Southern Tier Startup Alliance (STSA)

The Southern Tier Startup Alliance (STSA) is a member organization of business incubators in the Southern Tier region of New York, promoting business development resources for entrepreneurs and startups in the region.

Our objective is to help increase the number of jobs in the region by supporting new, scalable businesses, thus diversifying the employment base and strengthening the economy.

Since 2016:

326

New Financial Deals Supported Through STSA

$630M

Total Financial Deals Closed by STSA Startups

71

New Investors in the Southern Tier

146

Total Groups Investing in the Southern Tier

Partner Incubators

IncubatorWorks Corning

Rev: Ithaca Startup Works

Center for Life Science Ventures at Cornell University

Koffman Southern Tier Incubator

Binghamton University Start-Up Suites

Praxis Center for Venture Development

Praxis Incubator

Runway & Spinout Programs at Cornell Tech

Photo: Cornell Tech

IncubatorWorks Elmira

Image of the outside of IncubatorWorks Elmira.

Southern Tier Clean Energy Incubator

Scientists in a lab working.

Regional Partners

FLX Works

Coworking space located in the heart of downtown Watkins Glen, NY and is available 24/7.

New York’s Southern Tier is a leading area for high-tech manufacturing, university research and development, and food science/agricultural technology. STSA leverages the region’s best assets — including a partnership between top research institutions like Cornell University and Binghamton University, and Corning Enterprises — combined with mentorship and connections to capital, enabling our member startups to grow and scale rapidly.

The Southern Tier has more to offer entrepreneurs and innovators than resources, though. Our quality of life and cost of living can’t be beat. Young companies looking for room to grow, access to trained talent, and supportive spaces will find what they need in our region — with beautiful outdoor spaces just a step away.

Our Focus

The Southern Tier Startup Alliance has programs to support entrepreneurs at all stages of starting and scaling, but our main focus areas are:

Clean Energy

Together with state and federal partners, the Southern Tier Startup Alliance is committed to supporting the growth of a vibrant clean energy ecosystem in our region.

Manufacturing & Hardware

Xerox, IBM, and Corning Incorporated are just a few of the companies that have grown out of our region. The Southern Tier Startup Alliance works to leverage this legacy of manufacturing and product entrepreneurship with new, innovative partnerships.

Food & AgTech

Seven million acres of New York State is farmland – much of it in or near the Southern Tier. Working with regional and institutions like Cornell University and the SUNY network, the Southern Tier Startup Alliance is helping to promote food science and agricultural technology entrepreneurship.