SEEC and University at Albany Invite Rural Businesses to Help Shape the Next Generation of AI
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Interactive Roadshow Gives Schoharie County Entrepreneurs a Direct Voice in Designing AI Tools Built Around Rural Business Needs
SCHOHARIE, N.Y. | July 2026 — What if the next generation of artificial intelligence wasn't designed in Silicon Valley—but shaped by the experiences of entrepreneurs on Main Street?
The Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corporation (SEEC), in cooperation with the University at Albany's Office of Economic Development, Entrepreneurship, and Industry Partnerships, is inviting local business owners to help answer that question during an interactive community innovation session that puts rural voices at the center of technology development.
UAlbany Roadshow: Your Business. Your Insight. Shaping What's Next. will be held Monday, July 27, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 287 Main Street in Schoharie. Rather than attending a traditional workshop or lecture, participants will work directly with University at Albany researchers to identify the real-world challenges rural businesses face every day—insights that will guide the development of practical artificial intelligence tools designed specifically for rural communities.
"The best innovations begin by listening. Rural businesses understand challenges that researchers simply can't observe from a campus. By bringing these conversations directly into communities, we're creating technology that's grounded in real experience and designed to solve real problems." — Brett Orzechowski, Assistant Director, Office of Economic Development, Entrepreneurship, and Industry Partnerships, University at Albany
The event builds upon the growing alliance between SEEC and the University at Albany. Following the success of last year's University at Albany’s Office of Economic Development, Entrepreneurship, and Industry Partnerships (OEDEIP) Tech Roadshow at 287 Main, the collaboration has evolved from introducing emerging technologies to empowering rural businesses to help shape them.
"This collaboration reflects exactly what the Digital Revolution is about," said Afolabi Salami, Senior Program Administrator at SEEC. "Too often, technology is built for rural communities instead of with them. By bringing researchers together with the people running businesses every day, we're making sure innovation begins with lived experience. Our entrepreneurs understand the challenges better than anyone, and their voices deserve to influence the technologies that will shape the future of rural economies."
Participants will engage in guided conversations exploring what is—and isn't—working for rural businesses, where technology could remove barriers, and what kinds of AI-powered solutions would have the greatest impact. Following the session, UAlbany researchers will refine their concepts using participant feedback before returning to share practical tools developed specifically around the community's ideas.
"This isn't market research for someone else's product," Salami added. "This is an opportunity for rural entrepreneurs to help define what comes next. Their ideas won't disappear into a survey—they'll directly influence the next generation of practical AI solutions."
The Roadshow is part of SEEC's Digital Revolution, one of the organization's three strategic pillars alongside Main Street Vitality and Industry Diversity. Together, these initiatives are preparing Schoharie County businesses to compete in an increasingly digital economy by connecting local entrepreneurs with world-class expertise, emerging technologies, and collaborative partnerships.
Business owners from every industry—including agriculture, retail, manufacturing, hospitality, professional services, nonprofits, and home-based businesses—are encouraged to attend. No technical background or experience with artificial intelligence is required. The most valuable qualification is firsthand experience running a business.
Event Details
UAlbany Roadshow: Your Business. Your Insight. Shaping What's Next.
Date: Monday, July 27, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Location: 287 Main Street, Schoharie, NY
Cost: Free
Participants will have the opportunity to share their experiences directly with University at Albany researchers, whose concepts will be refined using community feedback and presented back to participants during a future virtual follow-up session.
For additional information or to register, contact Afolabi Salami at progress@seecny.org or (518) 517-1700.
About Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corporation (SEEC)
Founded by private-sector leaders, the Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corporation (SEEC) is a nonprofit economic development organization dedicated to strengthening Schoharie County through collaboration, innovation, and strategic investment. Guided by its three strategic pillars—Digital Revolution, Main Street Vitality, and Industry Diversity—SEEC works alongside businesses, municipalities, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and community partners to expand economic opportunity, support entrepreneurship, revitalize communities, and improve quality of life throughout the county.
About the University at Albany Office of Economic Development, Entrepreneurship, and Industry Partnerships
The University at Albany's Office of Economic Development, Entrepreneurship, and Industry Partnerships connects the university's nationally recognized research enterprise with businesses, entrepreneurs, government, and community organizations to accelerate innovation and economic growth. By fostering collaboration between researchers and industry, the office helps transform emerging ideas into practical technologies, commercial opportunities, and solutions that strengthen New York's economy and improve quality of life.
Media Contact
Billie-Jo Slingerland
Director of Collective Impact
Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corporation
impact@seecny.org
(518) 517-1700