The National Science Foundation Energy Storage Engine in Upstate New York, which aims to transform upstate into America's battery tech capital, will receive $45 million over three years for the second phase of the program.
The initiative, led by Binghamton University and its core partners - Cornell University, Rochester Institute of Technology, Syracuse University, Griffiss Institute, Launch-NY, and NY-BEST - is one of nine inaugural Engines launched under NSF's Regional Innovation Engines program.
Since its launch in 2024, the Energy Storage Engine has received $15 million from the NSF. The initiative may receive up to $160 million over 10 years.
"The NSF Energy Storage Engine in Upstate New York has already demonstrated its capacity to advance next-gen battery and energy storage systems that will be critical for our nation's energy needs in the years to come," said Erwin Gianchandani, NSF assistant director for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships. "We have already seen NSF's initial investment attract matching private-sector investment and create job training opportunities - and we look forward to it ultimately building a durable U.S. competitive advantage in energy storage innovation."
Additional reaction to news of the Engine's second phase funding
U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer has been Binghamton's fiercest advocate in Washington, D.C., and his CHIPS and Science legislation is the foundation upon which all of this work is built.
"Big news for Binghamton's growing battery belt: $45 million was just unlocked for the Binghamton University-led Energy Storage Engine to help upstate New York continue to expand in battery manufacturing and innovation," Schumer said. "This is exactly what my CHIPS and Science law was built to do: invest in cutting-edge technology, bring back good-paying jobs, keep us ahead of China, and ensure the batteries that power our future are made right here in upstate New York. I've fought to secure tens of millions to grow the battery industry in upstate New York, helping the region to be designated a prestigious federal Tech Hub and be named one of the NSF's Innovation Engines. Today's investment keeps that momentum going and will help ensure the next breakthroughs in battery technology are made here in the U.S.A. The Southern Tier is charging ahead, and we're just getting started."
U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, member of the Senate Commerce and Science Appropriations Subcommittee: "In collaboration with other leading universities and organizations in New York State, I am thrilled that the Binghamton University-led Energy Storage Engine has been awarded significant federal investment from the National Science Foundation," she said. "This is an extraordinary feat that showcases the exemplary partnerships we have across New York because of the Engine's future-focused vision to invest in energy storage technology to ensure a cost-effective and reliable energy system."
SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr.: "Research excellence is one of the four pillars that we prioritize throughout the SUNY system, and I am thrilled that the State University of New York at Binghamton has earned this recognition as a leader in battery technology which, together with partner institutions, will benefit the entire region. For New York State to lead the nation in emerging technologies and advancing the energy economy, we need to invest in our research capacity, and I thank Governor Hochul and state leaders for supporting SUNY in this effort. I congratulate President D'Alleva and the entire Binghamton team for earning this recognition and look forward to partnering on more world-class research efforts going forward."
Governance board member William Acker, executive director of NY-BEST, said his organization is proud to be a core partner of the Engine. "The battery industry is critical for the future of New York State with the potential to generate over 15,000 high-skilled jobs, given the right level of public-private investments," he said. "The Engine plays a central and pivotal role in driving this transformation with unprecedented support from the National Science Foundation and New York State's Empire State Development."
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight: "The NSF Engine strengthens New York State's standing as a national leader in energy storage innovation. ESD's significant investment demonstrates our commitment to growing the state's battery technology ecosystem - driving innovation, accelerating commercialization, and creating high-quality jobs for New Yorkers."
Krystyn Van Vliet, vice president for innovation and external engagement strategy, Cornell University: "The Energy Storage Engine in Upstate New York was built for battery innovation through translation partnerships. Cornell University appreciates the National Science Foundation's continued support of these ecosystems, and the Engine leadership team's unwavering energy to connect world-class resources and teams."
Duncan Brown, vice president for research at Syracuse University: "Syracuse University is proud to be a core partner in advancing battery technology research, building workforce pathways, and strengthening the upstate New York economy. The success of the Engine's Energy Storage Workforce Development Network in the first phase has contributed to a regional innovation ecosystem that connects innovation to talent development and economic growth across upstate New York. We look forward to working with our Engine partners to build on this success in the years ahead."
Ryne Raffaelle, vice president for research at Rochester Institute of Technology: "The NSF Energy Storage Engine is a powerful example of what our region can achieve when universities, industry, and community partners work together with purpose. The collaboration across upstate has accelerated innovation, strengthened our shared ecosystem, and positioned New York as a national leader in energy storage solutions. As a core partner since its launch, RIT is proud to continue to contribute our battery expertise and R&D assets to help drive the growth and impact this Engine is already creating."
Marnie LaVigne, president and CEO of Launch NY: "We're thrilled to build on the first two years of the Engine's momentum, bringing the full horsepower of our seed investment funds and support resources to help startups fuel the advanced battery technology cluster in our own backyard."
Tina Barber, executive director of the Community Foundation for South Central New York: "This renewal is a meaningful investment in the Engine's mission to accelerate next‑generation battery innovation. With this continued support, we can strengthen the partnerships, talent, and technologies that position us as a leader in advanced energy storage - driving progress across the United States and around the world for years to come."
New York State Sen. Lea Webb: "Binghamton University has made upstate New York a leader on battery storage technology. Congratulations on this latest National Science Foundation award, a testament to the transformative work of the Energy Storage Engine. I am enormously proud of the work Binghamton has done since the Engine launched in 2024 to build a strong regional partnership, which includes Cornell University here in my district, and collaborators across upstate New York to advance next-gen battery innovation, entrepreneurship, and workforce development."
New York State Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo: "In the short time since the launch of the Energy Storage Engine, Binghamton University and its core partners have established our area as a designated hub for battery innovation and manufacturing. NSF's continuation award unlocks additional resources critical to keeping the momentum going. I'd like to thank the NSF and ESD for recognizing the important work being done here to lead our region, state, and nation toward a resilient energy future."
U.S. Rep. Josh Riley (NY-19): "Upstate New York has always been a place that builds what the world needs, and this investment shows we're ready to lead again. The NSF Energy Storage Engine is bringing together our universities, workers, and innovators to turn cutting-edge research into good-paying jobs here at home. It is already delivering real results with startups launched and workers trained for the industries of the future. I'm proud to support this effort in Congress, and I'll keep fighting to make sure Upstate New York is at the center of America's energy and manufacturing future."
U.S. Rep. John W. Mannion (NY-22): "This $45 million NSF award, matched by $9 million from New York State, is a major win for NY-22 and upstate New York. As central New York and the Mohawk Valley position for generational economic growth, this investment helps ensure our local workforce is ready. With partners including Syracuse University, Binghamton University, Griffiss Institute, and MACNY, the Energy Storage Engine is expanding workforce development, research, and hands-on learning opportunities for students across our communities."
U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy (NY-23): "This second-phase award is a powerful validation of the incredible progress the NSF Energy Storage Engine has made in a short time. Securing this significant funding for the next three years will help deepen the partnerships already driving innovation, workforce development, and startup growth across western New York and the Southern Tier. By continuing to invest in institutions like Alfred University, Corning Community College, and Jamestown Community College, and working alongside industry leaders like Corning Inc., this initiative is advancing next-generation energy storage technologies while creating new, long-term economic opportunities for our region."
U.S. Rep. Joe Morelle (NY-25): "Congratulations to Binghamton University's Energy Storage Engine on this investment from the National Science Foundation. It's clear upstate New York has continued to cement its place as a national leader in science and technology, and people across the country have started to take notice. I'm proud to have helped secure funding for this federal program, and I'm grateful to my state partners at ESD for their additional support of innovation in New York State. I look forward to our continued work together."
U.S. Rep. Tim Kennedy (NY-26): "This funding is the kind of forward-looking investment that positions upstate New York at the center of the energy economy. The NSF Energy Storage Engine is driving innovation, creating jobs, and strengthening our economic future. This next phase of federal funding is a testament to the Engine's early success and the strength of regional collaboration. I'm proud to support this work and excited to see its continued impact for communities across New York."
In this second phase, the Energy Storage Engine will prioritize next-gen battery systems and solutions that advance safety, address challenges in building power systems for energy storage applications, drive cost and resource efficiency in manufacturing, and integrate AI into all aspects of energy storage from materials discovery to production efficiency. It will deepen its focus on the needs of regional corporations and the defense sector, as it continues to support startup companies.
Binghamton University President Anne D'Alleva congratulated the Engine team for its successes during the past two years. "This renewal acknowledges the Engine's remarkable progress and early impact, the collective strength of its extensive partner ecosystem, and the bold vision guiding its future," she said. "The NSF Energy Storage Engine is already successfully advancing an ambitious plan to establish upstate New York as America's battery tech capital, building on our region's strong legacy of innovation and manufacturing excellence. We thank the National Science Foundation for its support and unwavering commitment to this program."
The Engine's portfolio includes research and innovation, technology transfer, workforce development, and community engagement initiatives with partners across its 27-country region of service in upstate New York and beyond. In less than two years, the Engine has:
• Supported 15 industry-academia teams driving leapfrog innovations in next-gen cell manufacturing and process innovation
• Funded more than 15 high-tech battery startups
• Aided companies with access to infrastructure, capital, and technology resources
These startups have received more than $20 million in follow-on funding in the past year alone. They have also won national recognition, including the Battery Manufacturer of the Year award.
"With two years of sustained momentum and demonstrated success, we are on track to become a national leader in solving the U.S. battery industry's most critical challenges with exceptional speed, scale, cost-efficiency, and quality, while driving transformational growth across upstate New York's battery ecosystem," Engine CEO Meera Sampath said. "Our strategy is strongly aligned with national R&D priorities: advancing critical technologies that strengthen national security, securing American energy dominance, and driving economic growth through regional innovation. Our motto for the next phase is 'bigger, bolder, and better' with programs and partnerships that will help us deliver on our vision."
The Engine has served more than 300 learners from K-12 to adults across upstate New York through its energy storage workforce development network. It will launch an advanced battery safety testing facility, the first of its kind in the Northeast, at Rochester Institute of Technology this summer. Its community outreach programs have reached more than 8,000 constituents.
During phase two, special emphasis will be given to preparing the next generation of engineers and scientists to meet the growing workforce demand in the battery industry, both locally and nationally.
The Engine will receive up to $16 million in matching funds from Empire State Development. In phase one, ESD invested $3 million.
"Upstate New York is home to world-class innovation assets, and the NSF Engine exemplifies how we leverage those resources to lead in important sectors like energy storage," said Ben Verschueren, executive director of Empire State Development's Division of Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR) and a member of the Engine's governance board. "ESD is thrilled to support this next phase of building an already expansive ecosystem that drives long-term economic impact for the region, the state, and the entire nation."
The Engine has built a coalition of more than 60 academic, industry, nonprofit, community, and government partners who have been the driving force behind these accomplishments.
Heather Hage, president and CEO of the Griffiss Institute, chairs the Engine's Governance Board. "This next phase of extraordinary investment in our community will catalyze new technologies, new ventures, and a highly skilled workforce to stimulate more good jobs for upstate New Yorkers," she said. "A stronger domestic battery supply chain is essential to American national security and economic competitiveness, and upstate New York is ready to lead."
M. Stanley Whittingham, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2019 for his work in developing the lithium-ion battery, serves as the Engine's chief innovation officer. He said the award is vital to building a secure supply chain in the United States.
"Batteries for America by America is our goal," said Whittingham, a distinguished professor of chemistry at Binghamton University. "The Engine, combined with the other key capabilities we are building in upstate New York, including Battery-NY, a peerless battery pilot manufacturing facility, are moving us toward realizing this goal."
The NSF Engine complements the robust set of initiatives offered by New Energy New York (NENY), which earned the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) Build Back Better Regional Challenge (BBBRC) award in September 2022 and designation as a federal Tech Hub in October 2023. Binghamton University is the only school to lead initiatives that received all three designations.
The Engine is actively seeking corporate and startup partners. For more details, visit https://www.upstatenyengine.org.
