The Arc Chemung-Schuyler and Glen Copack will receive a $65,000 state-supported manufacturing grant to develop a meal packaging system designed to help people with cognitive disabilities prepare food more independently.
The Southern Tier project will pair smart ovens with packaging that uses barcodes to select preprogrammed oven functions, simplifying meal preparation for residents and staff across The Arc's residential programs.
FuzeHub selected the project as one of 10 recipients in its 2026 Manufacturing Grants program after receiving a record 59 applications. Each project will receive $65,000 from the Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund, for a total of $650,000.
The Arc Chemung-Schuyler said the system is intended to expand access to nutritious meals while improving residents' independence and quality of life. Once implemented, the project is also expected to reduce staff time spent preparing meals, improve safety and efficiency, and lower service costs.
The grants support partnerships between New York nonprofit organizations and manufacturing or technology companies. Eligible projects include prototype development, manufacturing scale-up, equipment purchases and adoption of technology that improves products or processes.
The Innovation Fund is supported by Empire State Development's Division of Science, Technology and Innovation, known as NYSTAR. FuzeHub said the fund provides more than $1 million annually for technology transfer, manufacturing advances and commercialization.
The nine other grant recipients are working on projects involving air-cleaning equipment, hemp-based building wrap, drone sensor production, fertility treatment technology, cell therapy, medical devices, food packaging and machinery safety.
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