Innovation Partnerships Intern

NYSERDA; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

NYSERDA is seeking a paid internship in New York State for graduate students to support the Innovation Partnerships team. The role emphasizes research on startups, reports for connecting startups with academic partners, and planning engagement activities such as workshops and events.

Interns must be located in New York and follow a telework policy that allows in-office and remote work, with up to 18.5 hours per week during the semester and up to 37.5 hours per week between semesters.

Qualifications

• Current, full-time graduate student capable of Fall semester and at least one additional semester.
• Ability to perform independent market, partnerships, and technical research.
• Analytical skills to interpret data and provide sound recommendations.
• Excellent Microsoft Office skills.
• Ability to manage multiple activities with speed, accuracy and good judgment.
• Strong work ethic and interest in clean energy innovations.

Responsibilities

• Perform primary and secondary research on incubators, accelerators, investors, and other entities supporting start-ups in New York State.
• Generate reports, briefings, and presentations for the Innovation Partnerships team with recommendations to connect startups with academic partners.
• Prepare additional reports and recommendations to address gaps in the innovation partnerships ecosystem.
• Assist Innovation Partnerships in planning and executing engagement activities including workshops and events.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Skills

Market research

Analytical skills

Microsoft Office

Multitasking

Judgment

Work ethic

Education

Graduate student status

Job description

New York City, NY New York is leading the nation in the fight on global climate change and the transition to a clean energy-powered economy. The Climate Act has created the most aggressive climate change goals in the nation and requires an ambitious agenda that blends proven catalysts with innovative approaches while operating across a broader energy arena that is rapidly evolving. New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA) is a driving force in realizing this agenda. NYSERDA works with stakeholders that span residents, business owners, developers, community leaders, local government officials, universities, utilities, investors, entrepreneurs, and more, to develop, invest, and foster conditions that:

• Attract the private sector capital investment needed to expand New York’s clean energy economy.
• Overcome barriers to using clean energy at a large-scale in New York.
• Enable New York’s communities and residents to benefit equitably from energy efficiency and renewable energy.

New York City, NY New York is leading the nation in the fight on global climate change and the transition to a clean energy-powered economy. The Climate Act has created the most aggressive climate change goals in the nation and requires an ambitious agenda that blends proven catalysts with innovative approaches while operating across a broader energy arena that is rapidly evolving. New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA) is a driving force in realizing this agenda. NYSERDA works with stakeholders that span residents, business owners, developers, community leaders, local government officials, universities, utilities, investors, entrepreneurs, and more, to develop, invest, and foster conditions that:

• Attract the private sector capital investment needed to expand New York’s clean energy economy.
• Overcome barriers to using clean energy at a large-scale in New York.
• Enable New York’s communities and residents to benefit equitably from energy efficiency and renewable energy.

INTERNSHIP OVERVIEW

This is a paid internship for current students at an accredited college and enrolled in a graduate program. The pay rate is from $18 to $20 per hour based on current class year. This internship will begin in Fall 2026 and will continue for at least one additional semester.

Interns must be located in New York State while working. It is expected that interns will follow our telework policy, with a combination of in-office and remote work. Interns work up to 18.5 hours per week during the semester, and up to 37.5 hours per week between semesters, when not attending classes.

Primary Responsibilities

• Perform primary and secondary research on incubators, accelerators, investors, business associations, think tanks, not-for-profits, academic institutions and others supporting innovative start-up companies in New York State.
• Generate reports, briefings, and presentations for the Innovation Partnerships team and other NYSERDA staff, with specific recommendations on better connecting start-ups and others in New York’s entrepreneurial ecosystem with academic partners to advance R&D.
• Generate additional reports, briefings, and presentations for the Innovation Partnerships team and other NYSERDA staff, with recommendations on how to advance substantive gaps in the innovation partnerships ecosystem so that future programming and interventions can be implemented.
• Assist Innovation Partnerships team in planning and executing current and future engagement activities including workshops, roundtables, event sponsorships, program design, and contractual relationships.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Current, full-time graduate student with the ability to work during the Fall Semester and at least one additional semester.
• Demonstrated ability to perform independent market, partnerships, and technical research using a variety of primary and secondary sources.
• Demonstrated analytical skills, ability to interpret data and provide sound recommendations.
• Excellent skills with the Microsoft Office suite of programs.
• Skill in managing multiple activities, delivering on commitments, and operating with speed, accuracy, and strong judgment.
• Strong work ethic.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge, experience, or coursework related to innovative clean energy technologies and trends, entrepreneurship, and research institutions

09/19/2026