Skip to content

Choosing innovation that will last: The BNP Tech Industry Leaders Forum

The Partnership

March 25, 2025

Blog Categories

Buffalo Niagara's tech sector is experiencing significant growth, with a 21% increase in tech job growth over the past decade, contributing $2.8 billion to the local economy.

For area businesses part of the region's emerging tech hub, staying ahead means embracing cutting-edge innovation that is also sustainable.

On Feb. 13, the Buffalo Niagara Partnership convened top tech leaders for the 2025 Tech Industry Leaders Forum (ILF), examining environmental, social, and technological sustainability strategies that are shaping the future of the industry and the economy.

 

The Challenge: Sustainability in a rapidly changing tech landscape

The conversation revolved around the ways sustainability intersects with technology, raising key questions like:

✅ How can companies integrate sustainability into their business models while maintaining innovation and competitiveness?
✅ What role does technology play in creating environmentally and socially responsible solutions?
✅ How can businesses adopt sustainable tech practices to ensure long-term growth and resilience?

 

Expert insights from industry leaders

A distinguished panel of Buffalo Niagara’s tech and business leaders provided valuable perspectives on the evolving role of technology in sustainability:

  • Chavuanne Cousins, EVP, Sustainability, M&T Bank
  • Jeffrey Botteron, President & CEO, TechBuffalo
  • Jane Chen, Co-Founder & CEO, Stepwise
  • Jon Powers, President, Clean Capital
  • Elizabeth Vennari, Team Leader, Recruitment & Strategic Initiatives, Odoo

Panelists discussed the growing role of sustainable finance and investment strategies, the importance of green infrastructure and energy-efficient technology, and how workforce development plays a critical role in preparing businesses for the future.

 

Why it matters

The Buffalo Niagara region is positioning itself as a hub for technological innovation, with sustainability at the heart of that transformation. As companies adopt new AI-driven efficiencies, energy-saving solutions, and sustainable business models, they help create an ecosystem that benefits not just businesses, but the entire WNY regional economy.

The 2025 ILF series will continue to tackle the common tie of sustainability across industries, bringing together business leaders to collaborate, strategize, and problem-solve around the most pressing challenges in manufacturing, healthcare, small business, finance, and more.

🔹 Stay tuned for insights from upcoming ILF sessions. Want to be part of the conversation? Learn more about BNP’s Industry Leaders Forum here.

 

Related Posts

Cost of Health Care Inequity Is a Major Economic Drain on Regions

By growthzone | April 19, 2023

There’s a growing recognition that societal and socioeconomic factors affect the health of individuals. Known as Social Determinants of Health, these factors influence health outcomes, such as socioeconomic status, education, neighborhood and physical environment, employment, and access to health care. T

Navigating the Road Ahead: The BNP Transportation & Logistics Industry Leaders Forum

By growthzone | March 21, 2023

Exploring the Need for Regional Transportation Network Improvements & Advancements in Global Logistics

Navigating the Future of Healthcare: The BNP Healthcare & Human Services Industry Leaders Forum

By growthzone | March 10, 2023

How can Buffalo Niagara health and human service providers simultaneously navigate fiscal difficulties, changing regulations and talent challenges?

Sustaining Momentum While Rethinking the Model: The BNP Development & Construction Industry Leaders Forum

By growthzone | February 14, 2023

How can Buffalo Niagara developers and builders compete for tenants, talent and transformative projects while markets and regulations constantly change?