518-377-9430
Charter Members Include Whiteman, Osterman & Hanna, Union College, GE Global Research, Mark
Little and Buzz Media Solutions
Schenectady (March 8, 2016) – The Electric City Innovation Center (ECIC) today announced the start of
operations in downtown Schenectady with five members already committed to the new collaborative
work space located at 433 State Street. ECIC is open to entrepreneurs and inventors who want to
develop early stage companies in a dynamic and collaborative co-working environment. The ECIC has
over 10,000 square feet of office and project space at the Center City building located across the street
from Proctors. The goal is for ECIC to become a leading innovation center in New York State’s Capital
Region.
Anthony Jasenski, Chairman of the Schenectady County Legislature said, “The ECIC will continue the
great history of innovation in Schenectady County and bring even more tech talent to our rejuvenated
downtown. Our downtown is already a hub for arts, entertainment and technology, but will have even
more energy and excitement with the addition of this shared workspace.”
The ECIC is designed to be a launch pad for startup and other innovative companies. By providing a
flexible, collaborative work environment, ECIC lets members focus on developing their ideas. Members
can select from large co-working areas or private offices. All have access to a stocked kitchen,
conference rooms and high-speed Wi-Fi.
ECIC is collaborating with Wise Labs, a technology commercialization company that leverages a large
network of former GE scientists and engineers to help start-up entrepreneurs, as well as established
businesses, solve technological challenges and commercialize innovations. ECIC members will have
access to the Wise Labs network to receive a wide range of support including technical assistance,
connections to industry leaders and help with creating business plans and commercialization strategies.
“When you develop a gathering place for talented people to work together, you create a destination for
innovation,” said Bill Kernick, Executive Director of ECIC.
ECIC has already attracted charter members who have become part of the ECIC ecosystem. They
include:
• Whiteman, Osterman & Hanna, LLP– the Capital Region’s largest law firm.
• Mark Little – retired Chief Technology Officer at GE
• Buzz Media Solutions – a public relations and marketing company
• GE Global Research
• Union College
The ECIC will also host companies that support Schenectady’s Smart City program. The aim of the Smart
City initiative is to identify technologies that make cities more responsive, efficient and effective in
providing services and support to their communities. Several companies working in the smart cities
arena plan to join the ECIC.
Mayor Gary McCarthy said, “ECIC builds on our Smart Cities program and I am pleased to see this new
center for innovation emerge here in Schenectady. ECIC will help us retain talent while attracting tech
savvy entrepreneurs to our community.”
The ECIC has been made possible in collaboration with the Galesi Group and Metroplex.
David M. Buicko, President and CEO of the Galesi Group said, “It would be easier for us to lease space to
one company, but we are not about easy solutions. ECIC brings a unique opportunity to Schenectady
and we are hopeful that it will spur the development of interesting high-tech startup companies that will
grow and remain in our community.”
Ray Gillen, Metroplex Chair said, “Many progressive downtowns around the country now offer coworking
spaces. Few shared work spaces have the advantages offered by ECIC including linkages with
former GE technology leaders, on-site legal and communications expertise and a chance to work
technology mentors and local colleges. We are very excited about the potential as ECIC launches in our
renewed downtown.”
The ECIC is now taking applications from entrepreneurs seeking a co-working experience. For more
information contact ECIC@wiselabs.com, or visit WISELABS.COM/ECIC
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