Cornell Drives Semiconductor Innovation with NY Vouchers

Multiple New York companies accelerate next-gen chip manufacturing with support from the NY THRIVE program.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Several New York-based technology companies are accelerating next-generation semiconductor manufacturing with support from the NY THRIVE Innovation Voucher program, including projects in collaboration with Cornell University's world-class research facilities. The initiative is part of the NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub and is administered by Syracuse University's Collaboration and Commercialization Center (C3) in partnership with Cornell, Rochester Institute of Technology, the University of Rochester and the University at Buffalo.

Why it matters

The NY THRIVE program aims to position upstate New York as a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing, innovation and workforce development by connecting companies to shared research infrastructure and technical expertise, lowering barriers for startups and small manufacturers while reinforcing the state's growing semiconductor supply chain.

The details

Companies like OWiC Technologies and Menlo Micro are using their NY THRIVE vouchers to collaborate with Cornell University's world-class Cornell NanoScale Science & Technology Facility (CNF) on advancing semiconductor technologies. OWiC is scaling production of its wireless semiconductor devices for pharmaceutical applications, while Menlo Micro is working on next-generation microelectromechanical system (MEMS) switches for power electronics.

  • The NY THRIVE Innovation Voucher program was launched in 2026.

The players

NY THRIVE Innovation Voucher program

A program that provides New York-based technology companies access to advanced academic research infrastructure, specialized equipment and technical expertise to speed development and commercialization of semiconductor technologies.

Cornell University

A leading research university that is home to the Cornell NanoScale Science & Technology Facility (CNF), a National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure (NNCI) site that provides open-access nanofabrication tools, process expertise and workforce training essential to semiconductor innovation.

OWiC Technologies

An Ithaca-based company using its NY THRIVE voucher to expand manufacturing of its small photoelectronic electrochemical synthesizers (SPECS), millimeter-scale wireless semiconductor devices that enable high-throughput electrosynthesis for pharmaceutical and chemical applications.

Menlo Micro

An Ithaca-based company that will collaborate with CNF on next-generation through-glass via (TGV) solutions for its high-performance microelectromechanical system (MEMS) switches, which are used in RF, high-speed digital, and quantum computing applications.

NY SMART I-Corridor

A federally designated Tech Hub uniting more than 100 organizations across industry, higher education, economic development and community groups, working to position upstate New York as a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing, innovation and workforce development.

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What they’re saying

“The NY THRIVE Innovation Voucher will enable OWiC Technologies to scale production of our SPECS product line to meet growing interest from pharmaceutical customers. CNF's world-class nanofabrication capabilities, from advanced lithography to comprehensive etch and deposition tools, have been essential to our company from the start. This partnership allows us to keep semiconductor manufacturing in New York State while accelerating commercialization of technology that's helping drug discovery teams work faster and more efficiently.”

— Alejandro Cortese, CEO and co-founder of OWiC Technologies

“Menlo Micro will collaborate with Cornell University's Nanoscale Science and Technology Facility on next-generation through-glass via solutions for our high-performance Microelectromechanical System switches, MEMS. This award strengthens Menlo Micro's market leadership and ongoing scaling efforts, leveraging CNF's world-class capabilities to advance glass substrate technologies critical for next-generation MEMS and microelectronic solutions.”

— Menlo Micro

What’s next

The NY THRIVE Innovation Voucher program will continue to provide funding and support for New York companies to collaborate with Cornell and other universities on advancing semiconductor manufacturing and innovation.

The takeaway

By connecting companies to shared research infrastructure and technical expertise, the NY THRIVE program is lowering barriers for startups and small manufacturers in New York, reinforcing the state's growing semiconductor supply chain and positioning it as a global leader in this critical industry.