The NSF Energy Storage Engine in Upstate New York, an initiative led by Binghamton University with Cornell serving as a core partner for technology translation, has secured $45 million in renewed funding for the next three years.  

Launched in 2024, the Engine aims to accelerate battery innovation, advance commercialization, expand domestic manufacturing, grow the workforce and drive regional economic growth to strengthen national security. This initiative may receive up to $160 million from the National Science Foundation over 10 years. 

Credit: Maggie Cousin/Provided

In less than two years, the Engine has supported over 15 startup teams working on high-tech battery innovations, while aiding companies with access to infrastructure, capital and technology resources. These startups have received over $20 million in follow-on funding in the past year alone, in addition to national recognition, with funded startup Ateios Systems winning the Battery Manufacturer of the Year award at the 2025 Battery Awards. 

Fernando Gómez-Baquero, the Director of Translation for the Engine, describes the renewal as “a testament to the great collaborative work between Cornell, Binghamton, RIT, Syracuse University and all our public and private partners. Cornell has been a leader in translating great research into commercial products, and we are thrilled to use that knowledge to ensure that great energy storage research becomes the driver of a resilient energy storage industry, driving our ultimate goal of batteries made in America.” 

In collaboration with over 60 partners, the Engine will focus its second phase on using energy storage systems and solutions to advance safety, address challenges, drive manufacturing cost and resource efficiency, as well as integrate AI into all aspects of energy storage. Additionally, the Engine will deepen its focus on the needs of regional corporations and the defense sector as it continues to support startup companies. 

As the leader of the Engine’s translational pillar, Cornell guides the process of moving innovations from research to real-world applications. The team at Cornell coordinates a multi-institutional network for prototyping, piloting and scale-up resources for new energy storage technologies, bridging the gap between discovery and deployment on the market.  

“As an Engine core partner, Cornell brings deep expertise in research, technology translation and entrepreneurship,” said Engine CEO Dr. Meera Sampath. “Cornell’s leadership in technology translation efforts have shaped the Engine’s strategy and broadened its impact. We look forward to extending the collaboration with Cornell and all our partners in this next phase of the Engine as we advance critical battery technologies, strengthen regional innovation and talent pipelines and drive transformative economic growth across upstate New York.” 

The Engine’s first public, in-person event since the funding renewal will be Engine Facilities Day on Wednesday, April 29. The event, hosted by The Cornell Advanced Materials Program for University-Sector Collaboration (CAMPUS), will provide an inside look at Cornell’s advanced facilities and partnership opportunities for industry partners and collaborators.