FuzeHub

What FuzeHub does

FuzeHub is a New York State-based non-profit organization designated as the statewide Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) network center, founded around 2013-2014 and headquartered in Albany. It connects small-to-medium-sized manufacturers and technology startups across all 10 NYS regions to a curated network of manufacturing expertise, university R&D (Cornell, RPI, Clarkson, RIT, SUNY, University of Rochester), economic development organizations, incubators (NextCorps, Tech Valley Center of Gravity, Koffman Southern Tier), and funding sources. Its core service stack includes free 30-minute expert consultations, accelerated technology matching, cybersecurity and Industry 4.0 readiness assessments, CAD design and engineering, paid marketing services, and ecosystem engagement.

The organization's flagship funding instrument is the Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund, launched in December 2016 and administered through three tracks: Manufacturing Grants (~$750K-$1M annually distributed across 12-20 projects), an annual Commercialization Competition awarding up to $150,000, and an Innovation Challenge with $60,000 awards (notably for microelectronics and defense applications). Since inception, the fund has deployed over $11 million across 200+ projects. FuzeHub also coordinates strategic initiatives including the Glass4Chips Summit with NY Creates, SEMI, and IEEE; the Upstate Makes program backed by a $1M NSF grant; and the Upstate Defense Microelectronics Forum at Griffiss Institute — reflecting deliberate positioning in semiconductor, advanced materials, and defense supply chains.

The business model is subsidy-driven: the majority of services are free or heavily subsidized for eligible NYS manufacturers through NYSTAR (Empire State Development) and federal MEP National Network appropriations, with only paid marketing services generating direct revenue. The organization employs approximately 15 staff led by Executive Director Elena Garuc and including senior hires Bill Taylor (Director of Semiconductor Operations, ex-Motorola/Freescale/Sematech/Globalfoundries) and Jeff Fitzgerald (Director of Advanced Packaging Strategy). Since inception FuzeHub reports $100M+ in cumulative economic impact, 1,950+ manufacturer requests, 700+ jobs impacted, and 3,330+ connections facilitated. The geographic scope is bounded to New York State, and there is no venture or equity capital backing — funding is overwhelmingly public-sector.

Name

FuzeHub

Legal name

FuzeHub

Website

https://fuzehub.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

FuzeHub is a New York State non-profit serving as the statewide Manufacturing Extension Partnership center, connecting small-to-medium manufacturers and tech startups across all 10 NYS regions to expert consultations, university R&D, and the Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund's grant programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Manufacturing Extension Services

NAICS

Business Support Services (5614)

akta.pro primary industry

MEP (Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing) Engineering Consulting (BPAHAIAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

National/Regional Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) (FSABAKAB), Investment Promotion & FDI Facilitation (BPADAMAD)

Keywords

• Manufacturing extension services
• Manufacturing consulting
• Innovation funding
• Technology matching
• Grant administration

Headquarters

HQ city

Albany

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. MEP Statewide Network Funding: FuzeHub operates as the statewide MEP network for New York State, funded through NYSTAR (Empire State Development's NYSTAR division) and the MEP National Network. Services including expert consultations, technology matching, assessments, training, CAD design, engineering support, and marketing services are provided free or subsidized to qualifying manufacturers. The organization also administers grant programs including the Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund, which has provided over $11 million in funding since 2016 across Manufacturing Grants, Commercialization Competition, and Innovation Challenge tracks.
2. Free Manufacturing Expert Consultations: FuzeHub offers a free 30-minute expert consultation with manufacturing experts. Extended marketing services are provided as paid projects with clearly outlined costs. All core MEP services are provided at no cost to eligible New York State manufacturers and technology companies, subsidized by public funding.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels15 records

Core offering

FuzeHub serves as the statewide Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Network for New York State, connecting small-to-medium manufacturers and technology startups with expert consultations, technology matching, assessments, training, CAD design, engineering support, and marketing services. The organization also administers the Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund, distributing over $11 million in grant funding since 2016 through Manufacturing Grants, a Commercialization Competition awarding up to $150,000, and Innovation Challenges awarding $60,000 per project.

Product overview

FuzeHub is a comprehensive manufacturing assistance organization serving as the statewide Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) network for New York State. The organization offers a unified platform of services including Manufacturing Solutions, Accelerated Tech Matching, Assessments and Training, CAD Design and Engineering, Marketing Services, and EcoSystem Engagement. These core services are designed to help manufacturers at every phase of development, from early-stage startups to established companies. The Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund powers three complementary funding programs: Manufacturing Grants supporting not-for-profit and manufacturer collaborations, the Commercialization Competition providing up to $150,000 awards for early-stage companies, and the Innovation Challenge addressing specific industry technology needs. The organization also hosts numerous events and workshops including the New York State Innovation Summit, Product Development Workshops, and inFUZEd Marketing Meetups.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund: An innovation fund supporting technology development and commercialization across New York State, comprising three tracks: Manufacturing Grants, Commercialization Competition, and Innovation Challenge.
• Upstate Makes
• Glass4Chips Summit

Products and services

• Manufacturing Solutions Provides New York State manufacturers, technology companies, and startups with guided access to an extensive network of industry experts, programs and assets to solve productivity, commercialization, research and development issues, and other challenges to growth.
• Accelerated Tech Matching Connects small-medium sized businesses and early stage manufacturers to the largest network of manufacturing-related resources throughout New York State, providing training, expertise, and funding to overcome product development and business growth challenges.
• Assessments and Training Offers cybersecurity assessments based on NIST SP 800-171, Industry 4.0 readiness assessments, and product development and design assessments to help manufacturers identify technologies and optimize processes.
• CAD Design and Engineering Converts prototypes into CAD models, optimizes designs for manufacturability, and provides supporting drawings and documentation including 3D CAD file creation, updates, and 2D drawing packages.
• Marketing Services Helps manufacturers build brand awareness and drive sales through branding, websites, digital and traditional media, marketing campaigns, public relations, social media strategy, marketing plans, and collateral development.
• EcoSystem Engagement Builds bridges between target populations, supports state-wide program development, and executes events and workshops including sponsorship, advertising, and event management services.
• Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund Supports technology development and commercialization across New York State through three program tracks: Manufacturing Grants, Commercialization Competition, and Innovation Challenge, providing $1M+ annually since 2016.
• Manufacturing Grants Designed to encourage collaboration between not-for-profit organizations and small to medium-sized manufacturing companies in New York State, helping companies achieve success from early stage proof of concept through maturity.
• Commercialization Competition Annual competition providing awards of up to $150,000 to help startup manufacturing and technology companies further develop prototypes, pursue additional investment and customers, and strengthen go-to-market strategies.
• Innovation Challenge Supports technology development and deployment in specific manufacturing industries based on current market needs, with opportunities typically developed and launched quickly and varying award amounts.
• Glass4Chips Summit Summit bringing together industry leaders, academics, and policymakers to accelerate adoption of glass substrates in semiconductor manufacturing and packaging, targeting AI, 6G, and quantum systems.
• New York State Innovation Summit Annual two-day innovation summit bringing together manufacturers and technology companies from across New York State, held at Buffalo Niagara Convention Center, featuring the Commercialization Competition finals and exhibition hall.
• inFUZEd Marketing Meetups Monthly hour-long sessions providing manufacturing marketing knowledge and wisdom covering website development, public relations, social media, and digital marketing topics.

Quantifiable outcome

• $100M+ economic impact generated for NYS companies
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• NY CreatescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 April 2026NY Creates (New York State Center of Excellence in Nanoelectronics and Nanotechnology) is a key co-host of the Glass4Chips Summit 2026 with FuzeHub. The collaboration brings together academia, industry, and government to accelerate glass substrate adoption in semiconductor manufacturing, targeting AI, 6G, and quantum systems applications.
• SEMIcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 April 2026SEMI, a global industry association serving the electronics design and manufacturing supply chain, co-hosts the Glass4Chips Summit 2026 with FuzeHub, NY Creates, and IEEE Electronics Packaging Society. SEMI's involvement brings global semiconductor industry perspective and network to the collaboration.
• IEEE Electronics Packaging SocietycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 April 2026IEEE Electronics Packaging Society co-hosts the Glass4Chips Summit 2026, bringing technical expertise and academic network in electronic packaging to the collaboration focused on glass substrates for semiconductor applications.
• Pelco Component TechnologiescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 March 2026Pelco Component Technologies received a $60,000 grant from FuzeHub as part of the NY State Microelectronics Innovation Challenge, in partnership with the Alliance for Manufacturing & Technology. The partnership automates testing and verification of circuit boards to enhance reliable electronics assemblies for defense and industrial markets.
• Alliance for Manufacturing & Technology (AMT)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 March 2026AMT partnered with Pelco Component Technologies on a $60,000 FuzeHub grant to automate testing and verification of circuit boards, strengthening the supply chain for defense and industrial electronics assemblies.
• Cornell University (Multiple Departments and Centers)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCornell University (through Cornell Center for Materials Research, Praxis Center for Venture Development, Center for Life Science Ventures, and various engineering departments) has been a consistent partner in multiple Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund grants, including projects with Esper Biosciences, REEgen, Uncaged Innovations, Agrynex, and others. Estimated 20+ joint projects since 2016.
• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRPI (through CATS, Center for Architecture Science and Ecology, Center for Automation Technologies & Systems, and multiple engineering departments) has partnered on numerous FuzeHub grants including CHAMP metal 3D printing with Ross Precision, FibreWerks biocomposites, Douglas Outdoors thermoplastic composites, and Vistex Composites.
• Clarkson University (Multiple Centers)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerClarkson University (through CAMP, Shipley Center for Innovation, and Center of Excellence for Healthy Water Solutions) has partnered on multiple FuzeHub grants including RemWell PFAS destruction, LC Drives motor manufacturing, and KLAW Industries glass recycling projects.
• Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRIT (through Kate Gleason College of Engineering, Golisano Institute for Sustainability, Center for Imaging Science, AMPrint Center, and COE in Advanced and Sustainable Manufacturing) has partnered on FuzeHub grants including Layer Metrics metal additive manufacturing, Nordetect AgroChip, Advanced Gene Transfer CNT arrays, and OptiPro ultrafast laser polishing.
• SUNY Institutions (Multiple Campuses)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMultiple SUNY institutions partner with FuzeHub including SUNY Polytechnic Institute (Lux Semiconductors, NoMIS Power), SUNY Binghamton University (CAMM, IEEC, NECCES), SUNY Buffalo (Chemistry, Computer Science), SUNY New Paltz, and others, collectively accounting for dozens of joint grant projects.
• University of Rochester (Multiple Departments)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity of Rochester (through The Institute of Optics, Department of Dermatology, Biomedical Engineering, Department of OB/GYN, and Hajim School of Engineering) has partnered on multiple FuzeHub grants including Prolivio KHIO migraine device, Phlotonics photonic biosensing, Thermal Expansion Solutions ALLVAR alloys, and Falcon Fuel Cells.
• Business Incubators and Accelerators (Statewide)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFuzeHub works with a network of certified business incubators and accelerators across NYS including: NextCorps (Finger Lakes), Koffman Southern Tier Incubator, CNY Biotech Accelerator/SUNY Upstate Medical, Tech Valley Center of Gravity (Capital Region), Long Island High Technology Incubator (LIHTI), Downstate Technology Center, thINCubator/Mohawk Valley Community College, ITAC, CEIS/UR, and others.
• NextCorpsmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNextCorps (Rochester, NY) is a key FuzeHub ecosystem partner running the Manufacturing Accelerator program and partnering on grants including Nordetect AgroChip handheld water analyzer. NextCorps also opened applications for a free nine-week virtual Manufacturing Accelerator for hardware startups in 2026.
• Jeff Lawrence Innovation FundcoreOthersThe Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund is the flagship funding program administered by FuzeHub, launched in December 2016 and named for Jeff Lawrence. It comprises three tracks: Manufacturing Grants, Commercialization Competition, and Innovation Challenge. Over $11M has been distributed since inception through 200+ projects.
• KLAW IndustriesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKLAW Industries partnered with Clarkson University and FuzeHub to develop Pantheon, a cement replacement made from recycled waste glass for decarbonizing the construction industry. FuzeHub has supported KLAW Industries in multiple grant rounds since 2022.
• Uncaged InnovationsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUncaged Innovations partnered with Tech Valley Center of Gravity and FuzeHub to develop ELEVATE, the world's first bio-leather made from grains at scale, for the footwear and fashion industries. FuzeHub has supported multiple grant rounds for this startup.
• Floe Inc.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMIT/Yale climate tech startup Floe partnered with MACNY and FuzeHub to develop smart deicing systems preventing ice dams on rooftops. The system cuts operating costs by >40% and carbon emissions by >99%. FuzeHub supported Floe in both 2024 and 2023 grant rounds.
• Griffiss InstituteminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGriffiss Institute (Rome, NY) hosts the Upstate Defense: Microelectronics Forum alongside FuzeHub and Upstate Defense, serving as a venue and co-organizer for events focused on strengthening U.S. microelectronics and defense manufacturing in Upstate New York.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Catalyst Connection: Catalyst Connection is the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) center serving Pennsylvania, providing manufacturing consulting, technology adoption, workforce development, and innovation services to small and mid-sized manufacturers — directly parallel to FuzeHub's NYS MEP role.
• California Manufacturing Technology Consulting (CMTC): CMTC is the designated statewide MEP center for California, delivering consulting, training, and technology implementation services to small and mid-sized manufacturers, with a comparable nonprofit MEP mission and funding model to FuzeHub.
• CIRAS (Iowa State University): CIRAS is the Iowa MEP center hosted at Iowa State University, providing manufacturing extension services, technology assessments, and industry-academic collaboration across Iowa — directly comparable to FuzeHub's NYS MEP operations including its university partnership model.
• Manufacturing Works (Ohio MEP): Manufacturing Works is the Ohio MEP center offering consulting, training, and growth services to Ohio manufacturers. It mirrors FuzeHub's role in providing direct technical assistance and ecosystem coordination for small and mid-sized manufacturers in its state.
• Impact Washington: Impact Washington is the statewide MEP center for Washington State, delivering manufacturing consulting, process improvement, and technology adoption services to small and mid-sized manufacturers — parallel mission and structure to FuzeHub.
• New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program (NJMEP): NJMEP is New Jersey's nonprofit MEP center serving small and mid-sized manufacturers with consulting, training, and supply chain services. It is a direct functional peer to FuzeHub as a statewide MEP organization.
• TechSolve: TechSolve is an Ohio-based MEP-affiliated organization providing manufacturing consulting, technology services, and workforce development to small and mid-sized manufacturers, with similar capabilities to FuzeHub's Solutions Program and engineering services.

Broad incumbents

• NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP): The NIST MEP program is the federal network under which FuzeHub operates. It is the broader umbrella organization funding and coordinating all 50 state MEP centers — a structural parent and peer rather than a competitor, but the most relevant incumbent context for understanding FuzeHub's role.
• America's SBDC: America's SBDC is the national network of Small Business Development Centers providing free business consulting, training, and funding assistance to small businesses including manufacturers. It is the closest federally-funded parallel network to the MEP system that FuzeHub operates within.

Emerging players

• NextCorps: NextCorps runs the Manufacturing Accelerator and Innovation Hot Spot program serving NYS hardware startups transitioning from prototype to production — it is both an existing FuzeHub partner and an emerging player whose direct startup-services overlap could partially compete for the same early-stage manufacturer cohort FuzeHub serves.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/Fuzehub
• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/Fuzehub
• Facebookfacebook.com/FuzeHub/?ref=hl
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/fuzehub

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors3 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments118 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about FuzeHub