NYCEDC Opens BATWorks Temporary Space to Advance Green Economy at BAT

BATWorks Supports Climate Tech Companies Through Programming, Piloting and Commercialization, While Providing Green Workforce Training-Creating a Complete Pathway to Climate Tech Deployment

Once Complete, BATWorks Will Be the Largest Green Workforce Training Facility in New York City, Expanding Access to Green Jobs, Programming, and Training Opportunities for Sunset Park Residents

Milestone Aligns with NYCEDC's 40th Anniversary Stewarding Sunset Park's Historic Brooklyn Army Terminal

Download Photos of the BATWorks Temporary Space and New Renderings of the Permanent Climate Innovation Hub

BROOKLYN, NY-New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI), and Cambridge Innovation Center (CIC), today announced the opening of the temporary home for BATWorks, the city's new world-class climate innovation hub located at the Brooklyn Army Terminal (BAT) in Sunset Park. BATWorks, operated in partnership with LACI and CIC, will serve as a launchpad for climate tech companies to test, build, and scale their climate solutions while connecting New Yorkers, especially in the Sunset Park community, to workforce development trainings and jobs. Programming will begin immediately in the temporary space and will include events for climate tech companies, as well as for local residents interested. The permanent home for the cutting-edge facility is being constructed within vacant space in Building A and is scheduled to open in 2028. Once complete, BATWorks will be the largest green workforce training facility in New York City.

The opening of the temporary space coincides with NYCEDC's 40th year stewarding BAT, a historic, 59-acre, City-owned industrial campus that plays a vital role in New York City's industrial and innovation ecosystem. BATWorks represents the next chapter for the Sunset Park waterfront-building on BAT's industrial legacy to drive green industrial growth, climate innovation, job creation, and community-centered economic development. Over the next decade, BATWorks is expected to create an estimated 600 permanent jobs, serve hundreds of startups, and generate approximately $2.6 billion in economic impact over the next decade.

"The Brooklyn Army Terminal has defined Sunset Park's waterfront for generations, and with BATWorks, we're writing its next chapter," said Mayor Zohran Mamdani. "This is how New York City leads-by turning our climate commitments into the kind of bold, durable investment that builds industries, creates jobs, and lifts neighborhoods for decades to come."

"In NYC, we know that the climate crisis affects everyone, and communities of color and poor communities bear the hardest and most immediate cost," said Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice Julie Su. "We also know that government leadership to combat the crisis matters and doing so is not just good for the climate, it can be an engine for economic growth. BATWorks is what active industrial policy looks like: public investment, public land, and public purpose aligned to build the clean economy here. As this project proceeds, we want it to be a space for New Yorkers, especially Sunset Park residents, to participate in shaping our climate future, whether it's a startup looking for space to innovate or a young person looking for a career where she can make a difference."

"There is no time to waste in combatting the climate crisis-that's why we're proud to launch BATWorks temporary space, where we will support emerging companies creating the next wave of climate solutions, while giving the Sunset Park community a place to engage, learn, and connect to the future of green jobs and trainings," said NYCEDC Interim President and CEO Jeanny Pak. "This space creates an on-the-ground presence now, bringing the Sunset Park community and industry together to connect, learn and help shape BATWorks activities ahead of the permanent hub's completion in 2028-accelerating the city's $100 million investment and ensuring its benefits begin to reach New Yorkers now."

"LACI is excited to continue our programming from the new BATWorks temporary space to advance equitable climate action and create economic opportunity. Whether through our City Climate Innovation Challenge, our national cleantech debt fund, and now Pilots at BAT with EDC, we will provide a dedicated testbed for advancing cleantech solutions and hosting key industry convenings while bringing nearby students for tours and, hopefully, encouraging them to be the next game changing entrepreneur," said LACI President and CEO Matt Petersen. "We look forward to continuing our work to create an inclusive green economy, while working with our partners NYU and CUNY to develop the next wave of programming for workforce training, startup incubation, and bringing new resources to the community."

"The launch of this temporary space marks an important step for BATWorks," said CIC CEO Denyse Medlenka. "The space will allow us to accelerate collaboration and continue to build the connections and momentum that will define the permanent hub."

"The opening of BATWorks, which will be the City's largest green workforce training facility, is a reflection of the City's commitment to supporting workers as we progress towards achieving our ambitious climate goals," said Doug Lipari, Executive Director of the NYC Office of Talent and Workforce Development. "BATWorks' programming will prepare our workforce for the green jobs of the future, while investing in the Sunset Park community and making our City's economy more inclusive and resilient."

Sunset Park residents and industry partners gather to celebrate the opening of the BATWorks temporary space. Credit: NYCEDC

In the temporary space, LACI will focus on activating BATWorks through:

• Support piloting opportunities and company growth through LACI Climate Programs including their Climate Innovation Challenge, the Cleantech Debt Fund-which has already deployed $850,000 into Brooklyn startups-and Pilots at BAT, which provides climate tech companies with access to real-world infrastructure to test and scale technologies at BAT;
• Building programmatic partnerships across the city's climate tech ecosystem;
• Hosting accessible events and programming for startups, Sunset Park residents, workforce partners, as well as community and industry stakeholders;
• Providing industry convenings to share insights and accelerate adoption of climate solutions;
• Developing plans for startup incubation and workforce trainings to create equitable local pathways into green jobs.

Since LACI began managing Pilots at BAT, applications are up fourfold, reaching an ever-growing startup audience. KitSwitch, a LACI Incubation Cohort 5 startup, is currently piloting at the site. The company delivers ready-to-install interiors, such as all-in-one kitchens and baths, to streamline the construction and renovation of multifamily housing. They just delivered their first kitchen kit to New York City, inside the BATWorks Temp Space.

Backed by a $100 million investment from the city, the permanent BATWorks hub will include a cutting-edge facility that will offer companies state-of-the-art laboratories, prototyping spaces, classrooms, and specialized equipment to support businesses and workers in sectors ranging from clean energy to zero emissions transportation to building decarbonization.

Slated to be the biggest green workforce training facility in New York City, BATWorks will facilitate equitable workforce pathways for New Yorkers to access green-collar jobs and business development services. BATWorks operators will also partner with NYCEDC's broader Economic Mobility Network in Sunset Park on workforce development efforts that will focus on job training and job creation for local residents throughout the neighborhood. BATWorks operators are also working with The City University of New York (CUNY) and New York University (NYU) to deliver workforce training programs at BATWorks, effectively bridging the gap between academic research and commercialization.

This announcement follows an ongoing stakeholder engagement effort that began two years ago and includes outreach to elected officials, citywide partners, environmental justice organizations, and community groups to inform BATWorks' development. Additionally, last fall, LACI launched a robust slate of programming, featuring community events and convenings, including launching field trips for Sunset Park students from kindergarten through 12th grade in partnership with the Center for Family Life and NYU. NYCEDC, LACI, and CIC remain committed to continuing community engagement and incorporating community feedback through sustained programming and direct engagement.

"SBIDC is thrilled to see BATWorks establish this space to connect the project's vision and programs to the Sunset Park community ahead of the completion of their full campus at the Brooklyn Army Terminal. As the Operator of the Sunset Park Economic Mobility Network, we look forward to collaborating with the BATWorks team on in-person workforce development programming for the neighborhood," said Jesse Solomon, Executive Director, SBIDC.

"At Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow, we are committed to successfully addressing the barriers that have excluded the communities we serve from family-sustaining careers right in their own backyard. The launch of BATWorks represents a critical step in making our mission a reality, creating direct pathways into the green economy through a strong coalition of partners working together to align industry, community, and opportunity. Together, we will ensure that the next generation is not just prepared for these opportunities, but positioned to lead them," said Evelyn Ortiz & Greg Rideout, Co-Chief Executive Officers, Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow.

"I'm incredibly excited to see BATWorks launch," said Aaron Shiffman, Executive Director of Brooklyn Workforce Innovations (BWI). "Opening this physical space-and growing into a larger hub over the next several years-shows the long-term investment BATWorks has in not only the sustainability of our city, but in the community members who will benefit from BATWorks resources, workforce training, and career pathways. Their presence will unlock new opportunities for Sunset Park residents, and BWI looks forward to their impact."

"CUNY is excited to expand workforce development in climate technologies for both our degree students and continuing education participants," said Rosemarie Wesson, Associate Vice Chancellor and University Vice Provost for Research at CUNY. "The BATWorks Climate Innovation Hub is a crucial collaborative partnership and an engine of climate innovation that will help CUNY scale our existing programs, launch new hands-on training, and connect New Yorkers to emerging careers in the climate tech economy."

"At NYU, we are excited about the opening of BATworks new, temporary space so the important work of the consortium, particularly building deep engagement with the local Sunset Park community, can begin in earnest," said Nina Gray, Interim Vice Provost of Research at NYU. "Our focus will be on expanding the work of the NYU Tandon Center for K12 STEM Education in partnership with local middle and high schools, as well as continuing to connect with local entrepreneurs who are creating future solutions for our changing environment and bolstering New York City's green job economy."

"Solar One is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on making the clean energy transition just and accessible to all New Yorkers. To meet this mission, we provide environmental education programs for youth, teachers, job-seekers, affordable housing providers and community-based organizations," said Solar One Managing Director of GWF Max Levitzke. "Our Green Workforce training program supports over 800 individuals each year from across the five boroughs and we are deeply in need of a satellite training workshop to accommodate demand-BATWorks will provide this facility allowing for Solar One to support Sunset Park residents, South Brooklyn trainees and expand our service to NYC overall. We are truly looking forward to working in partnership with the BATworks team to realize the expansion of this important training program."

"The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce welcomes the opening of BATWorks' temporary space at the Brooklyn Army Terminal. We are proud to support initiatives that bring talent, investment, and opportunity to Brooklyn-from smart submeters and demand-response programs to Sunset Park Solar-and we applaud BATWorks as a pillar of the Harbor Climate Collaborative that positions Sunset Park as a hub for clean energy and sustainable manufacturing," said Dina Rabiner, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Innovation, Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce.

"The Brooklyn Navy Yard is proud to have BATWorks as a new partner in fostering spaces where ideas can grow, companies can pilot and scale new innovations, and collaboration can expand access to high-quality jobs in a more resilient New York City," said Lindsay Greene, President and CEO of the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation. "The launch of BATWorks builds on the established, multi-level partnership for innovation and piloting between The Trust for Governors Island, BNYDC, and NYC EDC's Brooklyn Army Terminal and the tenants that power these campuses."

"We're thrilled to congratulate NYCEDC on the opening of the new BATWorks space, which will serve to foster collaboration and help grow our city's climate tech ecosystem," said Clare Newman, President and CEO of the Trust for Governors Island. "Today's announcement is a testament to the momentum behind New York City's growing green economy. On Governors Island, we are proud to advance this work every day. Together, these investments are expanding opportunities for New Yorkers and cementing our city's role as a global leader in climate innovation."

"Perkins&Will is proud to partner with NYCEDC, LACI, NYU, and CUNY and continue to develop the Climate Innovation Hub/BATWorks project. We're gratified to see the opening of the project's initial component-an important step toward the world-class research, community, and educational spaces planned for Building A in the near future," said Robert Clemens, Perkins&Will Managing Principal.

"These spaces provide more than just a floor for a pilot; they create the human connections necessary to scale," said Candice Delamarre, Co-Founder & COO of Kit Switch. "We are proud that this installation supports Brooklyn's role in the Green Economy Action Plan to create 400,000 jobs by 2040. By providing solutions that reduce the carbon footprint of our buildings, Kit Switch is helping New York reach its net-zero goals under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, all while driving immediate local economic activity."

"As the longtime home of MakerSpace's 40,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art creative hub, the Brooklyn Army Terminal has always been a place where community meets innovation-and BATWorks is taking that legacy to the next level," said MakerSpace NYC Executive Director Scott Van Campen. "Having grown our own community here in partnership with NYCEDC, we're excited to welcome a new generation of climate innovators to the campus and further strengthen the South Brooklyn waterfront as a hub for innovation and workforce development."

Built along the New York Harbor during World War II as a supply base for the United States Army, the Brooklyn Army Terminal has been reimagined over decades into a modern center of economic activity. This year marks 40 years since NYCEDC began managing the historic campus, which is now home to more than 100 tenants employing 3,500 New Yorkers.

Beyond its investments in BATWorks, NYCEDC is upgrading its operations of the Brooklyn Army Terminal, deploying building technology that reduces greenhouse gas emissions and lowers utility bills. This spring, NYCEDC is installing smart submeters at BAT, providing real-time data on electricity usage across the building. This will allow tenants to participate in "demand response" for the first time-which provides financial incentives for reducing electricity usage during periods when demand for electricity across the grid is highest.

Additionally, NYCEDC, UPROSE, and Working Power launched Sunset Park Solar, to bring clean, reliable, and affordable solar energy to Sunset Park residents and businesses. Over its lifetime, the 725 kilowatt (kW) solar array will deliver $1.24 million in energy bill savings to approximately 150 households.

BATWorks is a crucial pillar of the broader Harbor Climate Collaborative-a joint initiative between NYCEDC, the Trust for Governors Island, and the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation - to link tech piloting, tenanting, and programming opportunities across all three organizations and promote climate innovation. BATWorks also builds on New York City's climate efforts, a key commitment in the city's Green Economy Action Plan, and advances Local Law 97.

Sunset Park's waterfront district in South Brooklyn, with its rich industrial history, robust infrastructure, diverse tenants, and strategic access to major transportation networks, is uniquely positioned to serve as a hub for clean energy and sustainable manufacturing. In addition to BAT, NYCEDC is supporting the transformation of the nearby city-owned South Brooklyn Marine Terminal into one of the largest offshore wind ports in the nation.

About NYCEDC
New York City Economic Development Corporation is a mission-driven, nonprofit organization that works for a vibrant, inclusive, and globally competitive economy for all New Yorkers. We take a comprehensive approach, through four main strategies: strengthen confidence in NYC as a great place to do business; grow innovative sectors with a focus on equity; build neighborhoods as places to live, learn, work, and play; and deliver sustainable infrastructure for communities and the city's future economy. To learn more about what we do, visit us on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

About LACI
The Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) is unlocking innovation by scaling cleantech startups, transforming markets through catalytic partnerships with policymakers, innovators, and market leaders, and enhancing communities through workforce training, pilots and other programs. Founded as an economic development initiative by the City of Los Angeles and its Department of Water & Power (LADWP) in 2011, LACI has helped 537 portfolio companies raise over $1.5 billion in funding, generated $477 million in revenue, and created 2,626 jobs throughout the Los Angeles region, with a long term economic impact of more than $733 million.

About CIC
CIC builds and operates a global network of innovation campuses where startups, scale-ups, corporations and public entities connect, work, and grow. Founded in 1999, CIC manages innovation-focused workspace, laboratories, and event space across North America, Europe and Asia. Additionally, CIC develops bespoke programming, builds and enables industry clusters, and provides world-class district consulting-all focused on advancing innovation. Learn more about CIC's innovation campuses featuring workspace & labs, programming, and events at CIC.com. Follow along on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.

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