New Syracuse CoE Labs, New Opportunities

[On Aug. 24], I was fortunate to take part in an event at the Syracuse Center of Excellence celebrating the completion of new labs to support research and development related to emerging energy technologies.

Thanks to an investment from New York State, in partnership with Syracuse University and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, the region now has the ability to test, scale, and commercialize fuel cells, combined heat and power systems, bio-based fuels, hydrodynamic flow fields, and battery and energy power storage.

Our region has a strong legacy in these technologies, and a growing level of new expertise to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the industry. These labs exemplify the important role academic and research partners play in the innovation and commercialization of industries. Through our region’s distinct ability to bring together assets such as legacy industry knowledge; private and public partners; and world-class academic institutions, it is well-positioned to compete and lead in the next economy.

I look forward to seeing the incredible technologies that are developed from this facility.

Robert M. (Rob) Simpson is president and CEO of CenterState CEO, the primary economic-development organization for Central New York. This editorial is drawn and edited from the “CEO Focus” email newsletter that the organization sent to members on Aug. 25.