Indian American Drives Battery Recycling Breakthrough
Indian American entrepreneur Balki Iyer is transforming the clean energy sector with his New York-based startup, Bridge Green Upcycle. A Binghamton University alumnus, Iyer blends cutting-edge technology with a deeply personal mission—recycling end-of-life lithium-ion batteries to reduce emissions and reclaim valuable minerals. His company operates in Upstate New York’s “Battery Valley,” a hotspot for energy innovation, where it partners with faculty and students through programs like New Energy New York. Using AI and a specialized salt-bath system, Bridge Green disassembles batteries and recovers reusable materials, fueling a more sustainable supply chain. Iyer, who once worked for Schlumberger and GE, draws on years of experience to bridge the gap between invention and real-world application. He credits his Indian roots and engineering education for shaping his resilience. Committed to building a circular economy, Iyer also mentors Binghamton students and hires locally. “Our work isn’t just about clean energy—it’s about giving back,” he says.
