(This article originally appeared in Axios Raleigh.)

N.C. State University is boosting its bet on teaching battery technology.

Why it matters: With demand rising for new-generation batteries for electric vehicles, hybrids, smartphones and hosts of AI uses, N.C. State is trying to get more students to study the technology and fill the growing pipeline of battery jobs in North Carolina.

Driving the news: N.C. State opened its Battery and Energy Storage Technology Makerspace on its Centennial Campus on Friday. The space will be used by students and researchers hoping to get hands-on experience with batteries.

• Industry partners, like Toyota, whose massive battery plant in Randolph County will employ thousands, will also use the space for training and research.
• The space is in part funded from the General Assembly’s effort to expand engineering capacity within North Carolina.

What they’re saying: “I felt very strongly that North Carolina had a massive opportunity for continuing to expand its capabilities in battery manufacturing,” N.C. State Provost Jim Pfaendtner told Axios of the investment.

• “If you look at the global stage, most of our batteries are not made in the United States … It’s more important than ever that we bring this [capability] home.”

Toyota’s North Carolina President Don Stewart said Toyota plans to use the space to work on battery advancements and recruit new engineers.

• “We want your help to solve [our battery] challenges … and create that pipeline for us for the engineers of tomorrow,” Stewart said.