Tuskegee launching new Technology Research & Incubation Center

Johnson Energy Storage (JES) and Tuskegee University recently announced a partnership, establishing the Dr. Lonnie Johnson Technology Research & Incubation Center on the HBCU campus.

The school hopes the collaboration will advance JES’s mission in developing cleaner, safer, and more affordable energy solutions by equipping students with the space to explore cutting-edge technologies and nurture entrepreneurship. 

“As a Tuskegee alumnus, it is an honor to create opportunities for the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs. This Center will embody our vision to push the boundaries of energy technology while uplifting the communities that shaped us. We are excited to collaborate with Tuskegee University to establish a center that will drive both technological advancements and economic development.”

~ Dr. Lonnie Johnson, Founder of Johnson Energy Storage

Dr. Lonnie Johnson Technology Research & Incubation Center

The new Technology Research and Incubation Center (TRIC) will focus on fostering talent, particularly from underrepresented communities.

It will serve as a bridge between academia and industry, providing students and faculty access to state-of-the-art resources and real-world opportunities while supporting the growth of emerging technologies.

The collaboration builds on years of partnership between JES and Tuskegee. The new Center will expand the relationship by providing students with the resources and tools necessary to engage in meaningful research while driving entrepreneurial ventures that support Alabama’s economic ecosystem.

“Tuskegee University is known for solving the world’s most complex problems and one of our most distinguished alums Dr. Lonnie Johnson has built a career doing just that. Our work with the Dr. Lonnie Johnson Technology Research & Incubation Center is going to change how our students see the world and set them up for success long after they leave Tuskegee. This partnership aligns with our strategic focus on economic development while underscoring the power of collaboration to create jobs, promote innovation, and prepare our students to become leaders in emerging industries.”

~ Dr. Mark A. Brown, Tuskegee University President and CEO

The university says the new center will also advance Alabama’s role as a leader in clean energy development, with Innovate Alabama’s strategic investment in JES playing an integral role in catalyzing this effort.

Innovate Alabama’s InvestAL program, which recently invested in JES, aims to support high-growth startups and attract innovative partnerships to the state.

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