POTSDAM -- Clarkson University's Shipley Center for Innovation was recently recognized as one of five "Innovation Hot Spots" in the state.

The Hot Spots program will bring together numerous institutions, agencies, and businesses to create an innovation ecosystem across the North Country Region, according to a news release from Clarkson.

The Shipley Center and its Peyton Hall Incubator will administer a $250,000 Innovation Hot Spot award to advance technology transfer and support all aspects of start-ups and expansion the North Country, which is one of only five New York State Regional Economic Development Councils that was awarded a Hot Spot through New York State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s Regional Economic Development Council initiative.

The Shipley Center on Clarkson's campus will serve as the hub with external offices strategically located in Plattsburgh, Watertown, Massena, Ogdensburg and Saranac Lake.

The Hot Spot will be located in each of these locations one day of the week, enabling entrepreneurs and potential entrepreneurs to get support.

The Innovation Hot Spot will also serve as a funnel to direct successful businesses into New York State’s START-UP NY program, which gives start-ups the opportunity to operate tax-free for 10 years on eligible campuses and spaces in New York state.