Upstate Biotech Ventures
About the program · 2 linked sources
A $6 million seed fund managed by Excell Partners that invests in high-potential startups and small businesses affiliated with SUNY Upstate Medical University. It is the first venture capital fund established on a SUNY campus and is closely linked to the CNY Biotech Accelerator.
How we know this: the figures on this page come from the linked sources (last verified 2026-06-22); what those sources do not state is left unknown.
Key numbers
Funding range
$1,000,000
Venture Equity
Equity
Equity taken
Application
Ongoing
Campus Wide
Last activity
2024-07-16
High confidence
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Upstate Biotech Ventures
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Upstate Biotech Ventures
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Application and Timing
The fund was announced July 16, 2024, with active deployment expected across 2024–2028. Application mechanics and review cycle are managed through Excell Partners.
Participants
Biotech and health-related startups with SUNY Upstate affiliation, especially those in or linked to CNYBAC. Preference is given to businesses led by founders from traditionally underrepresented groups.
Funding and Equity
The fund was capitalized with $6 million: $3 million from Empire State Development's Community and Regional Partner Fund (SSBCI) and $3 million from Upstate Medical University through the SUNY Research Foundation. Investments range from $100,000 to $1 million across approximately 20 companies. Terms are managed by Excell Partners and imply standard venture-equity or equity-like structures. Exact security types for each investment are not detailed in the retained sources.
Recent Activity
The 2026 New York State CNYBAC renovation announcement confirms Upstate Biotech Ventures as an active capital source for accelerator clients. No subsequent deployment data was captured.
Known startups and winners
Competition winners and notable student ventures from our research.
Historical winners (research notes)
The early portfolio is not yet fully public. Expected to include CNYBAC and Upstate-affiliated ventures as they raise seed rounds.
Research gaps & things to verify
Verification Gaps
- Current deployment totals and portfolio companies.
- Exact security terms and investment track record.
- Application process and timeline through Excell Partners.
Program details
Upstate Biotech Ventures
Additional research notesShow
News & articles
News articles and official sources documenting Upstate Biotech Ventures at SUNY Upstate Medical University.
2 sources
New York State CNY Biotech Accelerator Renovation Announcement
Office of the Governor of New York
Office of the Governor of New York
New York State CNY Biotech Accelerator Renovation Announcement
This 2026 New York State announcement describes an active expansion of SUNY Upstate's CNY Biotech Accelerator, its startup focus, infrastructure, commercialization programs, economic activity, and connection to Upstate Biotech Ventures.
Read on Office of the Governor of New York
CenterState CEO
Upstate Biotech Ventures Launch
This July 16, 2024 partner release records the launch and capital structure of Upstate Biotech Ventures, a seed fund managed by Excell Partners for Upstate-affiliated startups and small businesses.
Read on CenterState CEO