Lucent Clinical of Binghamton University Takes Home Grand Prize
The 2026 New York State Business Plan Competition (NYBPC) Finals brought together students, investors, and ecosystem leaders from across the state for a day centered on innovation, opportunity, and connection.
Hosted at the Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship in Rochester, this year’s finals showcased the most promising student-led startups emerging from more than colleges and universities across New York. Organized by the Upstate Capital Association of New York, the competition highlighted the strength and depth of the state’s entrepreneurial pipeline.
A major highlight of the event was the New York Business Plan Competition Finals, where 60 top student-led teams from across New York State presented across six industry tracks. The quality of the finalists and the energy in the room reflected the strength of New York’s next generation of founders. From software and hardware to health, mobility and agriculture, these teams demonstrated not only creativity, but also the ability to connect innovation to real market needs. The afternoon program also showcased the broader founder support landscape in New York, with leaders from organizations including FuzeHub, Grow-NY, Luminate and HUSTLE sharing what comes next for emerging companies seeking funding, mentorship and growth opportunities.
The program concluded with an inspiring keynote address from Ed Mitzen, serial entrepreneur, philanthropist and co-founder of Business for Good, who shared his journey as a founder and offered words of wisdom for attendees about creating meaningful social impact through their future endeavors.
The $25,000 Grand Prize was awarded to Lucent Clinical (Binghamton University), the first-place winner in the Health & Wellbeing track. The company stood out for its innovative approach and strong potential to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare space.
Throughout the day, attendees had the opportunity to engage directly with student founders, gaining early insight into the next wave of innovation in New York. For investors, the event offered a unique look at high-potential companies at their earliest stages. For students, it provided a platform to refine their pitches, build relationships, and connect with the broader venture ecosystem.
The competition extended beyond the stage. Panels and discussions offered practical insights into early-stage investing and company building, while the Startup Resource Expo connected founders with accelerators, incubators, funding sources, and advisory partners from across the state.
2026 NYSBPC Winners by Track
Health & Wellbeing
- First Place: Lucent Clinical (Binghamton University)
- Second Place: Scyntek (University of Rochester)
- Third Place: Guidus Medical (University of Rochester)
- Concept Stage: RenewedRoots (Syracuse University)
Food & Agtech
- First Place: Overfield (Cornell University)
- Second Place: Tailored Labs Nutrition (U.S. Military Academy at West Point)
- Third Place: PLNT (Colgate University)
- Concept Stage: Diwan Coffee (Cornell University)
Safety, Power & Mobility
- First Place: Sealution (SUNY New Paltz)
- Second Place: Drone Gurus (University of Rochester)
- Third Place: SliceGuard (Union College)
- Concept Stage: Tritech Labs (University at Buffalo)
Learn, Work & Live
- First Place: SecondWave (Syracuse University)
- Second Place: Tailored Match (SUNY Polytechnic Institute)
- Third Place: Edvana (New York Institute of Technology – Long Island)
- Concept Stage: OffCampusReview (Binghamton University)
Software & Services
- First Place: HK Quantum (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute)
- Second Place: Orbit Auto (University of Rochester)
- Third Place: Indra (Cornell University)
- Concept Stage: Circle (Fashion Institute of Technology)
Products & Hardware
- First Place: Serveboard (SUNY New Paltz)
- Second Place: Phloat (Syracuse University)
- Third Place: Yuse Lab (Fashion Institute of Technology)
- Concept Stage: Mechanized (SUNY Polytechnic Institute)
While the competition culminated in awards, its broader impact lies in strengthening New York’s pipeline of talent and ideas. Events like NYSBPC play a critical role in connecting founders with the resources, relationships, and capital needed to grow and scale their ventures.
The energy throughout the day reflected not only the quality of the student founders, but also the strength of the ecosystem supporting them. From mentors and judges to investors and institutional partners, the competition continues to serve as a key platform for advancing innovation across New York State.
The NYSBPC is supported by a statewide network of academic institutions, industry leaders, and investors committed to fostering entrepreneurship and accelerating innovation.
