ITHACA, N.Y. (WENY) - The National Science Foundation named Cornell University as a finalist for investment through its regional innovation engines program.

Senator Chuck Schumer said Cornell University will also receive a $1 million dollar award from the NSF.

According to Schumer's office, the purpose of the program is to establish the Ithaca area as a hub for innovation and scientific research in the fight against climate change.

"This $1 million NSF grant and chance to compete for a bigger national prize is a major step to help further establish the Ithaca area as a leader in climate-forward research and innovation. I created the NSF Regional Innovation Engines program in my CHIPS & Science Bill with hubs for innovation like Ithaca in mind, and now Cornell has the opportunity to compete for up to $160 million to train our workforce for good-paying jobs, spurring cutting-edge research for sustainable agriculture and forestry, and powering our fight against climate change" said Schumer. "This proposal will create a more resilient supply chain and grow the regional economy, all while reducing the use of fossil fuels and creating good-paying jobs. I am proud to deliver this $1 million Phase One award and I will keep fighting so scientists and entrepreneurs trained right here in Ithaca can lead the way in Upstate NY's clean energy future."

"This NSF Regional Innovation Engines development award presents a tremendously exciting new opportunity for Cornell to help map a more prosperous and sustainable future for New York, and for our planet," said Cornell University President Martha E. Pollack. "Cornell University is grateful for Senator Schumer's leadership to fuel national investment in new approaches like this NSF Engines program and the NSF Directorate for Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships (TIP) – programs that leverage our regional and national capacity for advanced research as a springboard for sustainable economic growth. I look forward to the collaborative innovation of our teams at Cornell and SUNY ESF, and the way they will bring theory to practice as we work to address our most urgent global challenges."

Schumer helped create the program at the NSF through his CHIPS and Science Bill, which passed into law last year.

More information about the program can be found by clicking here.