BINGHAMTON, N.Y. – July 12, 2024 — Binghamton University, in partnership with the New York Battery and Energy Storage Technology Consortium (NY-BEST), under the New Energy New York (NENY) initiative, is pleased to announce the launch of Round 2 funding for its Technical Assistance Voucher Program. NENY, supported by the U.S. Economic Development Administration and Empire State Development, aims to bolster the U.S. battery and energy storage industry by building out an innovation and manufacturing Tech Hub in the Southern Tier of Upstate New York.

The NENY Technical Assistance Voucher Program is designed to catalyze technology development and scale-up efforts for battery and energy storage startups and small to medium-sized companies in Upstate New York. Eligible companies can receive financial support to cover costs associated with development, prototyping, testing, and certification services to advance the commercialization and manufacturing readiness of their technologies.

The program seeks to enhance access to and utilization of Upstate New York’s battery and energy storage development and testing infrastructure, subsidizing key services for regional companies. This initiative aims to promote the development of new technologies in the sector and support economic growth across the state, particularly within the NENY service region.

To be eligible for the program, companies must focus on battery or energy storage technologies, with a preference for those in the battery sector. They must have a physical presence in New York State, with a preference for companies located in Upstate New York. Additionally, eligible companies must possess a Unique Entity Identifier (SAM) or DUNS number, have fewer than 500 employees, and generate less than $5 million in product sales revenue. The companies must also identify and engage a participating facility or service provider as part of the application process.

The program offers two tracks for awards: Track A providing up to $75,000 for earlier-stage startups and Track B offering up to $100,000 for small to medium-sized manufacturers. Applications are due by 5 p.m. Friday Aug. 30, and will undergo a competitive review process. Award announcements are expected in fall 2024.

Launched in Fall 2023, Round 1 of the program attracted $4 million in project proposals from 33 applicants. After a rigorous selection process, six companies were chosen to receive nearly $500,000 in awards supporting critical prototyping, testing, and certification services. The companies, developing various approaches to more efficient and sustainable battery chemistries, utilized facilities across Upstate New York, including Binghamton University, Cornell University, and Rochester Institute of Technology, driving key academia-industry partnerships.

The program’s second round is now open, aiming to extend these benefits to more energy technology companies. A webinar for Round 2 of the program will be scheduled soon to provide further information. The exact date will be announced shortly. For more information and to begin the application process, visit the Technical Assistance Voucher Program information webpage.