Blog

Semiconductors power everything from smartphones and electric vehicles to advanced medical devices and national security systems, but only 1% of semiconductor memory chips are currently produced in the U.S. The NY SMART I-Corridor, one of just 12 federally designated tech hubs to receive implementation funding under the CHIPS and Science Act, is changing that.

By 2034, one in four American-made chips will come from within a 350-mile radius of Upstate New York. Re-shoring semiconductor manufacturing will foster economic and national security, strengthen the resilience of U.S. supply chains, build a lighthouse model to train the next generation of semiconductor technicians, and accelerate and protect American innovation.

The Buffalo Niagara Partnership is a co-convener of this initiative along with CenterState CEO of Syracuse and OneRoc of Rochester. Together, they are linking three historic cities and uniting its businesses, higher education, economic development groups and community-based organizations to deliver semiconductor solutions for local employers, the nation and the world.

At the BNP's Manufacturing Industry Leaders Forum on March 3, regional manufacturers, researchers and Tech Hub partners convened at BNP @ the cobblestone to explore how the NY SMART I-Corridor is opening new pathways for existing companies to grow within the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing ecosystem through hands-on support in these three key focus areas: supply chain, talent and innovation.

Supply chain readiness & resilience

Discussion around the Supply Chain Activation Network (SCAN) initiative highlighted the support that is available for businesses seeking to enter or strengthen their role within the semiconductor supply chain. This includes technical assistance with certifications and facility upgrades, as well as access to capital support and ready-made sites.

Jennifer Flagg (University at Buffalo School of Management), Kathleen Burke (UB), Rob Leteste (Invest Buffalo Niagara) and Ben Rand (Insyte Consulting) emphasized the importance of understanding industry requirements, identifying entry points and building strategic connections.

Learn about you company's semiconductor capabilities through a supplier assessment conducted by the University at Buffalo. Reach out to Kathleen Burke, SCAN Engagement Coordinator, at mfburke@buffalo.edu to learn more about developing a capability statement.

Talent & workforce development

The employer-led Semiconductor Talent and Employer Partnership Upstate New York (STEP UP) coordinates investments in training infrastructure, wraparound supports and access to high-quality manufacturing careers.

The NY SMART I-Corridor partners with colleges, unions and community-based organizations to provide resources that help find, hire and retain skilled talent. Some employers may have the opportunity to co-design and pilot new job-aligned training programs.

BNP Director of Workforce Innovation Chelsea McCann led a conversation highlighting the importance of aligning workforce development efforts with the evolving needs and gaps in advanced manufacturing and semiconductor-related industries.

Reach out to Chelsea McCann at cmccann@thepartnership.org to learn more about available talent and workforce development resources through the Tech Hub.

Innovation, research & development of commercialized technology

The Commercialization and Collaboration Center (C3) connects companies that are developing strategies and commercializing products with facilities and labs at universities such as Cornell, Rochester Institute of Technology, Syracuse University, the University at Buffalo and the University of Rochester.

Olga Petrova (UB) shared how this innovation support and collaborative partnerships help manufacturers remove barriers and bring new semiconductor-related products to market – from proof of concept to scaling production.

C3 recently awarded $350,000 to its first round of NY THRIVE Innovation Vouchers to six companies, including Buffalo-area IBEX Materials, which will give them access to specialized equipment and leading faculty expertise for projects spanning printed circuit board reliability, robotics for electronics manufacturing, sustainable materials innovation, photonic integration, MEMS technologies and advanced electrochemical devices.

Reach out to C3 Program Director Yoanna Ferrara at ylferrar@syr.edu to learn more about the NY SMART I-Corridor's innovation tools and resources.

Energy & infrastructure

The introduction of the EnergyMark Minute brought a new lens to the conversation. As a Western New York-based energy supplier, EnergyMark shared actionable insights on energy management and efficiency – an increasingly critical factor as manufacturing operations become more advanced and energy-intensive.

Thank you sponsors

The Buffalo Niagara Partnership extends its sincere thanks to its 2026 Industry Leaders Forum sponsors, whose support makes these conversations possible.

Title sponsor
Bank of America and Merrill Lynch

Presenting sponsors
Harris Beach Murtha
National Grid

Supporting sponsors
Catapult Executive Consulting
EnergyMark
LaBella Associates
Verizon

Next Industry Leaders Forum

Sector: Transportation & Logistics (click here to learn more)
Date: Tuesday, March 31
Time: 8-10 a.m.
Location: BNP @ the cobblestone