Welcome to Futureworks NYC, the new home for advanced manufacturing in New York City. Over the past three years, we’ve been dreaming up the development of a network of partnerships, services and spaces with a few goals in mind. First, help grow product startups here in the city. Second, promote and connect local advanced production facilities. Third, connect legacy manufacturers to the wave of innovation rippling across all five boroughs. Fourth, create a 21st century fabrication space at the Brooklyn Army Terminal in Sunset Park.

New York City Economic Development Corporation planned this network while working alongside makers, manufacturers, product developers, venture capitalists, academics, journalists and social entrepreneurs. In 2012, we launched New York’s Next Top Makers, a citywide incubator to coach and propel product startups forward. Anchored by cohort classes, the program partnered with fab labs like NYDesigns and Staten Island MakerSpace, innovation platforms like Kickstarter, advisors from littleBits and Pensa and many more leading companies. Earlier this year, we awarded $30,000 each to six advanced manufacturers in order to help them build business in the city.

Informed by these experiences, NYCEDC’s Futureworks NYC programs will invest in an already flourishing ecosystem. The manufacturing sector added 1,100 jobs over the past year and almost 4,000 since April 2011. The longest period of sustained manufacturing growth in decades, according to yesterday’s Center for an Urban Future report. On this blog, you’ll find stories about all the New Yorkers building startups, and strengthening businesses, that contribute to the city’s growth. Innovators like Dog Parker, legacy manufacturers like Boyce Technologies and hubs like New Lab. We’ll share upcoming events that will help you grow your own business, network and hear from industry leaders. NYCEDC will announce recipients of grants, RFPs, city news and much more.

That’s it for now! We know you’re busy, but before you get back to work, we invite you to sign up for our twice-monthly mailer and join Futureworks NYC on Twitter or Instagram. If you haven’t already, say hi by shooting us an email at [email protected]