Inside the Incubator: Spotlight on Experience Menu
Get to know Experience Menu, a startup in the NextCorps incubator building digital platforms that help people discover software, manage projects, and share content. Based on an interview with Antwan […]
Your startup’s codebase has rules: What founders should know about software licensing
Takeaways from a lunch & learn with Steven Smith, co-founder & CEO of Perdix Software, Inc. TL;DR Open-source software can help startups move faster, but every component comes with licensing […]
Inside the Incubator: Spotlight on Rolla
Get to know Rolla, a startup in the NextCorps incubator building a travel-centric social app for documenting and sharing the places, photos, and music that make a trip. Based on […]
Upstate innovation has a larger role to play in New York’s life sciences future
Takeaways from a lunch & learn with Jancy Nightingale-Burch, ecosystem development manager for NewYorkBIO TL;DR Upstate New York has strong life sciences potential through its expertise in research, healthcare, advanced […]
NextCorps and RochesterWorks help students explore manufacturing careers and workforce pathways
NextCorps hosted RochesterWorks Summer Youth Employment Program participants for a week of manufacturing career exploration, employer tours, and hands-on learning.
Good video marketing is about the plan, not the production
Takeaways from a lunch & learn with Chris Carpenter, marketing & community relations manager for NextCorps’ For ClimateTech accelerator programs TL;DR Effective video starts with strategy, not expensive equipment. Planning […]
Inside the Incubator: Spotlight on Moka Energy
Get to know Moka Energy, a startup in the NextCorps incubator solving the “energy speedbump” with coffee you can eat. Based on an interview with Tom Seymour, co-founder and CEO […]
Startup Wednesday Rochester brings founders together for a month of building, learning, and launching
When Dan Gigante pitched Startup Wednesday for a Springboard grant in 2025, his idea was rooted in something simple: people want to see each other succeed. Startup Wednesday adds structure […]
Earn qualified B2B meetings by focusing on the buyers who need you now
Takeaways from a recent lunch & learn with Patrick Shrekengast, NextCorps Entrepreneur-in-Residence TL;DR AI and automation have made sending outreach easier, but standing out is harder. Instead of reaching everyone, […]
NewYorkBIO expands its Upstate presence within NextCorps’ innovation ecosystem
Based on an interview with Jancy Nightingale-Burch, Ecosystem Development Manager of NewYorkBIO NewYorkBIO is strengthening connections across New York’s growing life sciences and innovation community with a new location inside […]
Partner Spotlight: Rochester Angel Network
Rochester’s startup ecosystem is growing, but early-stage companies still need the right investors to gain momentum. Rochester Angel Network (RAN) connects entrepreneurs with accredited investors across the Greater Rochester region […]
Customer discovery is never truly done
Takeaways from a lunch & learn with Matt Foley, Managing Director of Startup Incubation at NextCorps TL;DR Customer discovery should evolve alongside your startup, from identifying painful problems early on […]
Building products that actually create value
Takeaways from a lunch & learn with Zoe Koulouris, NextCorps Entrepreneur-in-Residence TL;DR The strongest products sit at the intersection of customer, business, and technology; ignoring any one of these creates […]
Inside the Incubator: Spotlight on IngenID
Get to know IngenID, a startup in the NextCorps incubator using voice biometrics to help businesses verify identity and keep sensitive information secure. Based on an interview with Peter Soufleris, […]
Inside the Incubator: Spotlight on PlankeApp
Get to know PlankeApp, a startup in the NextCorps incubator helping boutique fitness studios and instructors connect, hire, and grow. Based on an interview with PJ McMullen, co-founder and CEO […]
8 expert tips to move from napkin to prototype
Every great invention starts somewhere—often on the back of a napkin. But the gap between a sketch and a market-ready product can feel like an abyss. To help founders bridge […]
30 seconds to ‘yes’: Inside the minds of VCs, angels, and grant reviewers
In the world of early-stage startups, capital is the fuel, but the source of that fuel determines your speed, your steering, and who ultimately sits in the driver’s seat. NextCorps […]
Major tax wins for startups: R&D relief and hiring credits explained
If you’re running a tech startup, biotech company, or any business investing in innovation, the tax landscape just shifted dramatically in your favor. At a recent NextCorps lunch and learn, […]
Partner Spotlight: Monroe Community College
Finding the right talent can make or break a growing business. In the Finger Lakes region, Monroe Community College (MCC) plays a critical role in meeting that need. Through workforce […]
Inside the Incubator: Spotlight on Echo Life
Get to know NextCorps incubation client, Echo Life, a wearable technology startup creating immersive musical experiences that help people manage stress, improve focus, and enjoy better sleep. Based on an […]
Circular economy as a competitive edge: Turning sustainability into business value
At a recent NextCorps lunch & learn, founders and manufacturers gathered to explore a powerful idea: circular economy principles aren’t just good for the planet—they’re a source of real competitive […]
Forecasting with confidence: A founder’s guide to smarter financial decisions
NextCorps recently hosted a workshop with Entrepreneur-in-Residence Joel Benzel, who led founders through the art of financial forecasting. With years of experience navigating customer discovery, raising capital, and steering a […]
Partner Spotlight Special Edition: RTMA
The Rochester Technology and Manufacturing Association (RTMA) is a nonprofit organization representing advanced manufacturers and equipping them with the strategic insight, innovation, and support needed to stay competitive and grow. […]
Partner Spotlight: Grow-NY
Innovation in food and agriculture grows faster with guidance, capital, and strong regional support. Grow-NY brings these elements together through a global startup competition that awards $3 million each year […]
Fueling local ambition: NextCorps welcomes new startup scholars
Ten local entrepreneurs have been selected for the next round of NextCorps’ startup scholarships. Made possible by renewed funding from M&T Bank, scholarship recipients are kicking off one calendar year […]
From tech entrepreneur to transformational leader: Zoe Koulouris joins NextCorps as EIR
Entrepreneurs in Residence (EIRs) at NextCorps bring firsthand experience to founders navigating the complexities of growth. They’ve built teams, scaled businesses, and learned how to lead with both strategy and […]
The first AI Startup Jam sparks a weekend of innovation at NextCorps
More than 40 innovators gathered at NextCorps for the first-ever AI Startup Jam, a high-energy weekend challenge to turn ideas into working software prototypes using the latest AI tools. Supported […]
Inside the Incubator: Spotlight on Locke
Get to know NextCorps incubation client, Locke, a company helping individuals and businesses protect their digital identities and simplify online security. Based on an interview with Connor Peters, CEO of […]
The prompting playbook: Stop guessing, start guiding your AI
NextCorps recently hosted a workshop with Chris Rimlinger, owner of New Market Ventures, LLC, who offered a deep dive into one of today’s most in-demand skills: how to craft clear, […]
Incubation at NextCorps: Building stronger startups and a stronger Rochester
Turning an idea into a thriving company takes more than determination—it takes guidance, resources, and a strong community. NextCorps operates the region’s largest and longest-running business incubator, supporting more than […]
A step-by-step guide to turn fear into growth
NextCorps recently hosted a workshop led by Raeanne Lacatena, CEO of The Integrated Entrepreneur, contributing author of Cracking the Rich Code, and certified professional coach. Drawing on her diverse background […]
Rochester’s Clean Jobs Collaborative is powering a cleaner, more equitable future
As the nation races toward a clean energy future, Rochester is ensuring its residents benefit from the transition. The Clean Jobs Collaborative—led by NextCorps and supported by the U.S. Department […]
Partner Spotlight: RIT Center for Urban Entrepreneurship
Behind every small business is a story, a dream, and a set of challenges that can’t be solved with a one-size-fits-all program. The RIT Center for Urban Entrepreneurship (CUE) exists […]
Inside the Incubator: Spotlight on Weprogy
Read in Spanish Get to know NextCorps incubation client Weprogy, a centralized platform changing the way real estate decision makers find and hire skilled subcontractors. It’s a smarter way to […]
Inside the Incubator: Spotlight on circlestar
Get to know NextCorps incubation client, circlestar, a platform using natural language AI to help communities and associations strengthen member engagement through purpose-driven connections. Based on an interview with Valerie […]
WAE SmartLabor Initiative brings staffing support to Finger Lakes manufacturers
Manufacturers across the Finger Lakes region face persistent challenges in recruiting and retaining reliable entry-level talent. The WAE SmartLabor™ Initiative, developed through a collaboration between the University of Rochester and […]
Introducing NextCorps’ newest EIRs (part 2)
In part one of this series, we introduced two of NextCorps newest Entrepreneurs in Residence (EIRs) supporting startups in our incubator. Meet two more new EIRs—experts in sales, operations, and […]
Introducing NextCorps’ newest EIRs (part 1)
Close to 70 companies are currently part of NextCorps’ startup incubator, the largest and longest-running incubator in the region. Incubate with us and you can take advantage of a host […]
Partner Spotlight: The Commissary
Starting a food business takes more than just a great recipe—it requires space, support, and a strong community. The Commissary offers all three as the region’s first food business incubator […]
Inside the Incubator: Spotlight on Youdle
Get to know NextCorps incubation client, Youdle, a grocery search platform that connects independent grocers with real-time local demand, reducing food waste and making grocery shopping more seamless for consumers. […]
Stop the scroll, increase your sales
By Morgan Adams NextCorps recently hosted a Lunch & Learn with Krista Jenkins, founder of Spark Content, a marketing expert and entrepreneur who helps nonprofits and small businesses grow their […]
Inside the Incubator: Spotlight on Phlotonics
Get to know NextCorps incubation client, Phlotonics, a company developing novel photonic biosensing technologies that could transform how new medicines are discovered and tested. Based on an interview with Dr. […]
A call to lead with purpose
Gaining competitive advantages through sustainability By Holly Barrett, CMO, NextCorps Sometimes stories are so captivating, you feel compelled to share the experience with anyone who will listen. That’s because good […]
Inside the Incubator: Spotlight on Event Savvy Tech
Get to know NextCorps incubation client, Event Savvy Tech, a software company helping small businesses stay focused on growth and customer engagement by automating time-consuming event marketing tasks. Based on […]
Guglielmo’s secret ingredient: Helping entrepreneurs thrive
How Craft Cannery is revolutionizing small-batch food production Paul Guglielmo had pasta at his grandfather’s house every Sunday growing up. Each week, he helped recreate his great grandmother’s sauce, which […]
Meet Dustin Wilson: Connecting startups and big ideas
Dustin Wilson has joined NextCorps as Startup Community Manager, bringing nearly a decade of experience in entrepreneurship and business development. His background includes leadership roles at Launch NY, KnowCap, and […]
New year, new goals
Whether it’s hitting the gym regularly, exploring new destinations, carving out more “me time,” or cherishing moments with loved ones, everyone has something they’re excited about as the calendar flips […]
Partner Spotlight: Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County
The first crucial step for any startup is research. This includes identifying your target market, determining whether your product or service already exists or has been patented, and evaluating the […]
Using benefits to attract top talent for your startup
NextCorps recently hosted a workshop with Joe Hamway and Jen Nguyen of Smola Consulting. They offer the following advice to help startups navigate the complexities of employee benefits and drive […]
Essential year-end tax and business tips for founders
As founders approach the end of the year, it’s crucial to take stock of financial and business strategies to ensure you’re fully prepared for what’s ahead. To provide expert guidance […]
Inside the Incubator: Spotlight on SRGMF and Alive + Well NY
Get to know NextCorps incubation client, SRGMF Creative Brand Consulting, and non-profit Alive + Well NY. Based on an interview with Shawn “GEE” Goburn, who serves as the CEO of […]
Artificial intelligence: Transforming strategies and driving results
By Jill Kemp It’s literally everywhere. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a part of everyday life for many people, and its innovations are expanding creativity and in some cases, reducing […]
Inside the Incubator: Spotlight on Feeloh
Get to know NextCorps incubation client, Feeloh, with a groundbreaking app designed to help busy adults strengthen social connections with ease. Based on an interview with Alexia Georgiou, CEO & […]
Empowering early-stage entrepreneurs in Rochester with M&T scholarship
Since its launch on March 5, 2024, the scholarship initiative by NextCorps and M&T Bank has been instrumental in supporting early-stage entrepreneurs in Rochester. This M&T-funded program offers 15 to […]
Inside the Incubator: Spotlight on The Adventure Nexus
Get to know NextCorps incubation client, The Adventure Nexus, a platform designed to bring tabletop gamers together and foster real-world connections. Based on an interview with Ian Gauger, CEO and […]
Inside the Incubator: Spotlight on Kineto
Get to know Nextcorps incubation client, Kineto.cloud, which is preserving and providing access to school and community-based organizations’ performances and events. Based on an interview with Kineto founder, Roderic Burrill […]
Meet Timothy Thaney: A new expert on NextCorps’ board
Timothy Thaney has recently joined NextCorps’ Board of Directors. We had the opportunity to speak with Timothy to discuss his experience in financial assurance and community leadership. From Financial Assurance […]
Meet Jeffrey Quain: A new voice on NextCorps’ board
Jeffrey Quain has officially stepped into his new role as a member of NextCorps’ Board of Directors. We were able to discuss with Jeffrey about his journey, from initial exposure […]
Celebrating 25 years of dedication: A Q&A with Jackie Amigone
NextCorps is celebrating Jackie Amigone’s remarkable 25-year journey with the organization. Since 1999, Jackie has been a cornerstone of our non-profit, supporting entrepreneurs while keeping staff cyber secure in roles […]
Micron Technology’s vision: Transforming Upstate New York’s tech corridor
On July 24, TechRochester hosted Micron Technology at NextCorps to talk about its transformative plans for Upstate New York, which will help revolutionize the tech corridor from Syracuse to Buffalo […]
Meet Dr. Stephen Dewhurst: A new addition to NextCorps’ board
Dr. Stephen Dewhurst recently joined NextCorps’ Board of Directors. We sat down with Steve to discuss how his distinguished career in research and academia will benefit the board and NextCorps. […]
Springboard awards $222,500 across ten organizations to first round winners to boost entrepreneurial ecosystem
More than 130 businesses and nonprofits competed in the New Rapid Prize Competition that will award $600,000 in 2024 On Monday, June 24, NextCorps hosted the first round of Springboard’s […]
On the path to certification and new earning and career potential with Embark
After six months of participants’ dedication and hard work, Phase 1 of the Embark No-Code Bootcamp has successfully concluded, surpassing many expectations and goals. The Roots of the Embark No-Code […]
Inside the Incubator: Spotlight on Prolivio’s KHIO
Get to know NextCorps incubation client Prolivio, which offers those who suffer from migraines a technology-driven, drug-free solution with its new product, KHIO, a hyper-cooling digital headband and integrated app. […]
Unlock Your Networking Potential with These Simple Steps
When asking founders what one of their biggest challenges is, the most common answer: networking. While making new connections can be tough, the 30+ attendees at the workshop led by […]
Inside the Incubator: Spotlight on Sidekick
Get to know NextCorps incubation client, Sidekick, which is using technology to bring people together in the real world. Based on an interview with Sidekick Co-Founders, Laura Krebs Illig and […]
Inside the Incubator: Spotlight on Kool Nerd
Get to know NextCorps incubation client, Kool Nerd, a career readiness company that’s shaping the next generation of diverse workforce professionals. Based on an interview with Kool Nerd Connect Founder, […]
Inside the Incubator: Spotlight on MYRetreat
Get to know NextCorps incubation client, MYRetreat, which is blending the practice of mindfulness with the allure of chocolate to revolutionize habit formation. Based on an interview with MYRetreat Inc. […]
Inside the Incubator: Spotlight on DataCicada
Get to know NextCorps incubation client, DataCicada, which is paving the way for engineers and scientists to turn raw data into meaningful predictions for their customers. Based on an interview […]
Inside the Incubator: Spotlight on Frintz
Get to know NextCorps incubation client, Frintz, which fuels the world’s passion for taking pictures while giving small businesses a new competitive edge. Based on an interview with Bill Testa, […]
Demystifying AI: Ways We’re Using ChatGPT and Other Tools at NextCorps
By Kate Leonard Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the way we live, work, and play. Its applications are diverse and continually expanding, making it one of the most transformative technologies […]
Celebrating Excellence in Tech – Highlights from the 2023 GREAT Awards
By Helen Rose Shine, NextCorps Marketing & Content Coordinator Excitement was in the air at RIT Magic Spell Studios this past week! NextCorps team members and I gathered with the […]
Celebrating What’s Next
Like the entrepreneurs we serve, we’re always moving. That’s the essence of what we do at NextCorps — help forward ideas, technologies, and businesses faster. Since opening our doors on […]
Partner Spotlight: SUNY Brockport SBDC
Entrepreneurs who have big dreams of starting or owning a business often need big support to successfully move forward. Fortunately, the SUNY Brockport Small Business Development Center is ready to […]
Max Henry’s Legacy
Our community lost a truly remarkable person last month with the passing of our dear friend and Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Max Henry. We asked many of our staff and founders who had […]
Partner Spotlight: TechRochester
TechRochester has been a pillar of the Greater Rochester technology community since it was founded in 2000 as Digital Rochester. It offers a wide array of events, training, and networking […]
Partner Spotlight: MedTech
MedTech is a state-wide trade association with a mission to grow New York’s bio/med industry through connections and collaboration. Its members consist of life sciences and healthcare companies, academic research […]
Partner Spotlight: RocDev
Since its founding in 2015, RocDev has been a place for software engineers, product managers, and everyone in tech to come together to share experiences and learn from each other. […]
Partner Spotlight: Empire State Development
If you don’t know about Empire State Development, or ESD, you should. With its mission “to promote a vigorous and growing state economy,” ESD works to ensure the efficient use […]
Partner Spotlight: RDDC & RDP
With NextCorps’ location at the city’s epicenter, it should come as no surprise that one of our important partnerships is with the Rochester Downtown Development Corporation (RDDC). This non-profit is […]
Partner Spotlight: RG&E
One of NextCorps longest partnerships has been with Rochester Gas & Electric. RG&E — a subsidiary of AVANGRID — serves 378,500 electricity customers and 313,000 natural gas customers in the […]
No-Code Accelerates Software Entrepreneurship
3 Ideas in the Works by NextCorps Embark Startup Founders If you have an idea for a web or mobile application, you no longer need a small team of programmers […]
Partner Spotlight: Excell Partners
Many of our founders are working with Excell Partners, a VC fund that’s primarily focused on Upstate New York. It invests in high-tech, high-growth startups in New York State, and […]
Partner Spotlight: Greater Rochester Enterprise
One of the many resources that our business community has is Greater Rochester Enterprise (GRE). As the leading regional economic development organization, GRE is committed to attracting new capital investments, […]
Certainty Analytical Labs Empowers Hemp & CBD Distributors with Quality Data
An interview with Founder and CEO, Brandy Young, PhD What is Certainty Analytical Labs? Certainty Analytical Labs is a B2B compliance testing laboratory that services food and agricultural customers that […]
Meet Dan Dykens, NextCorps’ Newest Entrepreneur-in-Residence
As NextCorps continues to grow, so does our staff and support for entrepreneurs. We’re excited to have Dan Dykens joining our team as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence. Although Dan is a serial […]
How to Hire Quickly as a Startup
Takeaways from a Startup Week seminar with Pete Petrella It’s a sobering statistic that 25% of startups fail because they don’t have a strong team. During NextCorps’ Startup Week earlier […]
Startup Incubator vs. Startup Accelerator… What is the Difference?
By Matt Foley, Director of Startup Incubation Many startups these days know that it is a smart move to join a startup incubator or accelerator to stay motivated and accountable […]
Hardware Scaleup Celebrates Accomplishments of Cohort I and II
By Nicole Mauro On June 10, NextCorps and Rev: Ithaca Startup Works hosted a virtual event to celebrate the accomplishments made by the 18 cleantech startup companies enrolled in Cohort […]
9 Tips About Trade Shows and How to Maximize Your Attendance
By Sandy Sloane On June 3, Holly Barrett, Marketing Director of NextCorps, and Sandy Sloane, President of Solutions by Sloane and events consultant for Luminate, presented a workshop on making […]
A Playbook for Developing a Sales Culture
By Leo Linder All companies and customers have one thing in common. They all want to grow. To execute on their goals for growth, companies can either build internal processes […]
8 Steps to Thriving in a Downturn or Crisis
By Jamie Cornehlsen Although the ramifications of COVID-19 have changed our businesses and our immediate focus, there are actions we can take now to move forward and grow. To help […]
13 Things You Should Know About Sales
To Pittsburgh & Beyond
Back in January, NextCorps hosted a Hardware Challenge, where 11 teams came out to pitch their hardware companies to a panel of esteemed judges. You can catch the recap here. […]
How does your business measure up?
Have you been thinking about the social impact of your business? Is doing social good important to you as a business owner? The MeasureUp Finger Lakes program aims to inspire […]
How to Write Great Copy (and When to Hire a Great Copywriter Instead)
Mites Popping Like Popcorn, and other Hardware Innovations
This is a guest post by Devin Sandon, New Venture Specialist at NextCorps. The first NextCorps Hardware Challenge brought together a diverse group of passionate, articulate entrepreneurs addressing a wide range of challenges, in the hopes of honing their pitches, getting community […]
A Sneak Peek at the Hardware Challenge
This week at NextCorps, we’re hosting the Hardware Challenge Pitch Competition (save the date: it’s 1/26). We’re inviting hardware startups to come pitch to a panel of esteemed judges. Startups […]
Top 6 Takeaways from “Top Strategies for Raising Funds for Rochester Startups”
At this month’s sold out Lunch & Learn, we were joined by three professionals in the venture capital space in Western New York. Rami Katz of Excell Partners, Inc., Steve […]
Introducing: Hardware Scaleup
There’s a new program here at NextCorps! We are thrilled to announce that we’re the upstate home of Hardware Scaleup. What is Hardware Scaleup? Hardware Scaleup is funded by the […]