Syracuse, NY – July 2, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) — The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) today announced an award of $1.5 million to the Center for Clean Tech Entrepreneurship at the Tech Garden to establish a clean energy business incubator program that will provide business support to accelerate the successful development of early-stage, clean energy technology companies in Central Upstate New York. Through this award and other ongoing efforts, NYSERDA is building the capacity to foster innovative clean energy companies, grow the clean energy industry in New York, and expand the State’s “green collar” workforce.
“One way New York is leading the nation in the clean energy revolution is through fostering successful partnerships between early-stage clean energy businesses and regional incubators that help them grow and compete in the global marketplace,” said Francis J. Murray, Jr., President and CEO of NYSERDA. “The funding we announce today represents Governor David A. Paterson’s commitment to invest in the infrastructure that will help innovators develop their products, take their ideas to the market, and expand our State’s clean energy industry.”
The Clean Tech Center program offers support for entrepreneurs and early stage companies through incubation, acceleration, and retention. NYSERDA funds are intended to assist companies throughout the incubation process, and to develop a financially self-sustaining program that makes the Central Upstate New York region a national center for developing clean energy technologies.
“NYS incubators are where our best researchers connect with business partners and learn how to access the talent and capital needed for market success,” said Nasir Ali, President of the Tech Garden. “Together with NYSERDA, our university and economic development partners, the Clean Tech Center is creating a new model for growing the businesses that will sustain our economy and our environment.”
Clean Tech Center partners in this NYERDA initiative include the Syracuse Center of Excellence in Environmental and Energy Systems (SyracuseCoE), The Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce and the Metropolitan Development Association (MDA). The initiative is supported by a coalition of academic research partners that include: Binghamton University, Clarkson University, Cornell University, Morrisville State College, SUNY ESF and Syracuse University, as well as various energy and environmental centers at SUNY institutions across Upstate New York.
Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney said, “This funding for the Clean Tech Center is just the type of thing we need in Onondaga County as we further our efforts to be a climate smart community. It will also help develop our capacity to be a leader in the green jobs market. We are pleased to have this important work taking place in Central New York.”
City of Syracuse Mayor Matthew J. Driscoll said, “Green initiatives and technology are one of the priorities of my Administration. I welcome the support of Governor Paterson and NYSERDA for their leadership in promoting new “green” jobs in our area. Syracuse’s and Central New York’s economic future will depend on the development of green industry. The business incubator program through the Clean Tech Center will accelerate this development.”
“Throughout the State, from garages and workshops to university laboratories, innovative New Yorkers are working to meet our energy requirements in ways that improve our environment and make our economy more robust,” Murray added. “Under the leadership of Governor Paterson, the prospect to start and grow renewable and clean energy technology companies right here in New York remains bright.”
Governor David A. Paterson’s Renewable Energy Task Force Report, issued in February 2008, made several recommendations calling for increased support to clean energy businesses. NYSERDA has led efforts to establish clean energy business incubators that provide guidance, technical assistance, and consultation to young growing companies, so they contribute to New York State’s economy and are well positioned to compete on national and global levels.
Through the use of innovation and technology, NYSERDA is working to solve New York’s difficult energy and environmental problems in ways that improve the State’s economy. Effective business assistance programs will not only allow clean energy companies achieve growth and succeed globally, but also meet increased demand for clean energy and energy-efficient products. By diversifying our industrial and manufacturing resources with growing early-stage clean energy technology companies, New York can assure its continuing position as a leader in the innovation economy.
###
The Center for Clean Tech Entrepreneurship is a NYSERDA-funded initiative located at the Tech Garden in Syracuse, NY. The Clean Tech Center is a coalition of education-industry-investor partners who work with entrepreneurs and early stage companies to provide business development and technology expertise. Specifically, the Clean Tech Center is focused on developing emerging businesses and commercializing technologies in the following sectors: Renewable Energy (Biomass, Geothermal, Hydro, Solar, Solar Thermal, Wave, Wind); Alternative Fuels (Biofuels, Biodiesel, Synfuels, Clean Fuels); System Integration (Distributed Generation / On-Site Power, Energy Storage, Enabling Transmission, Power Systems Simulation, Smart Grid Technologies); Transportation (Electric Vehicles , Fuel Cells , Hybrid Electric , Hydrogen, Advanced Battery Technologies); Buildings & Construction Technologies (Energy Efficient Construction Materials, HVAC, Lighting, Efficient Appliances, Energy Supply & Storage).
The Tech Garden serves high-technology entrepreneurs across Central Upstate New York, offering mentoring and support services in an award-winning 33,000 sq. ft. incubation facility in downtown Syracuse. It is also home to the Seed Capital Fund of CNY, an organization which assists start-ups by providing early-stage funding and investor management support. The Tech Garden is a subsidiary of the Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce, a member organization of 2,100 businesses that represent over 140,000 employees, dedicated to creating an economic climate that enhances the growth, prosperity and quality of life for the region.
CONTACT:
Sal Graven, NYSERDA
518-862-1090 ext 3331
Sg2 (at) nyserda (dot) org
Nasir Ali, The Tech Garden
315-474-0910 or 315-857-4618 (mobile)
nasir (at) thetechgarden (dot) com
