Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund Manufacturing Grants Round 2

FuzeHub’s Manufacturing Grants program, supported through the Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund, aims to bolster innovation and collaboration in New York State’s manufacturing sector. Specifically, the 2025 Round 2 grant opportunity targets startup manufacturers, partnering them with not-for-profit organizations to facilitate the adoption of advanced technologies, enhance manufacturing processes, and develop new products or services. This initiative seeks to support transformative projects that generate meaningful economic impact and foster the growth of early-stage manufacturing enterprises within the state. The program emphasizes partnerships between New York-based not-for-profit entities and startup manufacturing companies that meet stringent eligibility criteria. To qualify, a startup must be physically located in New York State, possess a valid Dun & Bradstreet profile with a recognized NAICS code, report under $100,000 in annual revenue and $500,000 in total-to-date revenue, and have received less than $2 million in investment excluding grants. Furthermore, these startups must be under five years old (seven years for life sciences and medical device companies). Each not-for-profit can partner with up to five such manufacturers. Grants of up to $65,000 will be awarded on a reimbursement basis, with the total funding pool capped at $390,000. Eligible project costs include expenses directly tied to the proposed manufacturing advancements, such as equipment, materials, personnel, design, and travel. However, overhead, indirect costs, executive salaries, and marketing expenses are not reimbursable. All projects must be completed within a 12-month period. Applications are handled through a two-stage process via SurveyMonkey Apply. In Stage 1, applicants undergo a preliminary eligibility review, including submission of a profit and loss report for the startup partner. Successful applicants advance to Stage 2, where they must complete detailed narrative responses, submit a project video, project budget, media kit, and (for university applicants) a conflict of interest letter. An application fee of $65 is required. The final deadline for submission is May 14, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST. Applications are evaluated based on several criteria, including the project’s innovativeness, the team’s capacity to execute, commercial viability, alignment with FuzeHub’s mission, and anticipated societal and economic impacts. Award decisions will consider the relevance and justification of the budgeted items, especially when resources or expertise are sourced from outside New York State. Awardees may receive notification following the evaluation period, pending availability of funding from Empire State Development. The program is recurring and now features separate rounds for established companies (January) and startups (April–May). The next expected application cycle for startups is anticipated to reopen in April 2026. For inquiries, applicants may contact the Innovation Fund via fund@fuzehub.com or call 518-768-7030.

Emphasize team qualifications, ensure budget items are fully justified, address any team gaps, and demonstrate alignment with FuzeHub’s mission. Avoid non-compliance with video format and deadlines.