Two research centers at Stony Brook University have been designated as Centers for Advanced Technology (CATs) by New York State. This designation includes $20 million in funding to enhance innovation, workforce development, and economic impact. Stony Brook is the only institution in the state to receive two CAT designations in this funding cycle.
The Center for Biotechnology (CFB) and the Center for Advanced Technology in Grid Innovation, Development, and Deployment (GrIDD) were redesignated by Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR). Each center will receive $1 million annually over the next decade to continue their work in life sciences, clean energy, and grid resilience.
Kevin Gardner, Vice President for Research and Innovation at Stony Brook University, stated: “The re-designation of both the Center for Biotechnology and GrIDD as Centers for Advanced Technology is a testament to Stony Brook University’s unwavering commitment to pioneering research that directly fuels economic growth and workforce development in New York State.”
Clinton Rubin, director of CFB, emphasized the center's role as a bridge between academic research and commercial success. Diane Fabel, chief operating officer for CFB, highlighted past achievements including over $1 billion in economic impact and more than 1,000 jobs created.
David Hamilton from the Office for Research and Innovation noted GrIDD's focus on clean energy technology. Abdelrahim Brown, director of GrIDD, said: “GrIDD’s redesignation as a Center for Advanced Technology is a vote of confidence in the collaborative work our team and partners have been doing to strengthen New York’s grid.”
Empire State Development President Hope Knight remarked: “NYSTAR’s Centers for Advanced Technology are vital to our strategic efforts to grow New York’s economy.” The CAT program supports university-based centers focused on applied research and technology commercialization.
These redesignations are part of a larger cohort of 10 centers statewide. Through its CAT designations, Stony Brook aims to create jobs and deliver solutions to health and energy challenges.
Stony Brook’s Office for Research and Innovation provides startups with incubator space or virtual participation across various technology sectors. NYSTAR offers programs supporting companies from start-up through maturity with about $80 million annually in funding.