Binghamton University and BAE Systems came together today to sign a memorandum of understanding aimed at advancing power electronics, energy storage research, and workforce development. 

"Systems and Binghamton University are working together to align the technology development and the workforce development to meet the global growing needs for sustainable and energy solutions," said Michael Crawford, Director of Engineering at BAE Systems.

The collaboration will focus on two main areas: technology development and workforce development.

"We'll be collaborating on next generation battery technologies, packaging approaches for those technologies, and finding ways to take the emerging latest and greatest batteries and putting them into practice to support the industry needs," Crawford said.

A key priority for the partnership is talent retention, with a focus on attracting skilled workers to the region. Both Binghamton University and BAE Systems plan to collaborate with the Upstate New York Energy Storage Engine and SUNY Broome to support this goal.

"We're looking to start by talking to high school students, getting them excited about the opportunities in this area with the hopes of then them transitioning into SUNY Broome or directly into Binghamton University. If we can build that pipeline starting young, that gives us an advantage from a retention perspective and a long term workforce," Crawford said.

Previously, SUNY Broome launched a six-week program designed to introduce students to power and engineering management. Twenty engineering science students participated, many of whom are now interested in pursuing engineering degrees at Binghamton University and entering the energy sector.

In the coming months, Binghamton University and BAE Systems will finalize the details of their technology and workforce development programs, with plans to launch in 2025.