Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that New York State is investing $20 million to support the next phase of the federally-sponsored NextFlex initiative, dedicated to developing flexible and additive hybrid electronics devices. The State is providing a second round of funding to the Research Foundation of the State University of New York, on behalf of Binghamton University – the New York Node of the NextFlex nationwide consortium. This program brings companies of all sizes together with universities to develop critical new technologies, supply chains and manufacturing infrastructure, and to train the skilled workforce needed to help Upstate New York grow its high technology manufacturing base. Empire State Development is providing the funding to support this forward-thinking initiative through the Southern Tier Soaring Upstate Revitalization Initiative.

“New York State continues to lead the way in creating the jobs of the future, investing in industries from scientific research to software development,” Governor Hochul said. “Initiatives like NextFlex are spurring further development in growing sectors like these to create the high-tech jobs needed to support New York’s economy for future generations.”

NextFlex Phase II will work to provide state-of-the art solutions for healthcare concerns, energy generation, and aviation. The total project cost has been placed at $45 million, supported by New York state’s $20 million investment, $20 million from the federal government, and $5 million in private investment from NextFlex members. In 2016, ESD invested $20 million in NextFlex Phase I, which supported the Department of Defense's launch of NextFlex. Phase I focused on the development of flexible and printed electronics in the U.S.

Nextflex Executive Director Dr. Malcom Thompson said, “We are delighted by the impact NextFlex and its members are having in New York and throughout the country as we create collaborative opportunities for development of critical electronics manufacturing capabilities that lead to products that improve people’s lives. The state of New York, with our members led by Binghamton University, are not only advancing the technology but are demonstrating how to accelerate the growth of the next generation workforce.”

Binghamton University President Harvey Stenger said, "Binghamton is known for its path-breaking research and the University's work in flexible hybrid electronics (FHE) is solidifying that reputation. SUNY Distinguished Professor Mark Poliks and his team, working side by side with industry, are advancing FHE technologies, allowing electronics to bend, twist, and stretch to take on new forms, and provide new functions. The work they are doing is positioning the US as a leader in FHE manufacturing. We thank Governor Hochul and all of our state and federal leaders for their support of this important work."

The NextFlex consortium is comprised of nearly 100 American electronics companies and academic institutions and partnerships with dozens of other non-profits, state, local and federal government entities with the shared goal of advancing U.S. manufacturing of printed flexible and additive electronics. Since its formation in 2015, the NextFlex community of technologists, educators, problem solvers and manufacturers have come together to collectively facilitate FHE innovation, narrow the advanced manufacturing workforce gap and promote sustainable electronics manufacturing ecosystems.

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “New York’s phase two investment in the NextFlex public-private initiative will help continue its transformative work. By catalyzing the development of next-gen flexible electronics, NextFlex will boost healthcare, aviation and energy industry growth and supercharge the state's innovation economy.”

Binghamton University is dedicated to developing the technologies of tomorrow. In September 2022, Governor Hochul announced that the university would be receiving a combined investment of nearly $114 million to support the creation of Battery-NY, a cutting-edge technology development, manufacturing, and commercialization energy storage hub. Binghamton University was selected by the U.S. Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration to receive $63.7 million in federal funding from the American Rescue Plan's Build Back Better Regional Challenge, a national competition that is providing transformative investments to develop and strengthen regional industry clusters across the country, that also enhance economic equity, create good-paying jobs, and further the United States' global competitiveness. Binghamton University was one of 21 chosen out of more than 500 applications originally which were then narrowed to sixty applicants in the final round of the challenge.

Recently, Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer announced that the university’s New Energy New York project won the prestigious federal Tech Hub designation, which he created in the CHIPS & Science Act, accelerating the Southern Tier’s emergence as America’s next battery tech hub. Additionally, the project advanced to the final round in the $160 million National Science Foundation’s Regional “Innovation Engines” competition which aims to program catalyze and foster innovation ecosystems across the United States, ensuring the U.S. remains globally competitive in key technology areas for decades to come.

State Senator Lea Webb said, “I am appreciative that Governor Hochul has recognized the important work that Binghamton University researchers are doing to make the US a leader in FHE technologies by making a phase-two investment in the NextFlex initiative. It is exciting to see the Southern Tier play a key role in high tech manufacturing, an industry that will bring jobs to the region and grow our economy.”

Assemblymember Donna Lupardo said, “Binghamton University has led the way on flexible hybrid electronics for many years. This Phase II NextFlex funding recognizes the central role BU is playing as part of a nationwide consortium; developing high-tech solutions to improve people’s lives. Advancements in health care, energy and aviation all contribute to our goals of increasing US based advanced manufacturing, with a US based workforce. The Southern Tier is well positioned to take advantage of this opportunity.”

Broome County Executive Jason Garnar said, "Broome County has emerged as a national leader in the development of this technology. With the support of New York State, a world-class university, and the innovative spirit that still motivates this community, we are creating solutions for the needs of industry in the 21st Century. Thank you to Governor Hochul for recognizing and believing in the important work being done here."

Binghamton Mayor Jared M. Kraham said, "As the Southern Tier continues to lead on cutting-edge green solutions and 21st century job creation, this investment by New York State will grow our region's reputation for high-technology manufacturing, research and development. Thank you to Governor Hochul, Binghamton University and our state and federal partners for once again putting a positive spotlight on the important work happening in Binghamton."

For more information about the NextFlex Consortium, visit www.nextflex.us. Additional information about the NextFlex initiative at Binghamton University is available here.

Accelerating Southern Tier Soaring

Today's announcement complements “Southern Tier Soaring,” the region’s comprehensive strategy to generate robust economic growth and community development. The regionally designed plan focuses on attracting a talented workforce, growing business and driving innovation. More information is available here.

About Empire State Development

Empire State Development (ESD) is New York’s chief economic development agency. The mission of ESD is to promote a vigorous and growing economy, encourage the creation of new job and economic opportunities, increase revenues to the State and its municipalities, and achieve stable and diversified local economies. Through the use of loans, grants, tax credits and other forms of financial assistance, ESD strives to enhance private business investment and growth to spur job creation and support prosperous communities across New York State. ESD is also the primary administrative agency overseeing the Regional Economic Development Councils and the marketing of “I LOVE NY,” the State’s iconic tourism brand. For more information on Regional Councils and Empire State Development, visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov.