Empire State Development Announces Newest Cohort Of Centers For Advanced Technology Across New York State

CAT program continues to spur economic impact, job growth for New Yorkers by supporting applied research and development and commercialization of breakthrough technologies

Center for Smart Convergent Manufacturing Systems (Smart-CSCMS) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute becomes newest CAT to join NYSTAR network of innovation resources; nine other CATs redesignated

Empire State Development’s (ESD) Division of Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR) today announced its latest round of designated Centers for Advanced Technology (CATs) across New York State. Of the 10 CATs in this cohort, nine were redesignated. The Center for Smart Convergent Manufacturing Systems (Smart-CSCMS) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute joins the robust network of innovation resources administered by NYSTAR as a new awardee. Each CAT will receive around $10 million in state funding over the 10-year designation. 

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “NYSTAR’s Centers for Advanced Technology have been critical to the growth of New York State’s economy over the past four decades. When we invest in the industries of tomorrow, New Yorkers will benefit today: more jobs, increased revenues, and new companies choosing to set up shop in the Empire State. Congratulations to this round of designees who will undoubtedly contribute to the long and storied history of the CAT program.”

NYSTAR Executive Director Ben Verschueren said, “New York State’s universities have some of the greatest researchers and facilities in the world. The Centers for Advanced Technologies program exists so that private industry can tap into these resources as they develop game-changing ideas. These CATs ensure our state will stay at the forefront of nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, clean energy, and other crucial industries. I’m eager to see the new technologies that result from their work—innovations that will help shape our regional economies for years to come.”

For this round of funding, ESD identified seven areas of technology—artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, cybersecurity, and telecommunications; life and enabling sciences; nanotechnology; semiconductors and microelectronics; photonics and imaging science systems; energy systems; and advanced manufacturing—that hold significant potential for expanding the New York State economy.

Designations were determined by factors such as expertise in specific technology areas, physical and intellectual research capacity, and ability to contribute to the creation or expansion of companies in New York State. Each applicant was encouraged to demonstrate how they would leverage their institutions’ expertise and result in economically beneficial academic-industry research and development. Applications were reviewed by a panel comprised of professionals in the science, business and academic communities.   

The list of redesignated centers includes:

Center for Advanced Technology in Nanomaterials and Nanoelectronics (CATN2) at the College of Nanotechnology, Science, and Engineering (CNSE) at the University at Albany – Working to establish a nanotechnology-enabled innovation ecosystem, leveraging the tools and infrastructure at the NY CREATES Albany NanoTech Complex known for its open innovation business model that has attracted global semiconductor industry leaders.

Center for Advanced Technology in Telecommunications (CATT) at NYU – Partnering with both providers and users of telecommunications and information systems to help them turn the latest developments in these technologies into competitive and productive resources. The CATT will focus on three areas: Wireless/Networking; Cybersecurity; and AI/Data Science and Applications.

Center for Future Energy Systems (CFES) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute – Conducting applied research to accelerate the development and application of new energy materials, devices and systems, including high efficiency photovoltaic solar cells, energy storage technologies, and microgrids.

Center for Emerging and Innovative Sciences (CEIS) at the University of Rochester – Conducting applied research in the field of electronic imaging, optics, and phototonics in conjunction with both the University of Rochester and the Rochester Institute of Technology.

Center for Life Science Enterprise at Cornell University – Pursuing programs that address the economic development needs of New York's biotech industry, partnering with companies in fields including chemistry, food science and veterinary medicine.

Center for Biotechnology (CFB) at Stony Brook University – Operating a catalyst for development of new biomedical technologies and emerging companies in New York State, supporting biomedical innovation by helping to bridge the gap between discovery and commercial success.

Center for Grid Innovation Development and Deployment (GrIDD) at Stony Brook University – GrIDD is the evolution of the Center for Integrated Energy Systems (CIEES), and will drive clean energy innovation, bolster grid resilience, and further solidify its role as an important hub for research and commercialization. GrIDD will cultivate a skilled workforce, assist small companies in navigating regulatory and permitting challenges, and deliver scalable energy solutions that generate significant economic and technological growth.

Additive Manufacturing and Multifunctional Printing (AMPrint) Center at Rochester Institute of Technology – Collaborating with industry, government, and academic partners to develop the next generation of additive manufacturing (AM) and 3D printing (3DP) technologies, materials, and applications, and aid New York's efforts to advance additive manufacturing technologies and their adoption by startups and established businesses.

Integrated Electronics Engineering Center (IEEC) at Binghamton University – Facilitating the advancement of electronic packaging technology and the electronics industry, conducting leading-edge research in a wide variety of packaging areas for the technological and economic benefit of New York companies.

The cohort’s new designee—the Center for Smart Convergent Manufacturing Systems (Smart-CSCMS) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute—plans to focus on developing next-generation automation and production technologies for high-value manufacturing sectors in New York State. Smart-ASMS will drive industry-centric research and development and technology transfer; support entrepreneurial ventures and early stage business development; and develop a robust workforce for sustaining this rapidly evolving technological landscape. 

New York State’s CAT program—created in 1983—supports applied research, development, and technology transfer for private industry in several technological areas. NY’s CATs play a critical role in spurring technology-based research and economic development in the state, promoting national and international research collaboration and innovation, and leveraging New York's research expertise and funding with investments from the federal government, foundations, businesses, venture capital firms and other entities.

According to ESD’s most recent annual report, CATs generated $395 million in economic impact; created or retained nearly 500 jobs; and served over 400 companies during the reporting period (July 2022–June 2023). In total, New York State has 15 designated CATs at universities and affiliated research institutes statewide. These centers specialize in technology fields of strategic importance to New York's economy, such as clean energy, biotechnology, nanomaterials, and more. 

To learn more about NYSTAR, its network of 80-plus organizations, and resources available to New York State innovators, visit esd.ny.gov/nystar.

About Empire State Development 

Empire State Development is New York's chief economic development agency, and promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity throughout the state. With offices in each of the state's 10 regions, ESD oversees the Regional Economic Development Councils, supports broadband equity through the ConnectALL office, and is growing the workforce of tomorrow through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development. The agency engages with emerging and next generation industries like clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing looking to grow in New York State, operates a network of assistance centers to help small businesses grow and succeed, and promotes the state's world class tourism destinations through I LOVE NY. For more information, please visit esd.ny.gov, and connect with ESD on LinkedIn, Facebook and X. 

About ESD’s Division of Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR) 

Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology and Innovation – known as NYSTAR – advances technology innovation and commercialization in New York State. NYSTAR offers programs that assist companies from start-up through maturity, leveraging the state’s unparalleled investment in world-class technology assets and expertise. It provides about $70 million annually in funding to support over 80 centers that provide direct assistance to New York State companies — a network of vital assets for enabling technology — and manufacturing-led growth and job creation. NYSTAR and its partners are proud to contribute to New York’s leadership in the global innovation economy. For more information, visit esd.ny.gov/nystar.