UNY-VAC was founded in 1973 as the Upstate New York Chapter of the American Vacuum Society.  The purpose of the organization was to support those that  use vacuum technology in the course of their professional work.  In 2005 the name was changed to Empire State Science and Technology (ESST) to reflect the wider range of interests of members.

In 2009 ESST was reorganized as an independent professional and trade association to adapt to changes in the way professionals engaged in technology research, development, manufacturing and supply conduct their careers.  Today, technical professionals will change technical disciplines and employers several times during their careers.  A new kind of professional association is required which is multidisciplinary and emphsizes the business and commercial aspects of technology, as well as traditional technical interests.

Technology is an enterprise that encompasses, science, engineering, economics, commerce and management.  The Empire State Technology Group is an association that provides the entreprenurial technologist essential tools for today's work and business environment.