On April 22, we’ll welcome 60 standout teams to Rochester for the semifinal round of the New York Business Development Competition (NYBDC). Selected from a highly competitive field, these teams represent the very best of student innovation happening across New York State.
This year, 728 students from 337 teams have been building the next generation of startups—and now, the semifinalists will take the stage.
From New York City to the North Country, this cohort reflects the depth, diversity, and momentum of entrepreneurship across the state. A significant number of these teams come from across the SUNY system, alongside our private colleges, universities and community colleges, demonstrating the critical role public higher education plays in building New York’s innovation pipeline. Teams are tackling real-world challenges across six key tracks: Health & Wellbeing, Learn, Work & Live, Food & Agtech, Products & Hardware, Software & Services, and Safety, Power & Mobility.
What stands out most this year is the geographic breadth of talent. The Southern Tier continues to demonstrate leadership in Food & Agtech—while regions like the Finger Lakes and Capital Region show consistent strength in hardware, software, and health innovation. Meanwhile, New York City teams bring a highly diversified mix across sectors, and emerging regions like the Mid-Hudson and Central New York are carving out distinct niches in mobility, food systems, and workforce innovation.
This distribution isn’t just encouraging—it’s strategic. It reflects a statewide innovation ecosystem that is not concentrated in one place but instead powered by regional strengths, industry expertise, research institutions, and entrepreneurial communities working in tandem.
Behind each of these teams is a compelling idea: from next-generation medical solutions and AI-powered platforms to sustainable food systems, advanced robotics, quantum technologies, and drone innovations. Together, they reflect the talent, ambition, and entrepreneurial energy emerging from campuses across New York State—and the opportunity to build and grow those ventures here in New York.
That’s exactly why moments like NYBDC matter—and why, through Venture NY, we bring together investors, founders, and early-stage ecosystem partners from across the state. Competitions like this don’t just showcase ideas; they create the connective tissue between talent and capital, between innovation and opportunity. By convening stakeholders across regions and sectors, we’re working to ensure these companies have the support, visibility, and relationships they need to scale in New York.
As we head into the semifinal round, we’re excited to see these teams refine their pitches, engage with mentors, and compete for a spot in the finals. NYBDC has always been about more than competition—it’s about inspiration, connection, exposure, and building a stronger pipeline of venture-ready companies across the state. Just as importantly, it’s about making entrepreneurship a viable career pathway for students educated in New York—ensuring they understand there is a robust network of mentors, investors, and funding partners ready to help turn their ideas into reality.
This work would not be possible without the leadership and support of our partners. We are especially grateful to our lead sponsor, the SUNY Research Foundation, and to NYSTAR and NY Ventures, for their continued investment in innovation and entrepreneurship across New York. We also thank the many ecosystem partners, private foundations, professional advisors, and volunteers whose time, expertise, and commitment make this competition—and the broader entrepreneurial community—possible.
Join us on April 22 at Golisano Institute for Business and Entrepreneurship in Rochester—one of the best opportunities all year to experience New York’s innovation ecosystem firsthand.
Congratulations to all of our semifinalists—we’ll see you in Rochester.