| Strong Arm Technologies – Rochester Institute of Technology
It was such an honor to be chosen as the runner up in the 2011 New York State Business Competition. The fact that we got to compete was an accomplishment in and of itself. Competing in the competition in 2011 gave our start-up the opportunity to interact with entrepreneurs and investors that influenced our growth and led to our eventual victory in 2012. The feedback and criticism we received from the New York entrepreneurial ecosystem has been invaluable. Beyond the prize money, the in-kind services provided to us have played an integral role in our young company. The winnings as a whole provided a tool and foundation to make our company a success. We strongly recommend this competition to any start-up or entrepreneur.
- Sean Petterson, Co-Founder & CEO
2012 Grand Prize Winner |
 | Empire Robotics – Cornell University
Participating in the NYS Business Plan Competition got Empire Robotics kick started in a few very important ways. Just preparing for the competition, we suddenly had some structure and a goal to work toward as an early idea forming into a company. We sought out mentors and refined our story, seeking answers to questions we hadn't even thought to ask yet. In the competition, we got to experience the professionalism and energy of the other teams and organizers which made our whole pursuit seem more real and achievable. As a result of taking first place in our track, we received overwhelming support from the judges, audience, and other participants. We have since received outstanding legal and accounting advice, been approached by several investors at the event with interest in our company, and we've been propelled to a whole new level with our business plan. Without this competition, we might still be thinking about starting a business with our cool idea.
-Bill Culley, Co-Founder & President
2012 Clean Energy / Sustainability / Nanotechnology / High Tech Winner |
| ShowCode – Syracuse University
“The New York State Business Plan Competition was a fantastic opportunity for ShowCode. In addition to the prize money, which has been instrumental in allowing ShowCode to develop and grow, we made connections with the judges, members of the audience, and other competitors that have pushed our product to another level. If nothing else, the feedback we received was crucial to our development and we are grateful to the NYSBPC for the opportunity to compete and for the success we have experienced since the competition.”
-Nathan Aleskovsky, Founder & CEO, ShowCode
2012 Information Technology / Software Winner |
 | Innovative Delivery Systems – Clarkson University
It was a great honor to participate in the New York State Business Plan Competition. It was an amazing achievement to win first place in our category for our entire team, especially since we were freshman students competing against many of whom were upperclassmen and graduate students. This success enabled our company to take off and bring our product to market with help from the various resources acquired through this competition. In addition, the feedback we received was very invaluable.
- Andrew Wegner, Co-Founder & CFO
2012 Products / Services Winner |
 | HELIOS – Syracuse University
All in all, it was honor to have been accepted as
one of the participating companies for the health care track in the New
York State Business Plan Competition. We saw this competition as chance
to receive a great deal of exposure not only in NY, but also
nationwide. Conveying our message to the judges and coming out
triumphant meant more to us than any seed money attached to the title of
being #1 in New York State. This allowed us to transform our medical
technology idea into a progressive company working on a variety of
different products that will have a strong and positive contribution to
the health care industry.
-Luis Romo, Co-Founder & CEO
2011 Grand Prize Winner |
 | B.E.S.S. Technologies – College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering
The 2010 Tech Valley Business Competition was the
genesis of B.E.S.S. Technologies as a company. Winning the competition
allowed us to transform an interesting idea into a promising business in
the energy storage field, and was a fundamental step towards securing
our IP and receiving over $500k in public funding. We encourage
companies from all over the world to participate in this event that will
surely act as an accelerating force for the development of
entrepreneurial ventures.
-Fernando Gómez-Baquero, Co-Founder & CEO
2010 Grand Prize Winner |
 | Radiator Labs – Columbia University
The New York State Business Plan Competition was a
fantastic opportunity for our young company to get early feedback from
seasoned entrepreneurs on our idea and execution. We were given great
advice, met a ton of like-minded individuals, and made entrepreneurial
and industrial connections that have become integral to our current and
foreseeable future efforts. And the prize money was nice too! We at
Radiator Labs whole-heartedly encourage all those with early-stage
business ideas to take advantage of this amazing event.
-Marshall Cox, Co-Founder & CEO
2011 Nanotechnology / High Tech Winner |
 | MICROrganic Technologies – Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
The value of a business plan competition lies
outside of the prize money, however appreciated it is by a bootstrapping
startup. Receiving criticism and validation from those in the business
and investment community, that's where the real value is. The New York
State Business Plan Competition gave us a chance to get both, as well
as build relationships with those crazy enough to be on the same
entrepreneurial path.
-Brent Solina, Co-Founder & President
2011 Clean Energy / Sustainability Winner |
 | Broodr.com – Syracuse University
Participating in the New York State Business Plan
Competition was a tremendous opportunity that helped both guide and
establish Broodr as viable business. With the winning funds we have
been able to bootstrap and scale our services at an incredible pace,
which would clearly not be possible otherwise. Additionally, the
company has made some tremendous contacts through the event. I am very
grateful for this experience and recommend anyone with a new or existing
business idea to participate!
-Jason Blanck, Founder & CEO
2011 Products / Services Winner |