjacent startups is based at the Tech Garden.

The project will include a two-story, 46,000 square-foot addition, renovations to the facility’s existing space, and updates to the on-site mechanical and security systems. Expansion of The Tech Garden, which is home to the New York state supported GENIUS NY competition, also includes a 5,000-square-foot roof terrace for uncrewed aerial systems companies to launch and test drones, a 3,000-square-foot meeting room with seating for up to 180, private tenant offices for 35 additional resident startups, coworking areas, an expanded hardware space for prototype and product development, and a new entrance.

“Expansion of CenterState CEO’s Tech Garden facility will be critical to our strategy to make Upstate New York the next major hub for innovative, high-tech, 21st century businesses,” Hochul said. “With these new state-of-the-art facilities and additional seats for start-up companies, CenterState CEO will be able to continue its important work to expand the innovation economy in Central New York and set promising, early-stage businesses on a path for success. My administration is committed to supporting organizations like CenterState working to spark growth, empower businesses, and boost the local economy.”

Hochul’s office says the Tech Garden will continue to be the central hub for the GENIUS NY program, bringing UAS companies from around the country and world to Syracuse.

Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon said, “The project is a game-changer,” adding that, “The transformational expansion of The Tech Garden space will serve as a visible reminder of the momentum underway not only in Central New York, but in downtown Syracuse proper.”

“An expanded Tech Garden provides an opportunity to reimagine who we serve and how, and to broaden our reach and impact to drive more equity and inclusivity through the programs we offer,” CenterState CEO President Rob Simpson said. “In addition to incubation, acceleration and support of tech startups, we will serve non-tech startups and small businesses run by founders from underrepresented populations.”

Empire State Development is providing up to $16.6 million for the project, which is projected to cost $32 million, through the regions’ CNY Rising Upstate Revitalization Initiative. Construction is expected to take 14 months.

“New York is committed to the continued renaissance happening in downtown Syracuse, and this incredible new space will serve as an essential piece to those revitalization efforts,” said Empire State Development President, Chief Executive Officer and Commissioner Hope Knight said.

“This project ensures that more tech businesses will call this area home, bringing high-paying jobs and boosting the local economy,” New York State Senator Rachel May noted. “[It] will also help continue the success of the Tech Garden’s GENIUS NY Accelerator program, creating a larger space for tech startups to innovate and bring their inventions to market.”

“The renaissance of downtown Syracuse will also continue to flourish, furthering the City’s commitment to be a growing city that embraces diversity and creates opportunity for all, said Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh.

Additional information about the Tech Garden is available at: https://www.thetechgarden.com/.