NSF Renews Funding for NY Energy Storage Project

Binghamton University-led initiative with Cornell as core partner secures $45 million for next 3 years

Apr. 17, 2026 at 1:16am

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A highly structured, abstract painting in soft, earthy tones of green, blue, and brown, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals, conceptually representing the complex forces and collaborative nature of energy storage technology development.A visually striking abstract illustration captures the intricate scientific principles and collaborative spirit behind the NSF's renewed investment in New York's energy storage innovation ecosystem.NYC Today

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 from the National Science Foundation 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.

Why it matters

The renewed funding for the NSF Energy Storage Engine demonstrates the importance of public-private partnerships in advancing critical energy storage technologies. By bringing together leading research institutions, startups, and industry partners, the Engine is positioned to drive innovation, strengthen the domestic battery supply chain, and spur economic growth in Upstate New York.

The details

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. The Engine's second phase will focus 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.

  • The NSF Energy Storage Engine was launched in 2024.
  • The Engine has secured $45 million in renewed funding for the next three years.
  • The Engine's first public, in-person event since the funding renewal will be Engine Facilities Day on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.

The players

Binghamton University

The lead institution for the NSF Energy Storage Engine initiative.

Cornell University

A core partner of the NSF Energy Storage Engine, providing expertise in research, technology translation, and entrepreneurship.

Fernando Gómez-Baquero

The Director of Translation for the NSF Energy Storage Engine.

Meera Sampath

The CEO of the NSF Energy Storage Engine.

Ateios Systems

A startup funded by the NSF Energy Storage Engine that won the Battery Manufacturer of the Year award at the 2025 Battery Awards.

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What they’re saying

“This renewal is 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.”

— Fernando Gómez-Baquero, Director of Translation for the NSF Energy Storage Engine

“As an Engine core partner, Cornell brings deep expertise in research, technology translation and entrepreneurship. 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.”

— Meera Sampath, CEO of the NSF Energy Storage Engine

What’s next

The Engine's first public, in-person event since the funding renewal will be Engine Facilities Day on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, hosted by The Cornell Advanced Materials Program for University-Sector Collaboration (CAMPUS). The event will provide an inside look at Cornell's advanced facilities and partnership opportunities for industry partners and collaborators.

The takeaway

The renewed funding for the NSF Energy Storage Engine demonstrates the power of public-private partnerships in driving innovation and economic growth in critical industries like energy storage. By leveraging the expertise of leading research institutions, startups, and industry partners, the Engine is poised to advance battery technologies, strengthen the domestic supply chain, and create new jobs and opportunities in Upstate New York.