Carnegie Mellon University Joins Forces for Energy Innovation in Appalachia
Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is set to be a pivotal player in a transformative initiative aimed at boosting energy innovation and economic development in Appalachia. This effort is part of the U.S. National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Regional Innovation Engines program.
In collaboration with West Virginia University, the University of Pittsburgh, and over 60 regional partners, CMU is part of the Resilient Energy Technology and Infrastructure (RETI) Consortium. This consortium is poised to receive up to $160 million over a decade from NSF, with an additional $161 million from other partners, to create an industrial energy innovation hub in the region. The NSF recognized the RETI Consortium as one of 12 new Regional Innovation Engines on July 14, after a rigorous two-year selection process.
The RETI Engine will channel funds into research for enhancing the resilience and efficiency of power grids and industrial energy systems. It will also facilitate the commercialization of these innovations through entrepreneur fellowships, business workshops, and advanced testing facilities.
“Our region has powered America’s economy for generations, and today we have an opportunity to help power its future,” stated CMU President Farnam Jahanian. He emphasized the potential for research, entrepreneurship, and workforce development to accelerate innovation and create prosperity.
As a key partner in the RETI Consortium, CMU will leverage its expertise in energy, industrial innovation, and artificial intelligence. The university will spearhead efforts in policy, research, and commercialization to advance energy technologies. This initiative aligns with Allegheny County’s clean technology and advanced manufacturing efforts, as outlined in County Executive Sara Innamorato’s Advancing Clean Technology for Neighborhood and Next-Generation Opportunity and Workforce (ACT NOW) Executive Order.
CMU will lead efforts to commercialize technologies through the Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship, expanding its Innovation Commercialization Fellows program to assist graduate students in launching energy ventures. The Center for Technology Transfer and Enterprise Creation will provide support in intellectual property and market strategies.
“The RETI Engine creates an unprecedented opportunity to accelerate the translation from research to deployment,” said Theresa Mayer, vice president for research at CMU. She highlighted the potential for regional partnerships to transform research into new companies and jobs.
Theresa Mayer will serve on the RETI Governing Board, while CMU’s lead investigator, Valerie Karplus, will direct policy initiatives. Karplus, who is also part of the Scott Institute for Energy Innovation, will lead efforts to support new energy and industrial technology ventures.
“We are thrilled that the RETI Engine will leverage a broad set of CMU strengths,” said Karplus. She noted CMU’s tradition of interdisciplinary work in supporting enterprise creation and economic development.
The NSF Engines program, initiated by NSF’s Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships, is committed to building regional innovation ecosystems. “NSF Engines investments in critical technologies and future industries will transform America’s innovation infrastructure for decades to come,” stated Brian Stone, NSF director. The RETI Engine aims to enhance energy security and industry growth through advancements in energy grid management and cybersecurity.
Each NSF Engine is backed by a coalition of private sector, regional, and scientific leaders, contributing to breakthrough technology research and development that enhances U.S. economic competitiveness and security.
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