A national sensor and software company has relocated to western New York. Sentient Science moved from Idaho into the historic Butler Mansion in Buffalo to work with the University at Buffalo’s material science program.
Sentient Chief Scientist Nathan Bolander says their computational tool “Digital Clone” provides services to the U.S. and Canada.
“What we do is allow manufacturers to better design and predict the performance of their products before they’re ever even built. This allows them to have higher reliability, easier maintenance and longer lives. We work with wind turbine manufacturers, we work with department of defense OEM’s, a lot of work in the helicopter industry, Sikorsky, Boeing, Bell, and we try and allow them to create technologies that try and extend and improve the performance of their products,” said Bolander.
The company already employs 23 people locally and they plan to expand their business to Niagara Falls soon with the hiring of more researchers and sales employees. Sentient has also produced software for organizations like NASA and other various government agencies.
Sentient received a $982,000 from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, or NYSERDA, to develop and put in place a system to test gear boxes in wind turbines. The sensors were installed in Buffalo in March 2013.
NYSERDA President and CEO Frank Murray said “the company’s move to Buffalo demonstrates how Governor Cuomo is continuing to build a vibrant cleantech economy through public and private partnerships.”
Sen. Charles Schumer says the business will boost the western New York economy and other businesses like it in the region.
“Sentient’s choice to move to Buffalo demonstrates what we have known all along, that if we invest in cutting-edge research, companies and jobs will follow,” said Schumer.
Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown says the company will spur additional economic growth and is right in line with current progress in the city.
“This is a tremendous example of the kind public and private partnerships that are coming together to build and transform the city of Buffalo and western New York,” said Brown.
