Rochester, N.Y. – A solar energy company says it can bring 2,000 to 4,000 jobs to Rochester in two years– if it can successfully manufacture its technology.
That’s where Kodak comes in.
Kodak is working with 10 clean technology start-ups to commercialize their research. Kodak has the expertise and the equipment in chemical and material sciences. The company also has lots of left over capacity from its heyday in film.
“The 10 companies, if one of those strikes it big, it will mean a lot of jobs and a lot of new business for Upstate New York,” said Mike Alt, director of Kodak’s manufacturing hub, Eastman Business Park.
Natcore is the solar energy firm that is making the big job claims. It’s based in New Jersey and has fewer than 20 employees. But its chief is optimistic about its chances.
“I’m not sure we’re going to strike it big, but I think our company and our technology can best utilize what Kodak’s resources are with respect to their equipment and their science,” said Charles Provini. “If we end up with the funding we’re looking for from the government and from our own sources, I cannot imagine us doing it anywhere other than Kodak in Rochester.”
Rep. Louise Slaughter is trying to secure an $8 million federal grant to help Kodak nurture the start-ups.
“I see Eastman Business Park as the incubator that will revitalize the economy of Western New York,” she said. “It’s not good enough anymore that we put taxpayers’ money into research and development and manufacturing is done elsewhere. Manufacturing will be done here in Rochester at Kodak.”
Kodak has spent $200 million in the last seven years downsizing, revitalizing, and repurposing its manufacturing hub. It’s been aggressively recruiting tenants.
There are risks involved in the effort to help start-ups.
“There’s a risk that their technology won’t in fact come to pass. They’re not able to commercialize it. Most of the companies, they have a great product in the lab,” said Alt. “Then they move into what’s called the Valley of Death, to outside the lab, where they’re commercial and revenue-generating. It’s at that point that most of the companies fail.”
But if just one company hits a home run, it’s a win for everyone.
“Ultimately we’re looking for the commercial scaled, the manufacturing. They can utilize our utilities and our infrastructure and that’s the big win for Kodak and the community,” Alt said.
