Long Island, December 26, 2025
The Long Island Regional Economic Development Council is competing for a $50 million grant to create a manufacturing hub that supports startups in high-tech sectors. This initiative aims to bolster local entrepreneurship and economic growth by providing vital resources for businesses in industries such as aerospace, clean energy, and artificial intelligence. The proposed hub will occupy 50,000 square feet and is expected to create numerous job opportunities, contributing significantly to Long Island’s economy.
Long Island Competes for $50 Million Startup Fund
Long Island, NY –
The Long Island Regional Economic Development Council (LIREDC) is vying for a $50 million state grant aimed at supporting startup businesses in high-tech manufacturing, technology, and energy sectors. This initiative is part of New York’s broader effort to foster economic growth and innovation across the state, recognizing the vital role that local entrepreneurs and small businesses play in driving progress and development.
The proposed funding seeks to establish a 50,000-square-foot manufacturing hub on Long Island, which would provide startups with essential infrastructure to develop and produce market-ready products. This facility will focus on industries that already have a significant presence in the region, including aerospace and defense, clean energy, and cyber-physical systems such as semiconductors and artificial intelligence. Although the exact location of the hub has yet to be decided, the potential benefits are substantial.
Grant Details and Objectives
The core aim of the $50 million grant is to bolster the high-tech manufacturing, technology, and energy sectors. By creating a dedicated manufacturing hub, the LIREDC envisions a space where startups can thrive and innovate, potentially leading to significant job creation and economic growth in Long Island.
Statewide Competition and Regional Collaboration
The competition for these funds is part of New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s 2025 Regional Economic Development Initiative. Under this initiative, the Advancing Collaboration for High-Impact Initiatives for Economic Visions & Expansion (ACHIEVE) competition invites all ten regional economic development councils to submit proposals for transformative projects. The LIREDC is committed to leveraging Long Island’s unique assets to support startup growth and foster a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Partnerships and Support
Newlab LLC, a Brooklyn-based organization experienced in running business incubators in various cities, will operate the proposed manufacturing center. Newlab’s past work includes initiatives in Detroit, New Orleans, and internationally in locations such as Saudi Arabia and Uruguay. Their extensive network and resources are expected to provide local startups with necessary training programs and access to over 300 investors, thereby enhancing their prospects for success and commercialization.
Background and Economic Impact
Long Island has prioritized diversifying its economy and supporting emerging industries to foster resilience and growth. This proposed manufacturing hub aligns with these objectives by ensuring that startups have a dedicated space to develop and scale their operations. By focusing on high-tech sectors, the initiative aims to create lucrative job opportunities while stimulating the local economy. Should this project succeed, it could serve as a blueprint for similar initiatives across the state, contributing significantly to New York’s overarching economic development strategy.
Next Steps and Timeline
The LIREDC’s proposal will compete with submissions from other regional councils. Successful proposals will receive funding for implementation. If the LIREDC is selected, plans indicate that the manufacturing hub could open in late 2027, with a goal of becoming self-sustaining by 2030. This initiative represents a significant investment in the future of Long Island, positioning the region as a potential leader in hard-tech manufacturing and commercialization.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of the $50 million state grant?
The grant aims to support startup businesses in high-tech manufacturing, technology, and energy sectors by establishing a 50,000-square-foot manufacturing hub on Long Island. This facility will provide startups with the infrastructure needed to develop and produce market-ready products.
Who is operating the proposed manufacturing center?
The center will be operated by Newlab LLC, a Brooklyn-based entity with experience in running business incubators in cities such as Detroit, New Orleans, and internationally in Saudi Arabia and Uruguay. Newlab’s involvement is expected to provide startups with access to training programs and a network of over 300 investors.
When is the manufacturing hub expected to open?
If successful, the manufacturing hub is expected to open in late 2027, with plans to become self-sustaining by 2030. The project represents a significant investment in Long Island’s future, with the potential to transform the region into a national leader in hard-tech manufacturing and commercialization.
How does this initiative align with New York’s economic development strategy?
The initiative aligns with New York’s broader economic development strategy by fostering innovation, supporting emerging industries, and creating high-wage jobs. By focusing on high-tech sectors, the project aims to stimulate economic growth in the region and contribute to the state’s overall economic development goals.
What are the next steps in the selection process for the grant?
The LIREDC’s proposal will be evaluated alongside submissions from other regional councils. The winning projects will receive implementation funding to advance their initiatives. The evaluation process will consider the potential impact, feasibility, and alignment with state priorities of each proposal.
Key Features of the Proposed Manufacturing Hub
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | 50,000-square-foot facility |
| Focus Industries | Aerospace and defense, clean energy, cyber-physical systems (e.g., semiconductors, AI) |
| Location | To be determined on Long Island |
| Operator | Newlab LLC |
| Expected Opening | Late 2027 |
| Self-Sustaining Goal | By 2030 |
Now Happening on X
- @EmpireStateDev (Dec 23, 2025): Announced $463 million invested statewide through NY’s Regional Economic Development Council initiative, with Long Island among the inaugural $150M ACHIEVE competition winners to advance high-impact, region-led growth in economic development. View on X
- @JamesTMadore (Dec 24, 2025): Reported that the proposed Long Island tech manufacturing center has won a $30 million NYS grant, with the Long Island REDC as one of four winners in the new program. View on X
- @NYConvergence (Dec 24, 2025): Shared news on the proposed Long Island tech manufacturing center securing a $30 million NYS grant. View on X
- @CuriousCatsAI (Dec 26, 2025): Highlighted the Long Island Regional Economic Development Council’s competition for a $50 million startup fund, with plans for a 50,000-square-foot manufacturing hub to support high-tech projects, and asked about its first-order economic impact. View on X
- @NY__Creates (Dec 23, 2025): Discussed a report showcasing the Capital Region as a microelectronics hub for space programs, noting Albany NanoTech’s work on various projects with space applications. View on X
- @NYCEDCPresident (Dec 23, 2025): Praised the SPARC Kips Bay project as a first-of-its-kind life sciences innovation hub, expected to create over 15,000 jobs and generate $42 billion in economic impact, thanking state and city leaders. View on X
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Heatherwood Communities Awarded Contract for Housing Development in East Farmingdale
DiscoverMyBusiness Expands Services to Drive Global Growth
Rippling Expands in New York City, Creating 350 Tech Jobs
Michael and Susan Dell Pledge $6.25 Billion for Youth Investment Accounts
Retail Leaders Assess Holiday Shopping Season Strategies
NYU Langone Health Expands BioLabs Incubator to Queens
Governor Landry Encourages NYC Businesses to Relocate to Louisiana
Domain Cos. Acquires Vorea Group to Enhance Development Capabilities
M&T Bank Sponsors INSPYRE Innovation Hub in Syracuse
Nassau Companies of New York Announces $400 Million Offering
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
