UAlbany Named Inaugural Recipient of New York Global Entrepreneurs Grant
ALBANY, N.Y. (July 10, 2026) — The University at Albany has been selected as one of two inaugural recipients of the New York Global Entrepreneurs Program, a new state initiative designed to help international founders launch and grow innovative startups in New York. The program is administered by Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR).
Through the initiative, UAlbany and Weill Cornell Medicine will establish or expand Global Entrepreneurs in Residence programs at their respective institutions.
At UAlbany, the award will expand the Research and Innovators Startup Exchange, or RISE, creating a pathway for international entrepreneurs to transition from academic research to leadership roles at high-growth companies in fields including artificial intelligence, semiconductors and nanotechnology.
“The greatest potential for the scientific and technological innovation that happens at UAlbany to benefit the public lies in ensuring those innovations get out of our labs and into the marketplace,” said Vice President for Research and Economic Development Thenkurussi “Kesh” Kesavadas. “UAlbany’s RISE program has taken off so rapidly because it taps into the entrepreneurial spirit that thrives across our campus and the Capital Region, and we are grateful for forward-thinking partners like Empire State Development that recognize the power of that spirit and are committed to nurturing it with strategic investments like this one.”
Connecting researchers and entrepreneurs
RISE is part of the UAlbany Innovation Center, which supports technology startups and entrepreneurial teams with expertise, mentorship and resources to develop and grow their ventures.
As an employer exempt from the federal H-1B visa cap, UAlbany will be able to sponsor participating founders through part-time employment while providing mentorship, institutional support and access to workspace. The initiative will also create opportunities for students to work with and learn directly from experienced entrepreneurs.
“New York’s ability to attract and keep the brightest minds from around the globe is a core driver of our economic success,” said Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight. “The New York Global Entrepreneurs Program ensures that talented international founders have the support and visa pathways needed to build and scale their cutting-edge companies right here in the Empire State. By partnering with Weill Cornell Medicine and the University at Albany, we are keeping world-class talent in New York, boosting our innovation economy, and creating the jobs of the future.”
Funding for the initiative was included in the fiscal year 2025 New York State budget.