Quirky to create 180 new jobs with expansion to 433 State Street, Schenectady

According to governor Andrew Cuomo, Quirky, an invention company headquartered in New York City, will open an office in the downtown. Quirky will occupy two floors at the Center City building at 433 State St., and plans to create 180 new jobs in the downtown within the next three years. "We are continuing to see companies build and expand operations across our state which means more jobs and economic growth in Upstate New York," Cuomo said. "Quirky's decision to build a new office in Schenectady means hundreds of jobs for the area and increased business activity in the region. I am pleased to join with our local partners in helping this New York City based company expand to other parts of our state." Empire State Development is providing Quirky with $500,000 in Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits tied directly to investment and job creation commitments. The Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority is also providing a grant of $450,000 to support establishment of the new Quirky Schenectady office. Headquartered in New York City, with an additional office in Hong Kong, Quirky was founded in 2009 with the mission to make invention accessible. Since then, Quirky has commercialized 150 products invented by real people. "GE and Schenectady gave the world electricity, the first television broadcast, the steam turbine, and dozens of other transformative inventions," said Quirky founder and CEO Ben Kaufman. "We can't wait to set up shop here and be a part of that history. We're really excited to join this community - which continues to be a world leader in technology and manufacturing - and continue Schenectady's tradition of innovation." In 2013, Quirky teamed up with General Electric (GE) to develop a co-branded line of app-enabled products dreamed up by the global Quirky community. Together, Quirky and GE have created five smart products - including the newly launched Wi-Fi-enabled Aros air conditioner - and will continue to introduce revolutionary products to the connected home marketplace. Mark Little, senior vice president and chief technology officer of GE, said, "Quirky's decision to come to Schenectady will deepen the great partnership GE, and Global Research specifically, have established during the past year. We are excited. With the modern electrical grid and the advent of radio and television, GE's legacy of innovation has been all about connecting people in new ways to make their lives better. With the team at Quirky in close proximity to GE's scientists and engineers, we will help take innovation to the far reaches of crowdsourcing and the Internet to reach more inventive minds and spawn more great ideas to impact and change our world." Quirky will occupy 22,000 square feet of office space on the fourth and fifth floors of the Center City building on State Street in Schenectady. The space, which is being retrofitted by the building owner The Galesi Group, will feature Quirky's open floor plan and a clear view of the iconic General Electric sign, Proctors, and the rejuvenated arts, entertainment, and technology district in downtown Schenectady. Quirky plans to begin operations in Schenectady in May, and is now recruiting new employees for the office. To apply for a job, visit https://www.quirky.com/about/careers or visit their upcoming career fair on Thursday, April 3rd from 12pm to 2pm at the Key Hall at Proctors Theater on 436 State Street. Empire State Development President, CEO & commissioner Kenneth Adams said, "Quirky's expansion into Schenectady is a New York State business success story driven by Governor Cuomo's commitment to improving the economy and creating jobs for New Yorkers. Quirky plans on hiring close to 200 workers who have a passion for invention and will no doubt bring energy and buzz to downtown Schenectady." Senator Hugh T. Farley said, "I am absolutely thrilled at the prospect of 180 new jobs in Schenectady. I wish "Quirky" a heartfelt welcome and much success. This is another positive step in our efforts to revitalize Downtown and will be a boost for the entire community." Anthony Jasenski, Chairman of the Schenectady County Legislature said, "Schenectady County welcomes Ben Kaufman and his team to our exciting Downtown. By choosing Schenectady County, Quirky becomes part of our history of innovation and technology trailblazers, and helps to build our future. Special thanks to our unified economic development team and Governor Cuomo for their efforts in bringing this transformational company to our community, creating new jobs and new opportunities for all of Schenectady County."