Google has signed on as a technology partner with IncubateNYC’s campaign to establish a technology incubator in Harlem, says Marcus Mayo, co-founder of IncubateNYC. The group is competing to be chosen by the New York City Economic Development Corporation to fulfill a request for proposals for a new incubator to be established near 125th Street.
Mayo says it is too early to share specifics of Google’s participation but having the technology giant in IncubateNYC’s corner is a huge step for the campaign. “We have a sit-down with them at the first of the new year to map that out,” Mayo says. Google did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Mayo says his group intends to forge ahead no matter which plan is picked by Mayor Mike Bloomberg’s administration. “We’re working hard for the RFP and it would be nice to have but given the partnerships we’ve been able to secure we’re going to do it regardless,” Mayo says. “We have to do it.”
With the RFPs due on Dec. 29, Mayo is looking for other ways to rally more support for his group’s efforts. The Abyssinian Development Corp. is already onboard as a partner. “The next thing we want to do is get investors as well as large corporations to be sponsors,” Mayo says. “That’s what we’re focused on right now—finding investors who want to invest in businesses who come to the incubator.”
Mayo says he also wants IncubateNYC to connect with the established players such as TechStars and General Assembly that are nurturing the city’s startups. “Harlem can be the next hub of innovation in New York City,” he says. “We want it to be integrated into the entire New York City technology community.”
