From The Tech Garden to INSPYRE. A Bold New Chapter.
For years, The Tech Garden was CenterState CEO’s business incubator and the launch pad for Syracuse’s startup scene. Now, it’s evolving into CenterState CEO’s INSPYRE Innovation Hub—a reimagined space built to spark bold ideas, accelerate growth and support entrepreneurs at every stage.
This isn’t just a new name—it’s a new era. INSPYRE reflects the ambition, momentum and potential of the founders who walk through its doors.
Why INSPYRE? Because the Future Belongs to Those Who Ask ‘Why?’
We swapped the “I” for a “Y” to shift the focus from me to why. Because every breakthrough starts with a question. And because we’re proud to call SYRacuse home.
A Home for Entrepreneurs at Every Stage
Located in the heart of downtown, INSPYRE brings together entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders to dream, build, and scale together.
Whether you’re refining your first pitch or raising your next round, INSPYRE gives you:
Coworking & Office Space
Accelerators & Mentorship
Funding & Investment Support
Networking & Community
Tap Into What’s Behind INSPYRE
INSPYRE is built on something real—CenterState CEO, a team that’s been helping businesses grow and thrive in Central New York for years.
Whether you’re just getting started or scaling up, you’ll have access to people who know the landscape, understand what it takes, and can help you find the right connections, funding, space, and support to move forward.
When you’re part of INSPYRE, you’re plugged into a bigger network. A community of builders, problem-solvers, and partners who care about making things happen—for you, for the region, and for what’s next.
John Liddy
Vice President of Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Gregory Ayers
Business Advisor
Brad Banikowski
Investment Manager
Becca Breedan
Entrepreneurial Manager
Dave Dalgety
Facilities Administrator
Kara Jones
Director of Programs & Engagement for Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Eric Janikowski
Small Business Manager
Michael Macosulso
Resource Engagement Manager
Beverly Mack
Operations Manager
Brandon Mastrangelo
Senior Business Advisor
Emad Rahim
Syracuse Surge Entrepreneurship Manager
INSPYRE is powered by the talented team at CenterState CEO. Click here to meet the people behind the innovation, growth, and impact happening across our region.
House Rules
Our Shared Values at INSPYRE
We create space for others
A warm hello, a smile, an open door—this is a place where everyone should feel like they belong.
We care for what we share
This is our collective space. Respect it, protect it, and help it reflect who we are.
We lead with curiosity
The best breakthroughs start with a question. Keep asking, exploring, and learning.
We say yes
Connection starts with conversation. A quick chat, a brainstorm, or a coffee could change everything.
We lead with why
We move with purpose
Progress comes from momentum. Stay driven, stay curious, keep building.
We lift each other up
Being a great founder means being a great neighbor. Community is built by showing up for others.
We share what we’ve learned
Every lesson has value. Your experience might be the spark someone else needs.
We keep it real
Authenticity builds trust. Vulnerability creates community. Don’t be afraid to show up as you are.