The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) announced an agreement with the New York City Economic Development Corporation to drive clean energy and climate technology innovation. The two agencies signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to help meet shared state and city goals, including spurring investment, reducing emissions, and improving access to jobs and economic benefits. The MOU outlines five strategies for enhanced partnership:
1. Collaborate on existing programs and services available to companies seeking to site or expand operations in New York State or New York City.
2. Market the commercialization of climate technologies in the state’s innovation ecosystem.
3. Leverage shared needs, opportunities, technology development, and market sectors of interest for new climate innovation programs.
4. Co-locate climate technology innovation programming, pilots, and events in NYCEDC available real estate space.
5. Enhance connections between manufacturers, research centers, developers, technical service providers, and other entities locally and regionally.
As a first step under the agreement, NYSERDA and NYCEDC will provide support for Uptake Alliance, a new venture development program that helps connect climate startups with organizations facing technical challenges. The initiative is part of New York's ClimateTech Growth Platform and builds on NYSERDA's broader Innovation program, which offers commercialization support for new clean energy technologies and provides a hub for innovators, investors, and research and development partners to connect.