Hofstra University was awarded $2 million in state grants on Monday to expand its School of Engineering and Applied Science and create new laboratories and classrooms focusing on big data and robotics.
The grants were part of more than $181 million in economic development funding approved for 24 projects that will create 1,500 new jobs and retain 2,000 existing positions, the state said. The funding will also leverage more than $5 billion in private assets and other public funding to support local businesses and projects.
“This funding is part of this administration’s ongoing efforts to create new opportunities for companies and workers all across New York,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in announcing the grants. “By investing in these projects, we are jumpstarting local development priorities, attracting new businesses that create jobs, and helping to rebuild New York’s economy. “
The Hofstra money will go to expanding programs in bioengineering, civil engineering, computer science, computer engineering, industrial engineering and electrical engineering. Part of the grant will be used for the university’s RobotiCS, Automation and Advanced Manufacturing and Big Data laboratories.
“We are gratified that the state, through Empire State Development, has supported Hofstra University’s efforts to expand and enhance our School of Engineering and Applied Science, and to provide our students with the opportunity to work in state-of-the-art facilities that will prepare them for highly skilled jobs in emerging, innovation-based industries that will be the key to Long Island’s economic future,” Hofstra President Stuart Rabinowitz told Innovate LI.
Kevin Law, the president of the Long island Association and co-chair of the state’s regional economic development council on Long Island, called Hofstra one of the Island’s “finest assets.”
“Investments made at this institution to help create an innovation economy will pay dividends for our entire region,” he added.
