SEPTEMBER 2026
The work between wins
There’s a quiet kind of work that doesn’t show up on pitch decks or press releases. It’s the work of showing up for each other—through the long stretches between milestones.
We recently hosted our first-ever Community Picnic, bringing together about 90 staff, clients, partners, EIRs, and their families and friends. Beyond the food and lawn games was something deeper: a sense of belonging.
As we head into back-to-school season, a time of new beginnings, it feels right to celebrate the community we’re building together. The connections formed in shared spaces and the reminder that entrepreneurship doesn’t have to be a lonely road.
If you’re a founder looking for a place to belong, we’d love to meet you.
👉 Apply to join the NextCorps incubator.
In the news
NextCorps Selected as 2026 Strategic Award Winner by Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator
In partnership with the Centrepolis Accelerator, NextCorps will use the Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator (IN2) award to research barriers and resources for evaluating and upgrading underused industrial sites. The initiative aims to reduce friction for startups and project teams piloting and commercializing energy technologies by making site assessments and facility upgrades faster and more accessible.
Coming up at NextCorps
If you’re building with open-source, third-party, or AI-generated code, join our next free lunch & learn with Perdix Software’s Steve Smith. You’ll learn how to evaluate software licenses, track third-party code with Software Bills of Materials (SBOMs), avoid common compliance pitfalls, and navigate risks specific to AI-generated code.
Space is limited and registration closes Tuesday, September 15 at 10:00 AM.
Feel the pulse of progress
For nine years, Luminate has brought ambitious founders to Rochester to turn optics, photonics, imaging, and laser technologies into scalable businesses—and cohort 9 is now ready to graduate. These teams have spent months sharpening go-to-market strategies, building connections to our region, and preparing to take their solutions into the world.
Join us September 30 at Luminate Finals 2026, sponsored by Optica and presented as part of FiO LS, to meet the teams advancing breakthroughs in healthcare, defense, manufacturing, quantum, and beyond. Get a pulse on what’s ahead for the United States National Science Foundation STELLAR Engine for laser innovation, vote live for the Audience Choice Award ($10,000), and watch up to $2M in follow-on funding revealed—including $1M for Company of the Year. Be there in person (lunch provided) or online.
Opportunities to fuel your growth
The NextCorps Manufacturing Accelerator is accepting applications for its fall 2026 cohort. Join the September 23 info session to hear from program manager Mike Marvin and learn how the free program can help you get your hardware into production.
The Greater Rochester Enterprise Economic Gardening business growth program provides free tailor-made technical assistance to second-stage companies in the Greater Rochester, NY region.
Rochester Startup Week is coming up November 2–7, bringing together organizations from across the region’s startup ecosystem for a week of founder talks, workshops, pitch competitions, networking, and more. Several events will be held at NextCorps throughout the week!
Inside the incubator
Rolla is rethinking how we share our travels by putting the map at the center of every post—turning trips into interactive journals with pinned locations, photos, and soundtracks. In this NextCorps client spotlight, co-founder Brian Smith shares how the app brings back authentic, low-pressure sharing for friends and why Rochester’s photography DNA made it the perfect home to build.
NextCorps community shoutouts
👋 Welcome new client, Catalyst Code LLC!
IngenID announced a major update to its Twilio connector, adding continuous, cost-effective real-time deepfake detection to its existing voice biometric authentication and classification system.
Z-Links has launched its beta, inviting businesses and users to explore the platform, test features, and provide feedback to help guide continued development.
Enterprise Café has been acquired by Cut+Dry, bringing together its trusted business intelligence platform with Cut+Dry’s AI capabilities to help independent foodservice distributors improve margins and profitability.
Knotch (formerly ClosetOS) is preparing for launch on September 11, and founder Kyla Brown recently gave the NextCorps community a firsthand look at how the AI-powered style platform has evolved. The event also spotlighted two Rochester Summer of Opportunity high school interns, who presented the social content they created for Knotch and shared practical branding advice for founders.
Community events
Women in Tech Networking Night
Sept 10, 6:00 PM, Unwine’d
Attend an evening of wine, cheese, and great conversation with other women building careers in tech in Rochester.
Startup Grind Conference – Springboard Cohort Panel
Sept 17, 5:30 PM, NextCorps
Hear from Springboard grant recipients about their conference and pitch experiences, then network with fellow innovators over food and drinks.
Understanding INCO Terms
Sept 23, 9:00 AM, ESD Global NY
Learn how to decode the secret language of international commerce terms and make them work to your advantage at this in-person export compliance seminar led by Mohawk Global. Email kate.daily@trade.gov by Sept 21 to register.
September Startup Drinks
Sept 24, 5:30 PM, NextCorps
Step away from your screens and connect with entrepreneurs and founders at NextCorps’ monthly startup happy hour. Drinks on us; NA options available.
Mission Ready: How to Prepare for a Government Contracting Matchmaker
Sept 30, 10:00 AM, Virtual
Prepare for government matchmaking events with practical strategies to identify buyers, refine your pitch, and make a lasting impression.
Agile Connect Rochester 2026
Oct 1, 8:30 AM, Hyatt Regency Rochester
Join Rochester’s tech and product community for a high-energy day of agile learning, practical insights, and connection for all experience levels.
Rochester TRENDS: NY SMART I-Corridor Opportunity Exchange
Oct 8, 8:00 AM, The Strong
Explore opportunities in New York’s growing semiconductor industry and connect with NY SMART I-Corridor partners offering funding, technical assistance, and workforce resources.
6th Annual Congressman Morelle & Monroe County Executive Bello Government Contracting Forum & Matchmaker
Oct 13, 8:00 AM, Woodcliff Hotel
Connect with agencies and prime contractors to explore teaming and contracting opportunities in the defense and government sectors.
On the blog
Upstate innovation has a larger role to play in New York’s life sciences future
At a recent NextCorps lunch & learn, NewYorkBIO’s Jancy Nightingale-Burch outlined how Upstate’s strengths in manufacturing, optics, photonics, and research can power life sciences innovation—and how the free New York Bio Connect platform and membership benefits can help founders access funding, lab space, talent, and statewide partnerships.
NextCorps and RochesterWorks help students explore manufacturing careers and workforce pathways
NextCorps hosted RochesterWorks’ manufacturing-themed week of the Summer Youth Employment Program, connecting Wilson Magnet and Edison Tech students with workshops, employer tours, and career-pathway insights to explore local manufacturing opportunities and the skills that power them.
🎧 Worth a listen
NextCorps President Jim Senall joined OneROC’s Accelerate Greater podcast alongside Paul Riser of the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, and Economic Recovery Corps Fellow, Ryan Williams, to discuss strengthening Western New York’s entrepreneurial ecosystem through investment, collaboration, and storytelling.