New York State is taking a significant step forward in the realm of high-tech manufacturing by allocating $20 million to support the second phase of the NextFlex initiative. This federally sponsored program is dedicated to advancing flexible and additive hybrid electronics devices, and the funds will be channeled through the Research Foundation of the State University of New York (SUNY), representing Binghamton University as the New York node of the NextFlex nationwide consortium.
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A Commitment to Cutting-edge Technology
The NextFlex initiative is a collaborative effort that unites businesses of all sizes with universities, aiming to create groundbreaking technologies, establish robust supply chains, bolster manufacturing infrastructure, and cultivate a skilled workforce. This initiative is part of Governor Kathy Hochul’s strategy to elevate upstate New York’s high-technology manufacturing sector.
Empire State Development is facilitating this investment through the Southern Tier Soaring Upstate Revitalization Initiative, demonstrating a commitment to the growth of technology and innovation within the state.
Leading the Way in Job Creation
Governor Kathy Hochul emphasized New York State’s role in pioneering job creation for the future. By investing in sectors like scientific research and software development, initiatives like NextFlex are propelling the growth of these industries, generating high-tech job opportunities that will be vital for New York’s economic sustainability in the years to come.
NextFlex Phase II: Advancing Technology for Multiple Sectors
The NextFlex Phase II program is poised to deliver state-of-the-art solutions with a focus on healthcare, energy generation, and aviation. The total budget for this ambitious endeavor is set at $45 million, with substantial support from various sources. New York State’s contribution of $20 million is complemented by $20 million from the federal government and $5 million in private investments from NextFlex members.
A History of Investment
This investment isn’t the first of its kind. In 2016, the Empire State Development allocated $20 million for NextFlex Phase I, which marked the Department of Defense’s introduction to NextFlex. During Phase I, the primary focus was on the development of flexible and printed electronics in the United States.
New York State’s continued commitment to funding initiatives like NextFlex demonstrates its dedication to advancing technology, creating jobs, and fostering innovation in a rapidly evolving high-tech landscape. This $20 million investment in NextFlex Phase II sets the stage for groundbreaking advancements in flexible and additive hybrid electronics, benefitting multiple sectors, including healthcare, energy generation, and aviation, and positioning New York as a leader in the technology-driven economy of the future.
