2022 Eligibility 

Companies are required to have an existing tangible prototype (for the purposes of the Commercialization Competition, a tangible prototype is the physical representation of an idea or product presented as an early sample or test model that contains innovative hardware /manufacturable components). 

• Applicants must be available to pitch in person October 25-26, 2022 in Buffalo, NY.
• Applicants must propose to fund activities to improve upon an existing tangible prototype and/or improve upon their “go-to-market” strategy.
• Applicants must have a clearly defined plan to commercialize the prototype product/process.
• Company must reside and operate in New York State from the time it submits the application until at least a twelve (12) consecutive month period following the award announcement. Winning companies that do not comply with the residency requirement shall be obligated to return all funds to FuzeHub to be reinvested in the Commercialization Competition.
• Company must be pre-revenue (less than $100,000 in revenue).
• While grants do not count as revenue, companies which have been awarded more than $500,000 in grants in the last 2 years are not eligible to apply.
• Company must be registered with Dun & Bradstreet, and have an eligible North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code specific to manufacturing identified in their D&B profile. Applicants will need to evidence this information in order to present as a finalist. Please be advised that only the following (NAICS) codes are acceptable:
  • Manufacturing Sector (Any NAICS Code beginning with 3*)
    • (see http://www.census.gov/manufacturing/numerical_list/)
  • 541714 Research and Development in Biotechnology
  • 541715 Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
  • 423510 Metal Service Centers and Other Metal Merchant Wholesalers
  • 488991 Packing and Crating
  • 541330 Engineering Services
  • 541380 Testing Laboratories
  • 561910 Packaging and Labeling Services
  • 811310 Commercial and Industrial Machinery & Equipment (except Automotive & Electronic) Repair & maintenance

The following application proposals are INELIGIBLE: 

• Proof-of-Concept (theories/hypotheses that have not been tested to show promise).
• New product launch for any established company with total revenue in excess of $100,000.