SCHUMER ANNOUNCES BINGHAMTON BATTERY HUB TO RECEIVE UP TO $45 MILLION FEDERAL AWARD AS IT ADVANCES TO NEXT PHASE OF “INNOVATION ENGINES” PROGRAM – CREATED BY SCHUMER’S CHIPS &[...]

Schumer Helped Create The NSF Engines Contest - Through His CHIPS & Science Law - To Bolster Innovation And Supply Chains And Grow Local Economies

Senator Has Long History Of Supporting Binghamton Battery Hub; Schumer Delivered Prestigious Federal Tech Hub Designation And Helped Binghamton University-Led Battery Research Hub Win Inaugural NSF Engines Competition

Schumer: Binghamton Secures $45 Million Award And Advances As National Leader In Battery Technology

U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today announced that the Binghamton University-led New Energy New York (NENY) has been selected as an awardee for the second phase of the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)'s Regional Innovation Engines Program, which was created by his CHIPS & Science Law. This award builds on Schumer's previous announcement and will bring up to $45 million over the next 3 years for Binghamton's groundbreaking battery hub.

"Big news for Binghamton's growing battery belt! $45 million was just unlocked for the Binghamton University-led New Energy New York project to continue to expand groundbreaking battery manufacturing and innovation in Upstate New York," said Senator Chuck Schumer. "This is exactly what my CHIPS & 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 NY. I've fought to secure tens of millions to grow the battery industry in Upstate NY, helping the region to be designated a prestigious federal Tech Hubs and be named one of the NSF's Innovation Engines. Today's investment keeps that momentum going and will help ensure the next breakthroughs in battery technology are made here in the U.S.A. The Southern Tier is charging ahead, and we're just getting started."

Binghamton University President Anne D'Alleva said, "I thank Senator Schumer for his fierce advocacy for Binghamton over the years. That support for the University and his creation of the CHIPS and Science Act paved the way for this initiative as well as many of the other avenues of support that our broader battery efforts have enjoyed. This renewal acknowledges the Engine's remarkable progress and early impact, the collective strength of its extensive partner ecosystem, and the bold vision guiding its future. The NSF Energy Storage Engine is already successfully advancing an ambitious plan to establish upstate New York as America's Battery Tech Capital, building on our region's strong legacy of innovation and manufacturing excellence. We thank the National Science Foundation for its support and unwavering commitment to this program."

Schumer has long fought to secure federal investment to boost Binghamton and Upstate NY's battery manufacturing and R&D. In 2022, Schumer delivered $63.7 million in federal funding for Binghamton University's New Energy New York proposal to make the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes a national hub for battery research and manufacturing.

In 2023, Schumer secured the prestigious Tech Hubs designation, a program Schumer also created in the CHIPS & Science Law, for Binghamton University's New Energy New York (NENY) project, accelerating the Southern Tier's emergence as America's next battery tech hub. In 2024, Schumer delivered a $500,000 Consortium Accelerator Award through the federal Tech Hubs program to boost the region's ongoing work. Schumer designed the Tech Hubs program to strengthen a region's capacity to commercialize, manufacture, and grow technology in key focus areas like batteries.

In 2024, Schumer additionally announced the Binghamton University-led Upstate New York Energy Storage Engine won the esteemed U.S. National Science Foundation's Regional "Innovation Engines" Competition (NSF Engines), which was created by his CHIPS & Science Law, bringing $15 million in federal funding immediately, with the possibility of up to $160 million total over the entirety of the program. Today's announcement is the next phase of funding from the NSF Engines program to further spark growth in the NENY project.

Now, thanks to his efforts, Binghamton is spurring innovation and bringing the manufacturing of batteries back to America, all while supporting the economic resurgence of the Southern Tier. In less than two years, the Binghamton energy storage hub, which includes the engine, has supported 15 industry-academia teams, funded more than 15 high-tech battery startups gaining over 30 customers, and helped companies access infrastructure, capital, and technology resources. For example, BAE Systems in Endicott will launch a new $65 million product line, creating 130+ new jobs. The Raymond Corporation/Toyota Material Handling has invested $15 million to establish a new Energy Solutions Manufacturing Center of Excellence in Kirkwood, creating up to 45 new jobs. CMP Advanced Mechanical Solutions will invest $8.8 million to expand its battery and storage component and assembly operations in Binghamton, creating up to 62 new jobs. In addition, new workforce development investments are building a pipeline of workers for good-paying jobs in the energy storage space. In the past year alone, companies have received more than $20 million in additional funding and won national recognition, including the Battery Manufacturer of the Year award.

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