Advancing Innovative Clean Energy Technologies
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced more than $37 million to advance innovative clean energy technologies in New York State. The State’s new Commercialization Cohort initiative will establish four business accelerators to provide stage-specific training, mentoring and funding for startups and entrepreneurs to cost-effectively develop clean energy solutions and accelerate their market adoption.
“New York is investing in businesses that drive statewide technological innovation to improve energy efficiency, strengthen resiliency and grow our economy,” said Governor Hochul. “Building systems that support product development and strengthen local supply chains will spur private investment in clean energy and make it more accessible to consumers.”
Administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), the Commercialization Cohort initiative will select program administrators through three competitive funding rounds to support companies at the following stages of product development:
- Early-stage (Pre-seed) and go-to-market strategy and first commercial pilot (Series A-B)
- First pilot projects (Seed)
- Late-stage commercial scale-up (Series B-C)
NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “NYSERDA is proud to support commercialization services that provide clean energy startups and entrepreneurs with the tools to grow and advance business models which will build upon New York’s strong energy innovation ecosystem. This updated program reflects Governor Hochul's ongoing commitment to the clean energy transition and complements existing State and local resources to help bring forward innovative clean energy deployment and economic growth.”
NYSERDA is now accepting proposals under the first round of competitive funding from eligible for-profit businesses, non-profit organizations, academic institutions and research organizations located in New York and will select two separate program administrators for the following stages:
- Pre-seed: up to $8.4 million to establish and administer an accelerator focused on early-stage development.
- Series A-B: up to $11.6 million to establish and administer an accelerator focused on go-to-market strategies and first commercial pilot projects.
A minimum cost share of 20% is required from non-NYSERDA funding sources. These accelerators will open for applications from startups and companies in early 2027.
Proposals are due on December 2, 2026, by 3:00 p.m. ET. For more information on this funding opportunity please visit NYSERDA’s website.
NYSERDA will host a webinar on October 16, 2026, from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. ET to provide more details on the solicitation, project requirements and the proposal process.
Additionally, NYSERDA plans to open future competitive rounds of funding in early 2027 to select program administrators to establish a Seed accelerator and a Series B-C accelerator. Additional information about the new commercialization cohort initiative can be found on NYSERDA’s website.
New York State Public Service Commission Chair Rory Christian said, “I am proud of New York State’s continued investments in clean energy innovation, under Governor Hochul’s leadership. These efforts not only secure a more safe, affordable, and reliable grid for New Yorkers, but also attract best-in-class businesses that are driving the clean energy future. Early support, pilot projects, and commercialization show what is possible while furthering private investment in our communities.”
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Turning promising ideas into successful businesses is essential to building New York’s next generation of industries. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, we’re creating an environment where clean energy innovators can attract investment, scale their operations and build lasting roots in our state. This initiative will help strengthen New York’s competitive advantage in a rapidly growing industry while supporting new businesses, creating good-paying jobs and driving long-term economic growth.”
Today’s announcement supports NYSERDA’s Innovation and Research (I&R) program, which invests more than $96 million per year to attract world-class energy innovators, reduce risk for private investors and remove barriers to clean energy adoption in New York State, leveraging $15 in additional investment for every $1 spent. NYSERDA has partnered with more than 900 companies that have helped make more than 300 products commercially available for consumers, businesses and utilities.
Funding for this program is provided through the New York State Public Service Commission’s 2025 Innovation and Research Order, which funds statewide clean energy innovation and research programs from 2026 through 2030.
CHARGE Agenda
The Clean, Highly Affordable, Reliable Grid Expansion (CHARGE) agenda is a comprehensive plan to keep the lights on and costs down for New Yorkers while achieving a reliable, zero-emission grid. The five-pronged strategy focuses on driving down consumer costs, holding energy companies accountable, building clean energy at scale, modernizing the state's aging grid, and growing a clean economy with family-sustaining jobs. Through bold initiatives like the Ratepayer Protection Plan, historic transmission buildouts, and a new 8.4-gigawatt "Nuclear Backbone," the CHARGE agenda ensures an affordable, resilient, and self-sufficient energy future that prioritizes everyday ratepayers while building a cleaner, more sustainable New York.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
