# New York Awards 43North Startup Investments

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the selection of 15 startups as semi-finalists for the final 43North competition in Buffalo, New York, with five $1 million investments to be awarded at the finals on October 8, 2026. This initiative, supported by Empire State Development and the 43North organization, represents a cumulative investment of $56.5 million over more than a decade, fostering entrepreneurship and economic growth in Western New York. The semi-finalists will present live pitches at the Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship on October 7, followed by the final awards event at Shea's Performing Arts Center.

- **Why this matters:** The $5 million total investment opportunity signals continued state-level support for innovation-driven economic development, creating procurement and partnership opportunities for startups and service providers in the region.
- Procurement professionals should note the strategic focus on Buffalo as a growing hub for entrepreneurship, which may influence future state contracting and economic development initiatives.
- Businesses and contractors can explore collaboration or service provision opportunities with the selected startups and related economic development programs.
- The competition timeline with key dates on October 7 and 8, 2026, provides a clear schedule for engagement and potential partnership discussions.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Professional Services, Information Technology
**Topics:** Grants & Funding
**Published:** September 16, 2026

### Government Entities
- Empire State Development (ESD)
- Office of the Governor of New York

### Vendors
- Actuality AI (semi-finalist startup)
- Airbuild INC. (semi-finalist startup)
- CareAtlas (semi-finalist startup)
- COI Energy (semi-finalist startup)
- Hera Health Solutions (semi-finalist startup)

### Key Quotes
> 43North has helped strengthen Buffalo’s reputation as a growing hub for entrepreneurship and innovation, attracting ambitious founders from across the country and around the world.
> — Kathy Hochul, Governor

> 43North has served as a powerful economic engine for Western New York, transforming Buffalo into a premier destination for global innovation and entrepreneurship.
> — Hope Knight, President, CEO & Commissioner, Empire State Development

> For more than a decade, 43North has shown what’s possible when a community comes together around ambitious founders and a shared belief in Buffalo’s future.
> — Colleen E. Heidinger, President, 43North

### Sources
- [Governor Hochul Announces 15 Startups Selected as Semi-finalists for Final 43North Competition in Buffalo | Governor Kathy Hochul | New York State](https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-15-startups-selected-semi-finalists-final-43north-competition) - NY