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Nicholas Querques

Director of New Ventures at SUNY Research Foundation

Nicholas Querques is a prominent figure in the fields of entrepreneurship, technology commercialization, and venture development. He currently serves as the Vice President of Industry and External Affairs at SUNY Research Foundation.2 In July 2024, Querques co-founded Upstate Biotech Ventures, a $6M early-stage venture capital fund focused on high-potential life sciences and health tech startups affiliated with Upstate Medical University.2

Querques has an extensive background in promoting innovation and commercialization:

Career Highlights

  • SUNY Research Foundation: As Director of New Ventures (October 2019 - October 2024), he led initiatives to promote entrepreneurship and commercialization across SUNY's $1+ billion annual research enterprise.2

  • NYSERDA: Served as Program Manager for Technology to Market (May 2017 - October 2019), managing a $130 million portfolio of innovation and investment initiatives.2

  • SUNY Polytechnic Institute: Held positions including Assistant Vice President for Clean Energy Programs (June 2012 - May 2014).2

Education and Entrepreneurship

Querques holds a BS in Business Administration (Finance and Management) and an MBA in Information Technology Management and Nanotechnology from the State University of New York at Albany.2 He co-founded MICROrganic Technologies in 2010, a biotechnology startup commercializing microbial fuel cell technologies for wastewater treatment.1

Board Memberships

He serves on several boards, including:

  • Upstate Capital Association of New York (since July 2016)2
  • Long Island High Technology Incubator (LIHTI) (since September 2021)2

Querques is known for his expertise in bridging the gap between academic research and commercial applications, particularly in the fields of clean energy and biotechnology.12

Highlights

Jul 16 · linkedin

Yesterday we announced the launch of Upstate Biotech Ventures, a first of its kind venture capital fund for The State University of New York that will invest in life sciences and health tech startups affiliated with State University of New York Upstate Medical University and CNY Biotech Accelerator, Upstate Medical University. The initial $6M fund will provide early-stage capital to talented teams during this critical time, as venture capital funding for startups has become increasingly scarce. Upstate Biotech Ventures would not be possible without the support of our partners at Empire State Development and Excell Partners, Inc. and lots of people including Mantosh Dewan, David Amberg, Kathi Durdon, MA, CCRP, Elizabeth Lusskin, Jennifer Tegan, Heidi Knoblauch, Theresa Mazzullo, Rami K., and many others. This is a big step forward for our innovation ecosystem and I am looking forward to the great things that lie ahead!

Apr 26 · linkedin

I had an awesome time yesterday at University at Albany for the NYBPC hosted by Upstate Capital Association of New York. Being able to participate in and contribute to this program is one of the best parts of my job. The atmosphere is truly amazing and always energizing. The student entrepreneurs who participate show us that we have a lot to be optimistic about for our future. The event spotlights some of New York State's top emerging talent and student-based ventures. Great work Noa Conger Simons, Bailey Burke and team, and many thanks to everyone who helped make this year’s program another big success!

Related Questions

What are some of the key projects Nicholas Querques has led at SUNY Research Foundation?
How did Nicholas Querques' role at NYSERDA prepare him for his current positions?
What are the main goals of Upstate Biotech Ventures?
How does Nicholas Querques' background in finance and management influence his work in biotechnology?
What are some of the challenges Nicholas Querques has faced in his career?
Nicholas Querques
Nicholas Querques, photo 1
Nicholas Querques, photo 2
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Location

Albany, New York, United States