CESA Member New York

“NYSERDA's work has helped thousands of New York State businesses develop clean energy products and create strong businesses that will help improve our environment, enhance our energy security, and build the clean energy economy of the future.” Francis J. Murray, President, NYSERDA

Visit the New York State Energy Research & Development Authority Website

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority

With an annual budget of approximately $650 million, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) supports the development and manufacture of emerging energy technologies; programs to address barriers inherent in bringing new products to market; and a portfolio of initiatives to increase the energy efficiency of residential, institutional, and commercial facilities. NYSERDA is helping to position New York businesses and industry to become leaders in the clean energy technology economy through innovative partnerships.

NYSERDA's Clean Energy programs span the life cycle of a successful business launch, from start-up to product development to commercialization. NYSERDA's recent investments underscore its  commitment to seizing the opportunities and meeting the challenges facing today's clean energy leaders.

  • Clean Energy Business Incubators ' When a new company is just starting out and resources are put to the test, a business incubator can provide much-needed support and infrastructure. Over the past year, NYSERDA has directly invested in six strategically located incubator sites and organizations that support early stage business growth. Incubators offer a structured program to startup companies to help them commercialize clean energy technology and reach viability.  These programs include technical assistance, mentorship and entrepreneurial development, opportunity assessment, business planning, marketing and business development support, legal and financial planning support, networking and introductions to investors, and strategic partners.
  • Saratoga Technology + Energy Park® (STEP®) 'In addition to supporting these incubators, NYSERDA sponsors STEP® as a knowledge community with significant resources for technology companies involved in the research and development, commercialization, manufacturing, and distribution of clean energy and environmental products and services companies that are looking for a strategic location to build and grow. STEP distinguishes itself from other locations by including services, amenities, and collaboration opportunities in an eco-friendly setting on 280-acres in the heart of New York's Tech Valley. 
  •  Early Stage Research & Development ' Developing innovative technologies can require a significant investment and carry significant risk. NYSERDA's programs help reduce those financial risks by offering funding to support research, product development, and demonstration. In the case of research support, NYSERDA is providing $250,000 each to four Energy Frontier Research Centers to conduct fundamental research in new energy technologies.  In addition, over the past year, NYSERDA formed two research consortia to build public-private partnerships.  The New York Battery and Energy Storage Technology Consortium (NY-BEST) is an industry-focused coalition working to build a vibrant, world-class, advanced battery and energy storage sector in New York State.  NY-BEST will be supported with approximately $25 million in seed funding through the Clean Air Interstate Rule auction proceeds. The NYS SmartGrid Consortium, established in 2008, is focused on the creation of a fully visible, integrated 'smart' electricity system for New York State. The consortium includes academic, industrial, and commercial members and the Board of Directors has representation from the New York major electric utilities and energy policy organizations.
  • Business Growth & Development ' NYSERDA provides funding to innovative clean energy companies to engage in business projects that allow them to expand and grow. Such projects vary, typically including activities attendant to raising capital, entering new markets, or entering existing markets with new products and services.  As such, the program is attractive to early stage companies. The program requires that product and service offerings be available in the market already, or within one year at the latest.  In addition to direct financial support to companies, NYSERDA is funding a range of activities to expand services to early stage companies.
  • Business Expansion & Manufacturing Incentives ' NYSERDA offers incentives to companies establishing clean energy manufacturing facilities in New York. The manufacturing incentive program provides up to $1.5 million per project to companies that are establishing a new manufacturing plant or making a significant physical expansion to an existing one. Up to 25% of the funding may be used to support pre-manufacturing activities such as site selection and development, building improvements and facilities, and acquisition of equipment. The remaining 75% is paid out on a quarterly basis as the manufacturing line is operated, based on a percentage of the 'New York State Value Added.'