Ambient and Partners Recognized in $10M Empire Technology Prize for Clean Heating Innovation

Ambient Enterprises, alongside Gil-Bar and Flow Environmental Systems, has been named runner-up in the $10 million Empire Technology Prize, receiving a $100,000 award for their innovative clean heating solution. The prize, launched by The Clean Fight with support from NYSERDA, Wells Fargo, and RMI, represents a significant investment in accelerating the development of alternatives to fossil fuel boilers across New York State. This recognition comes after seven finalist teams spent the past year piloting solutions designed to reduce carbon emissions while ensuring reliable performance for the state's diverse building stock.

The Ambient-Gil-Bar-Flow team distinguished itself with a high-temperature hot water system powered by natural refrigerant carbon dioxide. This technology not only provides sustainable heating but also delivers domestic hot water and simultaneous heating and cooling capabilities, making it a versatile decarbonization tool for commercial and institutional buildings. The system's multifunctionality addresses multiple building needs through a single integrated solution, potentially reducing both installation complexity and operational costs for property owners seeking to transition away from fossil fuels.

A demonstration project scheduled for Union Theological Seminary in Upper Manhattan will serve as a critical real-world test of the technology's scalability and effectiveness. This implementation will provide valuable data on performance, efficiency, and practical considerations for broader adoption across New York's building landscape. The project aligns with Governor Kathy Hochul's announcement of the prize winners, which emphasized the role such innovations play in advancing the state's aggressive climate objectives under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.

The Empire Technology Prize awarded $4.15 million to support seven demonstration projects throughout New York State, with an additional $4.75 million available in milestone funding. According to Chris Bisaccia, CEO of Ambient Enterprises, the recognition validates the strength of the partnerships and engineering expertise behind their solution. Tony Tanzillo, COO of Ambient, noted that the achievement underscores their mission to provide practical HVAC solutions that meet current building owner needs while supporting New York's transition to a carbon-free future. More information about the initiative can be found at thecleanfight.com/etp.

The runner-up placement positions the Ambient-led team as a significant contributor to New York's decarbonization efforts, particularly as the state seeks viable alternatives to traditional heating systems. The technology's ability to provide both heating and cooling addresses a critical gap in current clean energy solutions, which often require separate systems for different building needs. This integrated approach could accelerate adoption by simplifying the transition process for building owners and operators who might otherwise face complex retrofitting challenges.

As New York continues to implement its nation-leading climate goals, innovations like the Ambient-Gil-Bar-Flow solution demonstrate the practical pathways available for reducing building sector emissions. The Empire Technology Prize recognition not only provides funding for further development but also signals to the market that viable, scalable alternatives to fossil fuel heating are emerging. This validation could spur additional investment and adoption across the state's building stock, contributing meaningfully to New York's broader climate objectives while creating new economic opportunities in the clean technology sector.