MAY 2026
In 2025, NextCorps hosted more than 100 events, announced a major facility expansion, launched the AI Startup Jam, and developed training to help other regions build their own deep tech accelerator. Since opening our incubator in Sibley Square, we’ve served nearly 1,000 companies.
Check out our 2025 Impact Report to explore how we’re helping drive our region’s emergence as a leading place for innovation and growth.
Coming Up at NextCorps
Customer discovery isn’t just something you do when you’re starting out. It’s a discipline that continues throughout the startup journey. Matt Foley, Managing Director of Startup Incubation at NextCorps, leads our next free lunch & learn on turning customer conversations into smarter decisions and better products—whether you’re still shaping your idea, already in market, or eyeing growth.
Space is limited and registration closes Tuesday, May 12 at 10:00 AM.
Growth in advanced manufacturing requires the right talent, partners, and infrastructure. The Manufacturing Workforce Summit brings together manufacturers, community partners, and industry experts to explore practical solutions to building a skilled workforce and strengthening supply chain readiness across the semiconductor and defense sectors.
Sign up for this free, one-day event focused on real opportunities—including coordinated matchmaking with prime contractors.
Join us for the next Beyond the Sketch event, where regional resource providers come together to highlight how design expertise and strong community connections can drive real business growth. Hear how companies across New York have tapped into design support and funding to scale production, reach new markets, and create jobs.
Designed for startups and manufacturing supply chain companies, this session is an opportunity to explore new pathways for product development and build connections that can move your next innovation forward.
Opportunities to fuel your growth
FuzeHub’s 2026 Manufacturing Grants offer small to medium-sized NYS manufacturers and partnering non-profits up to $65K in funding for projects that help accelerate technology adoption, enhance products and services, and drive growth. Act fast—applications close soon!
Grow-NY awards $3M annually to seven early-stage food and ag startups advancing sustainable, healthy, and scalable innovations. Winners also receive mentorship and tailored business development support in Upstate New York.
GENIUS NY invests $3M annually in early-stage startups focused on uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS), automation, and advanced air mobility (AAM). Teams selected for cohort 10 will also receive business training, workspace, fundraising support, and more.
Startup Wednesday spreads the intensity of a weekend hackathon across four weeks, giving you time to build, test, and launch a working MVP or beta. The Rochester cohort kicks off June 3 and will be supported by experienced operators, investors, and advisors serving as judges and mentors—including several from the NextCorps community!
Inside the incubator
IngenID has developed a SaaS voice biometrics platform designed to help businesses confidently verify identity in an era of AI-generated fraud. Founded by CEO Peter Soufleris and launched in Rochester in partnership with URochester, the company has quickly scaled globally, offering secure, device-agnostic authentication across 40+ languages in 13 countries.
NextCorps community shoutouts
👋 Welcome new clients, BenefAI, LedgerMind, and Z-Links!
👋 Welcome new tenant, NewYorkBIO!
Moka Energy is currently raising up to $750K. The company was recently featured in Upstate Capital’s Investor Deal Flow Call, and interested investors can email Shelby Schneider to learn more.
Locke Identity announced the release of Open Passkey, an extensive library that makes it dead simple to add passwordless authentication to nearly any app.
Hackersjack‘s web-based learning platform is being reviewed through an official efficacy study at Melbourne Institute of Technology.
Health Care Originals’ CEO & co-founder, Sharon Samjitsingh, shared how she’s rethinking respiratory care for those who need it most on the Women in STEM podcast.
ClosetOS was spotlighted by ConnectedKnow for its platform designed to make online shopping more personalized and intuitive.
NextCorps EIR Pat Shreckengast is continuing to support the WNY startup ecosystem in his role as Managing Director for GrowthX, helping founders build scalable, repeatable sales systems.
The work between wins
How we’re helping founders move forward faster
Strong partnerships emerge organically in the right environment. For startups, belonging to an incubator increases your chances of finding those natural fits.
Through NextCorps, Mike Brennan of Milexi connected with Connor Peters of Locke, two companies with complementary services and a shared interest in helping more businesses grow securely.
“Connor and I are working in overlapping markets, but from different angles. As I’ve been building out sales motion for Milexi, it makes sense to bring Locke into relevant conversations, growing their awareness and pipeline, too.”
— Mike Brennan
Founder, Milexi Milexi (left)
The partnership is a win multiplied: new introductions for Locke, elevated credibility for Milexi, and stronger cybersecurity for more small businesses.
“Mike has been an incredible resource that’s helped sharpen how I approach ICPs (ideal customer profiles) and customer focus. He understands how to research opportunities and leave nothing on the table.”
— Connor Peters, CEO, Locke (right)
Want in on this kind of collaborative community?
👉 Apply to join the NextCorps incubator.
Community events
InnovateHER
May 7, 5:00 PM, Christopher’s Restaurant
A chance for women to network, mentor, and connect with the next generation of entrepreneurs.
First Thursdays/Creative Collisions
May 7, 5:30 PM, Fattey Beer Co.
Entrepreneurs and supporters of the startup community—join RocGrowth and Startup Grind Rochester for creative collisions over drinks.
TechRochester Networking Featuring Made in ROC
May 14, 5:30 PM, Midtown Athletic Club
An evening of networking for professionals from across Rochester’s technology and business community.
Glass4Chips Summit 2026
May 14-15, Albany
This two-day event from FuzeHub and partners SEMI and NY Creates convenes leaders across industry, government, and research to advance glass substrates for next-generation AI and 6G packaging.
RocGrowth Coffee
May 15, 8:00 AM, Bar Bantam
Get a jump on the last day of the work week with caffeine and conversations (no RSVP necessary).
Startup Grind May Pitch In
May 21, 5:30 PM, NextCorps
Connect with local startups looking for awareness and feedback. Come for the pitches, stay for the cocktails and conversations.
Startup Drinks
May 28, 5:30 PM, NextCorps
Step away from your screens and connect over drinks with like-minded entrepreneurs and startup founders.
Working with the government?
Take advantage of the Small Business Training webinar series from the Monroe County-Upstate NY APEX Accelerator.
- Selling to the Government, May 13, 10:00 AM
- Marketing to the Government, May 14, 10:00 AM
- Understanding Contract Format, May 20, 10:00 AM
On the blog
Building products that actually create value
At a recent lunch & learn, NextCorps Entrepreneur-in-Residence and seasoned product leader, Zoe Koulouris, shared practical guidance on startup product management—showing founders how to align strategy with product stage, use discovery and delivery to validate ideas quickly, and make smarter build‑versus‑buy decisions that strengthen their product and business.
🎧 For your podcast playlist
Jim Senall joined The Wilmac Wire for a deep dive into Rochester’s startup ecosystem and what it takes to build and fund early-stage companies.