April 29, 2025
Students Make Meaningful Contributions Across New York State
Albany, NY – IgniteU, powered by NYSTEC, proudly announces the graduation of its Spring 2025 Fellowship Program cohort, which ran from January 21 through April 22. IgniteU is dedicated to the sustainable development of New York, designing programming to support workforce development and economic growth through education and hands-on experiences.
“The IgniteU program is important to entrepreneurs, businesses and workforce development within New York,” said NYSTEC CEO and president Kevin M. Owens. “This fellowship provides students with first-hand experience in business projects and economics. It also helps fellows gain valuable professional skills working as a team on a business challenge.”
The program brought together college students from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, University at Albany, Hudson Valley Community College, Mohawk Valley Community College and Le Moyne College to collaborate on projects with regional businesses and organizations.
Throughout the semester, fellows contributed to a wide variety of initiatives in fields such as artificial intelligence, STEM education, public safety technology, user experience design and nonprofit research. Working in interdisciplinary teams, students applied their academic skills to organizational challenges while gaining valuable professional experience.
“We’re incredibly proud of our graduates,” said Courtney Olsen, NYSTEC’s Innovation & Entrepreneurship practice leader who oversees IgniteU. “Their achievements reflect the passion, talent and resilience that define the spirit of our fellowship, and they’ve shown dedication, innovation and growth throughout the program. We look forward to seeing the impact they will continue to make in their respective fields.”
The program includes a weekly curriculum in design thinking, onsite work with partner organizations and a culminating event where students present their final projects to stakeholders at NYSTEC’s IgniteU office in Troy, NY.
IgniteU remains committed to workforce development and economic growth by fostering meaningful partnerships between students and the broader innovation ecosystem across New York State. Planning is underway for the Fall 2025 Fellowship.
For more information about the IgniteU Fellowship or to explore opportunities for collaboration, visit IgniteUNY.com or contact IgniteU Program Manager Victoria Palasieski at vpalasieski@nystec.com or igniteu@nystec.com.
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About IgniteU
IgniteU is dedicated to the sustainable development of New York, developing programming designed to support the economic and education initiatives of New York State. The organization is committed to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership through its various programs and initiatives.
About NYSTEC
NYSTEC is a nonprofit technology consulting company, advising government agencies, organizations, institutions and businesses since 1996. Their highly skilled professionals work with clients on IT strategies, solutions, acquisitions and security across industries. NYSTEC has offices in Albany and Rome, NY, and New York City.
