NYSERDA, UAlbany Nano College and NYSTAR to provide clean energy and environmental tech services

According to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) president and CEO Francis Murray, Jr., the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) of the University at Albany and the New York State Foundation for Science, Technology, and Innovation (NYSTAR) have entered into agreements with NYSERDA to provide support for the growth of clean energy and environmental technology companies at the Saratoga Technology + Energy Park (STEP) and throughout the state. Already home to several companies involved in the manufacturing and deployment of clean energy and environmental technologies, STEP is an innovative knowledge-based community committed to the success of clean energy and environmental technology businesses so that they can grow, create jobs, and compete in national and global marketplaces. "Creating an environment that allows new ventures to access a variety of business services, technical support, and state-of-the-art research and development equipment is essential to ensure sustained growth and continued job creation within the clean energy industry," Murray said. "As a national leader in the development and promotion of energy-efficient and clean energy technologies, NYSERDA and our partners are committed to providing companies the services they need to undertake new ventures and expand into new markets, and to create jobs. Developing these businesses will not only help meet our energy challenges, it also will continue to position New York as a leader in the thriving clean energy economy." Separate agreements have been signed by NYSERDA with CNSE and NYSTAR that will lay the groundwork to provide business and technology support to established, emerging, or future clean energy businesses throughout the State and for tenants located at STEP. Because the economic development missions of each of the parties include the support for emerging clean energy and environmental technology related companies, each party understands the importance of fostering growth within the clean tech sector and the importance of collaborating to leverage each other's expertise and resources. Dr. Alain E. Kaloyeros, senior VP and CEO of CNSE, said, "The UAlbany NanoCollege is delighted to partner with NYSERDA and NYSTAR on this initiative that will support the expansion and growth of clean energy and environmental technologies and companies across New York State. As nanoscale innovations continue to drive new applications for alternative and renewable sources of energy, this collaboration will serve to enable access to the cutting-edge research and development critical for advancing green technologies that will fuel energy independence and environmental sustainability." Outreach services such as seminars, workshops, and one-on-one counseling, as well as the development of opportunities for strategic partnering, alliances, collaborative research and development, and business development activities that create value for entrepreneurs, investors, and early stage companies, are all possible services to be offered as a result of the MOU's to clean energy companies located at STEP. Dr. Pradeep Haldar, Director of CNSE's Energy and Environmental Technology Applications Center ("E2TAC"), said, "The educational, technical, and strategic capabilities of CNSE, in partnership with NYSERDA's expertise in supporting the development of alternative and renewable energy technologies, will provide a powerful combination to drive new opportunities in the emerging clean energy sector throughout New York State. We look forward to working closely with NYSERDA to help advance the innovative green technologies that will foster both economic and environmental benefits." "NYSTAR's collaboration with NYSERDA to provide support for STEP tenants and clean energy companies will ensure that New York's emerging energy companies can benefit from statewide public/private opportunities. This agreement formalizes the strong partnership NYSTAR has enjoyed with NYSERDA and STEP which will broaden the reach of the NYSTAR technology development and commercialization network to help New York's clean energy companies grow and create jobs," said Edward Reinfurt, Executive Director of the New York State Foundation for Science, Technology and Innovation. NYSERDA will continue to actively market and promote its research and development program funding opportunities to attract clean energy manufacturing companies to STEP. Assistance is available for businesses and entrepreneurs who are starting out, launching new products or services, or expanding existing operations.