The federal government will provide nearly $1.9 million for Syracuse University initiative aiming to boost high-tech manufacturing in Central New York. 

The initiative, known as the Advanced Manufacturing Thermal and Environmental Control Systems Cluster Accelerator, is set to focus on small- and medium-sized businesses manufacturing thermal-control systems and environmental-control systems. It will attempt to boost access to large markets, train displaced workers, and support business ventures, according to a letter U.S. Sens. Charles Schumer (NY–D) and Kirsten Gillibrand (NY–D) sent in July to support its funding.

Goals of the cluster accelerator include increasing exports by 60 percent after three years, retaining 250 jobs, and creating 500 jobs, the letter said.

The $1.9 million in funding comes from a national competition called the Advanced Manufacturing Jobs and Innovation Accelerator Challenge. The challenge is overseen by the Economic Development Administration at the U.S Department of Commerce, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the U.S. Department of Energy, the Employment and Training Administration at the U.S. Department of Labor, and the U.S. Small Business Administration.

“From the Erie Canal to the Syracuse Center of Excellence, Central New York has a long legacy of pioneering innovations designed to meet the needs of our community, region, and world,” Syracuse University Chancellor and President Nancy Cantor said in a news release. “The significant support shown for the Advanced Manufacturing Thermal and Environmental Control Systems Cluster Accelerator — by multiple agencies and partners — affirms both the immense wisdom of building on our long-standing historic strengths and the immense power of cross-sector engagement to drive economic prosperity.”