PowerBridgeNY was created as proof-of-concept center by Columbia University and New York University Polytechnic School of Engineering, leading a consortium of public research institutions across the state.
It is partially funded by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).
The research teams that won the first round of PowerBridgeNY funding include Columbia University, NYU Polytechnic School of Engineering, City University of New York, Cornell University, Brookhaven National Laboratory and University of Stony Brook.
The winners, who were awarded up to $150,000, are working on products with the potential to reduce wastewater treatment costs, increase energy efficiency of solar panels, reduce electricity outages, decrease the cost of fuel cells and absorb carbon dioxide.
New York is taking a leading role in supporting the development of cleantech products that are environmentally friendly, reduce energy use and increase reliability of the State’s energy systems, Cuomo said.
"When the best and brightest cleantech researchers in New York State have the opportunity to collaborate with smart, experienced experts in the private sector, the result can be a powerful force for economic development resulting in a cleaner, greener, more sustainable state for future generations," Cuomo added.
Image: New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. Photo: Courtesy of Andrew Cuomo by Pat Arnow.
