The lab provides computer accessibility to participants in the Equity in Innovation Training Series offered at the Koffman Incubator.
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. – The Koffman Southern Tier Incubator, operated by Binghamton University’s Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Partnerships (E&IP), is officially opening its Equity in Innovation Computer Lab on Monday, Feb. 5, 2024 for use.
The computer lab is open from 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Monday through Friday to participants of the New Energy New York (NENY) Equity in Innovation Training Series program offered at the Koffman Incubator. It aims to provide equitable access to vital technology to area entrepreneurs seeking to advance their businesses.
“Consistent access to a reliable computer and internet is not available to everyone, and could be a barrier to entrepreneurship for some,” said NENY’s Associate Director of Equity and Justice and Equity in Innovation program lead Ebony Hattoh. “This is why we instituted the Equity in Innovation Computer Lab, and we anticipate heavy usage in the coming months as people participate in NENY’s various workforce development initiatives — whether that’s through programs like Battery Academy, MWBE Readiness or advanced manufacturing training with the Broome-Tioga Workforce.
“We want to spark ideas and create a space where a creator or inventor can work on their next big thing,” continued Hattoh. “NENY and the Koffman are committed to seeing everyone who wants to start a small business reach their goal. Small businesses are the building blocks of our community here in the Southern Tier and all of Upstate New York.”
Membership at the Koffman is not a requirement to participate in the training program or use the computer lab.
The addition within Koffman’s 35,000-square-foot building at 120 Hawley Street in Binghamton expands the services offered to entrepreneurs and helps to further Koffman’s mission of creating a next-generation entrepreneurial ecosystem here in the Southern Tier and beyond.
“Koffman has a strong mission to build an equitable community in the region. We believe establishing the Equity in Innovation Lab at Koffman is a strong step in the right direction to provide FREE access to the computers, and eventually, other tools and resources, that are needed to create a pathway for our aspiring entrepreneurs and community members working towards their brighter future,” said Koffman’s Executive Director Bandhana Katoch.
Reserving a spot in the computer lab is preferred, but not required.
Phase one of the Equity in Innovation Training Series consists of a Customer Discovery Crash Course. The next cohort beginning March 20, 2024 is now accepting participants.
To make a reservation for the computer lab or to express interest in the Customer Discovery Crash Course, contact Ebony Hattoh via email at ehattoh@binghamton.edu.
###
About the Koffman Incubator
The Koffman Southern Tier incubator is a state-of-the-art facility in downtown Binghamton, NY that provides key resources to entrepreneurs developing successful startups. The Koffman’s 60+ members connect and collaborate throughout 35,000 sq. ft. of offices, laboratories and co-working space. Binghamton University’s Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Partnerships offers numerous programs to guide business growth and development. For information, visit https://southerntierincubator.com/.
