Koffman Incubator helps 3 startups take their business to the next level

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – Three promising startups at the Koffman Southern Tier Incubator are getting a financial boost thanks to Broome County.

The county gave the Koffman $100,000 to invest in three of its current member companies. Agri-Trak is receiving $50,000, LiBama is getting $30,000, and Hub Controls gets $20,000.

All have demonstrated a promising track record but could use a boost in taking their products to market.

Director of Incubation Programming Eric Krohn says Greater Binghamton has tradition of innovation that once relied on large employers like IBM and Singer-Link.

“We all know that this county has been built on the backs of giants. We’ve been saying that for many years. But today really is different. Today really is a step toward a different message. Today we are building on the backs of future giants. And not just two or three in Broome County, but dozens,” said Krohn.

Agri-Trak develops software for farmers to monitor their labor costs.

LiBama produces an anode component for batteries that promises twice the storage at 30% savings. It plans to use its funding toward further developing its prototype and getting it patented.

Agri-Trak currently has customers in New York, Pennsylvania and Michigan but is not yet profitable.

Co-Founder Jason Hill says it’s updating its entire platform and plans to add a feature to help farms keep track of their spraying schedules.

“We’ve been really, really fortunate to have early success. We have the Koffman to thank for part of that success as well. And we want to continue to push that vision,” said Hill.

Hub Controls produces technology that interfaces with HVAC systems to make them run more efficiently and save customers money. Hub is on the cusp of a name change, rebranding itself to energyGuard. It plans to use the funds to install ten additional pilot projects in Greater Binghamton.

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