NYSERDA-funded Initiative Supports Companies Commercializing Environmental and Clean Energy Technologies

Posted On
February 27, 2022

Image
Asgaard Turbine  3.jpeg

Company is prepared to scale its operations and grow in the region 

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – CenterState CEO announces the graduation of Duct Wind Turbines from its Clean Tech Center program. The Clean Tech Center program is housed at The Tech Garden and is a NYSERDA-funded initiative focused on supporting companies commercializing environmental and clean energy technologies. Ducted Wind Turbines was founded in 2016 as a spinout of Clarkson University and now employs eight people. The company is now prepared to scale its operations and advance its sales and commercialization.

“Ducted Wind Turbines is better positioned to grow and scale our company here in the region thanks to the support we received through The Clean Tech Center Program,” said Joe Dickson, CEO of Ducted Wind Turbines. “We are ready to advance our vision for this company, which is to improve our environment and human lives simultaneously, providing electricity to those who can’t afford it, who don’t have it, or those living in the dark after a natural disaster.”

Ducted Wind Turbines are unique in that they can produce up to twice the energy of a conventional open bladed turbine of the same size. This means it can provide the lowest cost per kilowatt-hour in the small turbine market, reducing the time for return on investment to half of what it takes for conventional open rotor wind turbines. Applications include micro-grids and nano-grids, EV charging stations, building LEED certification, emergency preparedness and remote power generation. The company’s high-performance, economical small wind turbine can also be assembled and installed in less than a day.

“The ultimate goal of The Clean Tech Center is to support our client companies by providing the training, resources and expertise needed to grow,” said Jeff Fuchsberg, vice president of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at CenterState CEO. “As a graduate of The Clean Tech Center, Ducted Wind Turbines, is ready to attract follow-on investments, and advance toward being cash flow positive by successfully commercializing its emerging clean energy technologies. Their progress supports the region’s evolving tech ecosystem, and we will continue to connect them to the resources they need as they begin the next phase of their company’s growth.”

Clean Tech refers to an emerging sector of products, services and processes that harness renewable energy sources, reduce the carbon footprint and advance sustainability. The Clean Tech Center offers support for entrepreneurs and early-stage companies through incubation, acceleration and retention. The program also connects clean tech companies with national and state resource providers for acceleration support of staged growth. The Clean Tech Center has maintained an active cohort of 11 teams since 2017, with one graduate company being the region’s first start-up unicorn and another company being featured on the television show, Shark Tank, earning investment from two ‘Sharks.’ The Clean Tech Center accepts qualified companies on a rolling basis, please contact shood@thetechgarden.com for more information.

To learn more about Ducted Wind Turbines visit www.ductedwind.com. To learn more about The Clean Tech Center, click here.

About CenterState CEO

CenterState CEO is an independent and forward-thinking economic development strategist, business leadership organization and chamber of commerce; dedicated to the success of its members and the prosperity of the region. We serve as an advocate and resource for smart business, catalyze and facilitate regional growth, and promote community prosperity through results-driven partnerships, planning and problem-solving. www.centerstateceo.com

Other
CEO News

Image
INSPYRE Innovatoin Hub
CEO News | 04/22/2025

INSPYRE Innovation Hub is the New Name of CenterState CEO’s Expanded Business Incubator

CenterState CEO announced at its 2025 Annual Meeting the new name of its expanded business incubator in downtown Syracuse: CenterState CEO’s INSPYRE Innovation Hub.

Image
E.Z.R Braids pitch during Start It Bluepring 15 graduation
CEO News | 06/10/2025

CenterState’s INSPYRE Innovation Hub Introduces “Up Start Accelerator” to Fuel Local Business Growth

Up Start Accelerator is a new six-month intensive program designed to help Syracuse’s rising entrepreneurs maintain momentum while building their business. 

Image
15 anniversary reflection graphic
CEO News | 05/29/2025

Reflecting on 15 Years of CenterState CEO

The following is a reflection written by leaders in the business community on the creation of CenterState CEO and the organization's 15th anniversary.

Image
Fournier-2025_1200x630
CEO News | 05/27/2025

CenterState CEO Announces New Board of Directors Leadership

Stephen Fournier, Market President for KeyBank in Central New York, was unanimously elected as the new chair of CenterState CEO by its board of directors.

Image
Message from President Rob Simpson
CEO News | 05/09/2025

A message from the President

CenterSate CEO President Rob Simpson shared a message with members and stakeholders announcing his decision to take a sabbatical, stepping away from work, June 30 and returning Sept. 29.

Image
RS Budget Graphic
CEO News | 05/09/2025

CenterState CEO President Rob Simpson Comments on 2026 State Budget

Robert M. Simpson, president of CenterState CEO, in Syracuse, issued this statement following passage of the FY 2026 New York State Budget.

Image
Rob Simpson at CenterState CEO's 2025 Annual Meeting
CEO News | 04/29/2025

Read President Rob M. Simpson's 2025 Annual Meeting Remarks

CenterState CEO President Rob M. Simpson delivered the following remarks at the 2025 Annual Meeting

Image
best companies logo
CEO News | 04/29/2025

CenterState CEO Listed as One of New York's Best Places to Work

CenterState CEO is pleased to announce it is once again listed as one of the top small employers in the state.

Image
Board of Directors Election 2025-2028
CEO News | 04/24/2025

CenterState CEO Announces 2025 Annual Elections to its Board of Directors

Following the 2025 Annual Meeting of its members, CenterState CEO has announced new and returning members to serve on the Board of Directors.