NSF Energy Storage Engine enters second phase with ambitious plans
NSF Energy Storage Engine enters second phase with ambitious plans
Publish Date: 2026-03-23 13:23:00
Source Domain: www.binghamton.edu
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…
