NSF Energy Storage Engine Launches Ambitious Phase 2

The initiative, led by Binghamton University, receives $45 million for the next three years to transform upstate New York into America's battery tech capital.

Mar. 24, 2026 at 4:28am

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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, is one of nine inaugural Engines launched under NSF's Regional Innovation Engines program.

Why it matters

The NSF Energy Storage Engine is a critical initiative that will help establish upstate New York as a national leader in energy storage innovation and manufacturing, creating new jobs and economic opportunities in the region. The funding will support research, technology transfer, workforce development, and community engagement to advance next-generation battery systems and solutions.

The details

In the 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. It will deepen its focus on the needs of regional corporations and the defense sector, while continuing to support startup companies. The Engine has already supported 15 industry-academia teams, funded more than 15 high-tech battery startups, and served over 300 learners through its workforce development network.

  • The Energy Storage Engine launched in 2024 with $15 million in initial funding from the NSF.
  • The Engine will receive up to $160 million over 10 years.
  • The second phase of the program will receive $45 million over the next three years.

The players

Binghamton University

The lead institution for the NSF Energy Storage Engine, which is partnering with several other universities and organizations to transform upstate New York into a hub for battery technology innovation and manufacturing.

National Science Foundation (NSF)

The federal agency that is providing the $45 million in funding for the second phase of the Energy Storage Engine program.

Empire State Development (ESD)

The New York state economic development agency that is providing up to $16 million in matching funds for the Energy Storage Engine's second phase.

M. Stanley Whittingham

The Nobel Prize-winning chemist who serves as the Energy Storage Engine's chief innovation officer and is working to build a secure battery supply chain in the United States.

Heather Hage

The president and CEO of the Griffiss Institute, who chairs the Energy Storage Engine's Governance Board.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Erwin Gianchandani, NSF assistant director for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships

“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.”

— Charles Schumer, U.S. Senator

“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.”

— William Acker, Executive director of NY-BEST

“Batteries for America by America is our goal. 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.”

— M. Stanley Whittingham, Nobel Prize-winning chemist and chief innovation officer of the Energy Storage Engine

“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.”

— Heather Hage, President and CEO of the Griffiss Institute and chair of the Energy Storage Engine's Governance Board

What’s next

The Energy Storage Engine is actively seeking corporate and startup partners to collaborate on its initiatives. More details are available on the program's website at https://www.upstatenyengine.org.

The takeaway

The NSF Energy Storage Engine is a transformative initiative that will cement upstate New York's position as a national leader in battery technology innovation and manufacturing. By bringing together universities, industry, and government partners, the program is driving research breakthroughs, supporting startups, and developing a skilled workforce to ensure the United States can meet its growing energy storage needs and maintain a competitive edge in this critical industry.