Biden-Harris Administration Designates Tech Hub in New York’s Southern Tier to Strengthen the Battery Manufacturing Industry

WASHINGTON, DC — The Biden-Harris administration, through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA), today announced that New Energy New York (NENY) Battery Tech Hub in New York’s Southern Tier was designated as one of the 31 inaugural Tech Hubs in regions across the country that show potential for rapid growth in key technology sectors.

The New Energy New York (NENY) Battery Tech Hub, a consortium led by The Research Foundation for the State University of New York, will boost battery technology development and manufacturing by expanding on the momentum of a growing battery manufacturing cluster in New York’s Southern Tier. By engaging with a variety of stakeholders in the region, the NENY Battery Tech Hub will work to address critical gaps in the domestic battery supply chain to meet growing demand for energy storage, a crucial part of the clean energy transition.

This designation is part of the first phase of the novel Tech Hubs program, authorized by the CHIPS and Science Act, that will invest directly in high-potential U.S. regions and aim to transform them into globally competitive innovation centers. Designation is an endorsement of the region’s strategy to supercharge their respective technological industry to create jobs and strengthen U.S. economic and national security. Designated Tech Hubs are now eligible to apply for the next phase of the Tech Hubs Program that will invest between $50-$75 million in each of 5-10 Designated Hubs.

“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is rooted in policies that will empower the United States to out-innovate and out-compete the rest of the world. Our Tech Hubs Program is fundamental to that mission and will supercharge innovation across the nation by spurring cutting-edge technological investments and creating 21st century job opportunities in people’s backyards,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “Each of these consortia will help us ensure the industries of the future—and their good-paying jobs—start, grow, and remain in the United States.”

“These outstanding consortia exemplify place-based economic development strategies at their best: combining federal resources with regional assets, expertise, and coalitions to implement transformational opportunities,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “As each region develops its own strategy to catalyze innovation and job creation, the entire nation grows more secure and more competitive.”

“The New Energy New York Battery Tech Hub is not only a major step toward growing our tech sector – it’s a recognition of the innovative work that New Yorkers are already doing to boost battery technology development in our state,” said New York Governor Kathy Hochul. “With this designation, we are laying the groundwork to attract modern businesses, create good jobs, and build a strong 21st century economy in New York State, and I look forward to a continued partnership with President Biden, Secretary Raimondo, and the New York delegation in our mission to move the state’s economy forward.”

“For months you could feel the electricity and excitement in Binghamton over the growing battery industry, but today lightning has struck and I am proud to announce the region has officially won the prestigious federal designation as America’s next battery Tech Hub. Binghamton University, its partners, and I have worked hand-in-hand to bring this idea to life, and now the ultimate recognition of the Southern Tier as the home to the future of our nation’s battery innovation has become a reality,” said New York Senator Chuck Schumer. “I created the Tech Hubs program in my CHIPS & Science Bill, always with Upstate NY in mind, because I knew with federal investment we could write a new chapter for Upstate NY. With Tech Hubs we can breathe new life into our cities with the industries of the future. And nowhere is that more true than in Binghamton.”

“With this new tech hub designation, the Southern Tier and the New Energy New York coalition is well on its way to becoming a global leader in battery technology development and manufacturing—a rapidly growing sector that is critical to our state’s economy and our national security. This designation will help attract millions in federal funding and private investment to the Southern Tier, bringing with it new jobs and opportunities for economic development. I’m proud to have fought to pass the CHIPS and Science Act to create this program, and I’ll keep fighting to bring federal dollars home to our state,” said New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.

“Binghamton has what it takes to be a successful battery manufacturing hub,” said Representative Marcus Molinaro (NY-19). “We have an eager workforce, and with SUNY Binghamton, we have the expertise. This designation is an endorsement of that and an important step forward. With our local partners, I’m going to keep the pressure on and show why Binghamton is a great place to invest and create jobs.”

The 31 Tech Hubs were selected from 198 applications from regional consortia that include industry, academia, state and local governments, economic development organizations, and labor and workforce partners. The Tech Hubs span regions across 32 states and Puerto Rico and represent a cross section of urban and rural regions.

For a full list of Tech Hubs, visit TechHubs.gov.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.