May 2025 - letter from the president
Dear TechRochester Friends:
While the weather was a bit bleak this past Memorial Day weekend, we have sunny days ahead! As we head into Summer, TechRochester is riding a wave of momentum and anticipation. From the launch of bold ideas to the power of community coming together, this month reminds us just how vibrant and collaborative the Rochester tech scene truly is.
May has been full of forward movement — from energizing conversations at the Golisano Institute Startup Summit to preparing for exciting events just around the corner. This season is shaping up to be one of bold ideas, new connections, and plenty of community celebration.
We’re thrilled to announce that TechRiseRoc is launching this June! This new initiative will spotlight Rochester’s emerging founders and startup talent — providing a platform to pitch, connect, and grow. TechRiseRoc is designed to bring visibility and support to early-stage innovators across our region and beyond, and we can’t wait for our kickoff event on June 10th. TechRiseRoc is a movement. It’s about creating space for innovation, elevating diverse voices, and nurturing Rochester’s growing startup ecosystem. Whether you’re a startup founder, investor, or tech enthusiast, this is something you’ll want to be a part of.
On June 18th, we’re kicking off summer in style with Party on the Patio — a networking event to help kickoff the Greater Rochester International Jazz Festival. This event is a celebration of community and connection and anyone who registers will be entered into a drawing to win tickets to headliner Smokey Robinson on Friday June 20th. You must be present to win. We will also raffle off a free one-year membership to TechRochester for anyone who donates to our Workforce Development Scholarship at the event. A QR code will be available on-site. There are sponsorship opportunities available for this event, so please email us at info@techrochester.org if you are interested in learning more.
As we transition into summer, I encourage you to stay engaged, stay curious, and keep showing up for this incredible community we’re building together. There’s so much more to come — and we’re just getting started.
Do you have a community tech event you would like us to promote? Have an idea for an event? Do you want to share news about your company or highlight a tech professional in Rochester? You are always encouraged and invited to share your thoughts with us. Please email us at info@techrochester.org and tell us what is on your mind!
Warm Regards,
Susan Kavanagh
President, TechRochester
