PowerUp Tech's expansion will now include a recruitment engine that helps Buffalo-based companies find top talent.
Western New York has a strong technology talent pool that helped attract and retain firms like Odoo and Kyklo.
TechBuffalo’s goal is to turn that attribute into something unique on a national scale: a talent identification and development engine that keeps our best-and-brightest here while attracting high-level talent from elsewhere.
Enter PowerUp Tech, TechBuffalo’s flagship initiative, which has spent the past three summers immersing high-performing college interns in everything that’s great about living in the city.
Now, PowerUpTech is…well…powering up.
For Summer 2026, TechBuffalo is adding a recruitment extension to the program, helping companies not only support their interns, but find top talent to begin with.
“PowerUpTech matters to this community because we want to be that place that outshines in relevance,” said Mike Wisler, COO, M&T Bank.
The program unites interns across employers, curating a premier Live–Work–Play immersion that showcases all Western New York has to offer. Participants take part in skill-building workshops, professional development sessions, and curated local events – creating a holistic summer that leaves them not just prepared to enter the workforce, but ready to enter Buffalo’s workforce.
In partnership with leading recruiting partner Acara, TechBuffalo is now opening applications for PowerUpTech to students in tech and tech-enabled majors interested in launching their careers in Buffalo.
The expansion bridges the gap between intern candidates and employers across the region. Candidates spend less time mindlessly applying. Employers spend less time sourcing. And Buffalo’s talent density compounds exponentially.
For Students: 3 Reasons to Apply
Students that will have completed 4+ semesters by Summer 2026 are encouraged to apply. The application has tracks for computer science, cloud infrastructure, AI/ML, cybersecurity, software development, and a broad assessment for non-technical roles (like sales, business, marketing, operations, etc.
1) One application, a city full of opportunity: By applying to PowerUpTech’s recruitment portal, candidate profiles are shared with dozens of hiring managers. There is also a skills and aptitude assessment and video interview, to ensure students showcase strengths beyond a resume.
2) A key to the city: PowerUpTech hosts several events for participants. Interns get hands-on project experience with local nonprofits and fun after-hours events to make sure the experience in Buffalo is just as great out of the office as it is in.
3) It’s all about connections: Now in its fourth year, PowerUpTech has an alumni network of 500+. Those former interns are now filling critical roles at local employers, giving current participants a leg up in the eventual job hunt.
For Employers: 3 Reasons to Participate
Talent powers companies and, broadly, Buffalo’s economy.
“Most employers can control what happens in the internship from 9-5, but what happens after the internship is hard to control,” said Nick Kosinski, Managing Director, Odoo. “Having PowerUpTech to create an immersive experience for interns is what’s really going to help boost the probability that these people stick around here in Buffalo long-term.”
1) Access to pre-vetted candidates: Candidates in the PowerUpTech database have completed a skills test, aptitude assessment, video submission, and have met with a recruiter from Acara, an expert in talent placement. Employers will spend more time with finalists and less sourcing.
2) Proven Retention Track Record: In 2024, 212 interns participated in PowerUpTech. The cohort’s positive sentiment toward Buffalo increased 21% from beginning to conclusion of the program.
3) Brand Visibility: Participation in the program raises company visibility not only among your interns, but across a cohort of hundreds of future professionals.
Applications for students and employers are now open at TechBuffalo’s website.
