The NSF Energy Storage Engine in Upstate New York (the Engine), funded by the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Regional Innovation Engines Program, is an initiative launched in March 2024 that aims to make upstate New York the center of American battery manufacturing, research, and development. Batteries are fundamental to modern technology, powering everything from electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable grid storage to consumer electronics and medical devices.  

By fostering a robust American battery industry, the Engine aims to reduce dependence on foreign supply chains, enhance national security, and support the resilience of the electric grid. The Engine brings together a diverse coalition of academic, industry, nonprofit, state, and community organizations to drive innovation and sustainability in battery technology. The Engine was funded by the NSF with an initial $15 million for the first two years and may receive up to $160 million during the next decade. 

Social Finance has served as the independent evaluator for the Engine since it launched, acting as a learning and evaluation partner responsible for monitoring progress towards the Engine’s strategic targets. 

The Engine’s primary goals are: 

• To drive cutting-edge research and development to advance battery technology and innovation. 

• To facilitate the commercialization of new technologies and support the growth of battery-related businesses. 

• To develop a skilled workforce to support the battery industry and create job opportunities in upstate New York. 

The Work 

As the independent evaluator for the Engine, Social Finance is documenting and assessing the Engine’s progress in achieving its goals and is surfacing insights that enable the team to enhance their work.  

Our evaluation approach includes both a process and an outcomes evaluation: 

• Process Evaluation: We will describe the Engine’s foundational work to develop partnerships, determine roles of key stakeholders across the region, and establish clear goals and objectives for short- and long-term outcomes.  

• Outcomes Evaluation: We will assess outcomes associated with Engine activities to determine how effectively the Engine achieves its strategic goals.  

Social Finance will employ a mixed methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data to evaluate both processes and outcomes. Data will be collected through surveys, focus groups, interviews, and document reviews, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the Engine’s progress.