Polly Chu, recognized as a business leader, scientist, and inventor, has taken on a pivotal role as executive director of the Battery Tech Hub, an initiative led by Binghamton University. Her career, which began on a sheep farm during high school, has evolved into a journey marked by significant contributions to technology and manufacturing in the United States.
Driving Domestic Battery Manufacturing
The Battery Tech Hub operates with a mission to strengthen domestic manufacturing and meet the growing demand for batteries in the United States. According to Chu, achieving this mission requires collaboration across businesses, industry, academia, government, and nonprofit organizations. The goal is to create an ecosystem that supports technology advancement and helps companies develop manufacturing capabilities, ultimately generating quality jobs.
About the Battery Tech Hub and NENY Ecosystem
The Tech Hubs program, part of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration, is formally known as the New Energy New York (NENY) Battery Tech Hub. It was established under the EDA’s Build Back Better Regional Challenge (BBBRC) and focuses on economic growth for technology and industry. The initiative offers programs in education, workforce development, innovation support, prototyping, test beds, and supply chain development.
- Education and workforce training for future talent
- Support for innovation, prototyping, and product testing
- Development of robust supply chains
SUNY Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Nobel Laureate M. Stanley Whittingham emphasized the importance of merging the EDA Tech Hub with the BBBRC to transition NENY from a regional challenge to a national leader in battery technology. Chu’s background in industry and science is seen as critical for this transition.
Collaboration and Regional Impact
The Battery Tech Hub works closely with the NSF Energy Storage Engine in Upstate New York to support innovation and workforce development. Chu describes the initiative as a transition effort, aligning with the NSF Engine to deliver results for the region and create a value chain ecosystem that strengthens U.S. manufacturing.
The Tech Hub is designed to support businesses of all sizes, from major corporations to startups. Bandhana Katoch, assistant vice president at Binghamton University’s Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Partnerships, highlighted Chu’s unique combination of regional understanding and global supply chain expertise. Her leadership is expected to foster new opportunities for collaboration and enhance regional resilience through innovation, commercialization, and strategic partnerships.
Polly Chu’s Career and Vision
Chu joined the Battery Tech Hub in April, building on the foundation laid by previous leaders. She acknowledges the vision that established the region as a hub for large-scale battery manufacturing and stresses the importance of continued investment in this sector.
Her interest in higher education spans years, including service on academic advisory boards during her industry tenure. Chu believes that delivering technology innovation requires a strong focus on education, training, and practical experience to prepare the workforce.
Before her current role, Chu’s career revolved around technology, from creating new products to managing innovation organizations. She initially planned to pursue veterinary science but shifted to engineering, starting her career at Johnson & Johnson and later earning a doctorate in material science and engineering from Cornell University. Her three decades at Corning Inc. included roles in research, business management, and global innovation programs.
- Managed innovation teams from concept to commercialization
- Holds 21 patents, including optical fibers and bendable glass
- Experience in both laboratory and executive roles
Commitment to Lifelong Learning and Problem Solving
Chu is driven by a passion for solving problems and strategizing to move technology forward. She values seeing technological advancements reach the marketplace and enjoys designing organizations and nurturing talent. Her approach is to piece together solutions that deliver tangible results.
Today, Chu continues to focus on technology advancement and lifelong learning. She is dedicated to bringing valued products and manufacturing processes to market, supporting both industry growth and the development of future talent in the battery sector.
