Nanotechnology has the potential to significantly advance energy technologies. From thin film depositions in solar cells to fuel cell structures optimized on the molecular level, nanotechnology promises higher performance for devices that can provide a cleaner, more secure energy economy.
New York is home to both universities conducting cutting edge research in nanotechnology and many of the nation’s leading advanced energy technology businesses that utilize nanotechnology. However, greater organization and coordination is needed to share and communicate the industry’s most pressing needs to academia and to transfer the most appropriate technology from academia to industry. The CLEAN project was created to develop new and unique approaches to increase interactions between industry, government and academia.
Through its NIRE efforts, the project helps grow the energy and nanotechnology industry in the Tech Valley region of New York by providing ‘knowledge transfer’ by business acceleration and market validation services to start-up, mid-size and expanding companies. NIRE efforts include ‘workforce development’ for energy businesses through hands-on training and internships in manufacturing, installation, and servicing of these specialized new energy technologies; and education and outreach to the public at large, including the Energy Innovation Camp.