Future Tech Building at forefront of CEI partnership

A partnership dedicated to workforce development and education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics has been formed and will advance the construction of a building in Idaho Falls focused on STEM.

The College of Eastern Idaho (CEI), Battelle Energy Alliance (BEA) ― parent company of Idaho National Laboratory ― and Frontier Credit Union will work together to construct the Future Tech Building, create the BEA Applied STEM Institute, and utilize Frontier’s STEM Scholarship initiative.

Lori Barber, president of CEI, called it a “transformative moment” for the school and community.

“The generous contributions from BEA and Frontier Credit Union will provide our students with the tools, mentorship and opportunities they need to thrive in the evolving energy and technology sectors,” she said. “These investments directly support Idaho’s workforce and economic future.”

The Future Tech Building will be 88,000 square feet in size. The structure will contain advanced labs, collaborative classrooms and the STEM Institute, which will provide students with pathways for careers in STEM industries.

Also within the structure is a 4,087-square-foot conference space for lectures to which Frontier Credit Union will have naming rights. The institute is also contributing $3.5 million on top of the $5.5 million BEA has contributed toward the construction of the Future Tech Building.

“This partnership with CEI and Frontier Credit Union directly supports our vision to change the world’s energy future and secure our nation’s critical infrastructure,” said INL Director John Wagner. “The Future Tech Building and BEA Applied STEM Institute will help build the talent pipeline — right here in Idaho — essential to American prosperity.”

The Future Tech Building is slated to be built by fall of 2026.