A certified NYS Incubator and affiliated Innovate 518 Hotspot partner supported by the Empire State Development Division of Science, Technology, and Innovation (NYSTAR)

Tailored Mentorship for Hardware Startups 

Looking for guidance from those who have done it before? Our Incubated Maker membership offers a support structure for product development startups big and small, through mentorship, networking, and need-based referrals. Ideal clients are developing a physical product and need assistance in prototype development, design for manufacturing, scaling up, or other related design and manufacturing problems.This is a community based, independent and public program. 

You can connect with knowledgable professionals, fabricate your prototype, and manufacture your product all in the same building. 

FILL OUT OUR

APPLICATION QUESIONNAIRE

TO SCHEDULE AN INTRODUCTORY MEETING

Questions? Contact Dan Falkenstrom, Facilities and Incubator Director at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Watch coverage of our incubator on SPECTRUM NEWS

• Access to our makerspace and maker community, featuring over $250,000 of fabrication equipment, and 250+ makers with a wide range of technical knowledge and skills.
• Ability to rent dedicated space within our building, for prototyping, manufacturing, or office work. 
• Guidance from an experienced Manufacturing Mentor, chosen based on your most immediate technical needs (mechanics, electronics, software, hardware, etc)
• Connections with regional and statewide resources for:
  • funding (grants, investors, and loans)
  • manufacturing referrals
  • business assistance
• 100% ownership of your product - we don't ask for any equity in your business
• A defined scope of work for the incubation period covering recommended prioritized actions, taking into account your project's current status, goals, and timeline.
• Monthly check-in meetings with COG staff to provide feedback and advice on progress.
• Use of our address as your legal business location.  
• Access to special SOLIDWORKS, Fusion360, and OnShape licence pricing for the duration of the program
• Innovate 518 Hotspot tax incentives for eligable companies upon successful completion of the program

Lead Mentors

Troy Fischer, FishCo Innovation - A veteran toy inventor of 25 years with hundreds of products under his belt. His mechanical and optical innovations have appeared in products for Marvel Entertainment, Hasbro, Fisher-Price, Spin Master, and Jakks Pacific.

John Corey - Designer, innovator, & successful entrepreneur of energy-related consumer products, fuel cells, and conversion devices, as well as cellular and other window shade products.

...and many more! While these are our go-to mentors, thanks our extensive community, we're able to connect your startup with someone specifically aligned to your needs. 

Partner Vendors

Offering discounts and priority access to TVCOG members. 

Fun Stuff Design - A creative and industrial design studio specializing in novel sustainable materials and sustainable product development.

Alex Titcomb - Prototype and short-run machining services. Capabilities include 3+1 milling (Tormach 770M) and lathe (Tormach 15L).

Duncan Crary Communications - Press releases, copywriting & ghost writing, event planning & promotion, website creation, social media.

informal.cc - A freelance collective of engineers and designers passionate about developing, launching, and scaling physical products.

• Incubated Maker membership dues, starting at $135 per person, billed monthly (or $1,620 annually). 
• A rough prototype, detailed prototype plan, or an MVP ready for manufacturing optimization. 
• An initial business model canvas, or similar roadmap, for your company. 
• Dedicated entrepreneur or team that will devote the time and effort in the program. At least one person on the team should have a technical background to drive physical development. 
• Minumum 1 year, maximum 3 years, depending on your readiness level and amount of time you require to complete agreed upon project goals. .

• Start by completing our Application Questionnaire so we can learn more about your business. We may contact you to clarify any details. 
• We will schedule an Introductory Meeting with our Manufacturing Incubator intake team to verify our program is a good fit for your needs. 
• We will provide a notice of acceptance or rejection (with reasons why). Total process takes about 3 to 4 weeks. 

Our Community Kitchen is the "heart" of the Tech Valley Center of Gravity. Members share meals, snacks and conversation there every day.

The Community Kitchen is equipped with:

• two convection-capable wall ovens,
• an island with six-burner cooktop, hood and prep sink,
• a full gas range with four-burner cooktop and hood,
• a beverage station equipped with a Keurig coffeemaker, French press, espresso maker, bean grinder, filtered water dispenser, electric kettle and prep sink,
• a standard houshehold refigerator/freezer,
• a standard household dishwasher,
• microwave and toaster ovens,
• basic pots, pans and utensils, and
• brewing equipment.

Members may book the kitchen for product development, personal use for holiday or event cooking, or to use while hosting an event in the SEFCU Community Room, and may reserve the space using the online reservation system.  Please note our Community Kitchen is not equipped to serve as a commercial kitchen and is not approved or appropriate for the preparation or packaging of any food intended for sale.

Individuals interested in teaching classes or conducting demonstrations in our Community Kitchen should call us at 518-244-3544 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..