TRANSCRIPT:
Maddie:
The Inspyre Innovation Hub is a place for businesses to grow and flourish. But, it wasn’t always that way. This place actually started out as a garage–and after a multi-million dollar renovation, this is the building that now stands.
Katherina:
Well, this is the Insypre Innovation Hub. It used to be known as the Tech Garden, when it was set up in 2004. It used to be a garage, that unfortunately collapsed.
Maddie:
The only remains of the collapsed garage are these two pillars- the rest of the 90,000 square foot building took $32 million in renovations to rebuild. Today, it serves as a space for up and coming businesses to get their start.
Katherina:
But we also have amazing programs that are established for small businesses, entrepreneurship, and guides to help those who are wanting to give more to what can be available throughout Syracuse, New York.
Maddie:
And they’re doing exactly that- I spoke with Mike Lisi, founder of Maltek Solutions, about why he decided to move his office into the Inspyre building after 5 years of operating from his basement.
Mike:
Well here’s the thing: When you’re trying to project yourself as a legit business, it becomes difficult when you just say that “I’m working out of my house.” So I wanted to find an opportunity to ensure that people are hiring a legitimate company, that we’re trustworthy and that we’re getting that job done.
Maddie:
And Mike’s job is pretty cool. He sometimes refers to himself as a “Hacker for Hire”, working in collaborative cybersecurity.
Maddie:
Reporting for NCC News, I’m Maddie Ritter.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — What was once a collapsed garage, has turned into a multi-million dollar spaces for businesses to network and develop. The Inspyre Innovation Hub is providing funding and support to 30+ business startups.
The space itself underwent a $32 million renovation, and officially opened in October 2025. The 90,000 square foot building is home to 3 floors, each encasing offices and spaces for those looking to grow their business.
Mike Lisi, founder of Maltek Solutions, a cybersecurity company, just recently moved his work into the building. He was once working out of his basement- but after 5 years, decided to move into an office space inside of Inspyre.
“It’s crazy how fast 5 years snuck up on me”, Lisi says. He took time with NCC News to reflect on the growth of his business as a whole since its start.
So today, in a ceremony with other CEOs and those who work at Inspyre, Mike celebrated 5 years of Maltek Solutions. He was presented with an award and granted his office space.
It means more than just having a physical space- Lisi says it helps to legitimize his business.
“Well here’s the thing: When you’re trying to project yourself as a legit business, it becomes difficult when you just say that “I’m working out of my house.” So I wanted to find an opportunity to ensure that people are hiring a legitimate company, that we’re trustworthy and that we’re getting that job done”.
Lisi’s business isn’t the only in the building, however. He is joined by other entrepreneurs in fields regarding Artificial Intelligence, drones, engineering, and more.
The Innovation Hub also works in partnership with local schools in the area, providing day passes for students to come and work on projects.
Located in the heart of downtown Syracuse just past the OnCenter, the Innovation Hub is in a prime spot to assist in the development in the technology and infrastructure of the city.