THE ENTREPRENEURIAL ECOSYSTEM AT WORK
The Koffman Southern Tier Incubator, in partnership with Binghamton University and SUNY Broome, will provide entrepreneurs and startups with the knowledge and resources they need to build sustainable businesses. They will also have access to the schools’ skilled workforce, facilities and human resource programs such as internships and co-ops. Incubator programs will include a variety of workshops, seminars, mixers and mentoring.
HOW WE GOT HERE
We thank Gov. Andrew Cuomo and all of our state, local and federal officials who shared this vision and worked to make this $19 million building a reality. New York state provided nearly $13 million in support for the project; $7 million was awarded via the Regional Economic Development Council and $6 million was an award from NYSUNY 2020 to SUNY Broome’s Bridge to Entrepreneurial Excellence program. The remaining funds to build the Koffman Incubator came from the Broome County Industrial Development Agency ($2 million), the Federal Economic Development Agency ($2 million) and the Binghamton Research Foundation ($2 million). Additional support was provided by Broome County government and the city of Binghamton. The Southern Tier Incubator namesake, the Koffman family of Binghamton has made a significant donation to support future programming and operations. This will ensure the building can create and maintain a healthy entrepreneurial ecosystem that will become a hotbed for startup activity, ultimately creating more companies in the Southern Tier. The seeds for the incubator were planted in 2012 when Binghamton University teamed up with SUNY Broome, Broome County, the city of Binghamton, and state and federal officials to imagine a facility located in the city’s urban core dedicated to providing the infrastructure needed for companies focusing on energy, electronics and health. The incubator will be a magnet for companies targeting these fields. It will also draw commercial enterprises focusing on other advanced manufacturing processes.
SPECIAL FEATURES
The building design is by Ashley McGraw Architects. The general contractor is Fahs Construction Group. Many sustainable and passive strategies were employed in the design. The building location and exterior provide for optimal solar orientation. Permeable paving was incorporated to reduce runoff. All stormwater is collected onsite and stored in a series of bio-retention ponds. Efficiencies in the mechanical systems are many. One, in particular, allows the sun to warm the air before being drawn into the structure, allowing the building to be heated in the absence of traditional heat sources. All fixtures are ENERGYSTAR compliant and utilize natural lighting and occupancy sensors to the greatest extent possible.