Long Island startup gets $65K grant from FuzeHub
A Long Island startup that’s developing new solar panel technology has been awarded a $65,000 grant from FuzeHub’s Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund.
The Long Island High Technology Incubator / Superclean Glass Inc. which is designing a scalable laser manufacturing platform for the solar industry, was one of six collaborative project award recipients of grants throughout the state.
The Innovation Fund, consisting of more than $1 million annually, serves as a pathway to technology transfer, adoption and implementation of new manufacturing processes, and the creation of enhanced products and services. It is made possible through funding and support from Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology and Innovation.
About 60% of solar panels are being installed in dry, desert-like regions where dust that settles on solar panels can reduce their output by more than 10%. While the standard approach is to mechanically clean the panels, using vast quantities of potable water and significant manual labor, the Stony Brook-based SuperClean Glass team developed a waterless self-cleaning technology, which utilizes an Electrodynamic Shield to repel dust particles. This project will create the very first manufacturing platform allowing mass production of this technology at scale.
“Modern manufacturing relies on innovation and collaboration. These grant recipients are on the front lines, pursuing big ideas with potential to move the sector forward,” said Ben Verschueren, executive director of Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology and Innovation. “Their work will advance cutting-edge solutions while also strengthening our economy, creating jobs, and adding to New York State’s rich industrial history. Empire State Development is proud to support this round of awardees, and we’re excited to see the lasting impact of their projects.”
Patty Rechberger, Innovation Fund manager at FuzeHub, said the awarded projects represent the spirit of ingenuity and entrepreneurship that drives New York’s economy forward.
“From breakthroughs in medical devices and assistive mobility, to smart infrastructure and sustainable building materials, these awardees will unleash positive impacts in communities everywhere, showcasing the strength and commitment of New Yorkers to a better future,” she said.
The Innovation Fund is used to help early-stage companies through FuzeHub’s annual Commercialization Competition, which takes place in the fall. The FuzeHub Commercialization Competition is intended to help small manufacturing and technology companies further develop their prototype to pursue additional investment and customers as well as strengthen their “go-to-market” strategies.
The 2025 Commercialization Competition application period is currently open, and the deadline to apply is August 8. Finalists will pitch live at the 2025 New York State Innovation Summit, hosted by FuzeHub, which showcases the companies and researchers at the forefront of emerging technologies and new advancements in production capabilities.
“These six innovative projects represent the spirit of ingenuity and entrepreneurship that drives New York’s economy forward,” said Patty Rechberger, Innovation Fund Manager at FuzeHub. “From breakthroughs in medical devices and assistive mobility, to smart infrastructure and sustainable building materials, these awardees will unleash positive impacts in communities everywhere, showcasing the strength and commitment of New Yorkers to a better future.”
