Springboard 2025 Winners Announced

2025 Springboard Awards $551,625 to Twelve Ecosystem Builders

The 2025 winners and awarded amounts are:

• 19 Ideas — $50,000 for Startup Wednesday events in Buffalo and Rochester, a four-session series that empowers new founders to pitch, build, test and launch an idea within one month.
• NextCorps, Inc. — $25,625 for AI Startup Jam, an immersive three-day event where participants will learn about the latest AI tools to build a software product, and the top ten will be invited to a pitch competition.
• BootSector, Inc. — $40,000 for BootUp: AI, a six-month initiative equipping early-stage founders and entrepreneurs with the knowledge, skills, and community support needed to launch successful AI-enabled startups.
• Buffalo Open Coffee Club — $6,000 for free open networking events that offer peer-to-peer support for WNY’s entrepreneurial community.
• Endeavor Western New York Inc. — $75,000 for an Entrepreneur Learning Tour between WNY, Cleveland and Pittsburgh over three events to introduce founders to networks beyond their hometown and provide curated learnings from experts.
• Grey Ziff LLC — $30,000 for WNY48, a weekend-long startup competition with hands-on learning, mentorship and access to ecosystem partners for entrepreneurs to launch their new ventures in just 48 hours.
• Immunaeon Inc. — $19,000 for Entrepreneurship in Biotech for Aspiring Founders, a two-day event catalyzing innovation, collaboration and investment across the life sciences and biotech ecosystem of WNY.
• Olean Business Development Corporation — $56,000 for Transition Matchmaking, a succession program in Olean enabling long-time small business owners to exit their businesses gracefully by having entrepreneurs continue and improve on their legacy.
• Startup Grind ROC — $50,000 for Startup Grind Conference 2026 WNY Delegation, starting with pitch events for local startups that culminate in a chance to represent WNY at the next conference in Silicon Valley.
• The Foundry — $50,000 for MakeHER Business Family Dinners, supporting single and parenting entrepreneurs through monthly events and accountability mentor meetups by removing the barrier of childcare.
• Upstate Venture Connect — $100,000 for Upstate to DC: Founders Roadshow, a two-day curated experience for ten high-growth startups from WNY, connecting them with policymakers, federal innovation leaders and peer founders in Washington, DC.
• Urban League of Rochester, NY, Inc. — $50,000 for ROC Women’s Business Center’s from Hustle to Enterprise: Leveling Up the Entrepreneurial Market, a six-week program combining business fundamentals with physical and mental wellness, primarily for women.