Case Study: GE Vernova Advanced Research Center

cb20 Delivers Strategic Audio Visual Partnership for World-Class Campus Transformation

cb20 partnered with audio visual (AV) design consultant AVCT to support the build-out of GE Vernova’s (NYSE: GEV) Advanced Research Frontier Campus in Niskayuna, NY. Together, the teams delivered end-to-end AV integration across multiple buildings, indoor and outdoor spaces, and a rapidly evolving project scope.

Customer Experience Center, GE Vernova’s Advanced Research Frontier Campus in Niskayuna, NY | Photography by Michael Hemberger

The Challenge

GE Vernova undertook a large-scale transformation of its Advanced Research Frontier Campus as part of a broader organizational infrastructure realignment. Following a full gut renovation of existing campus buildings, the organization set out to rebuild the environment from the ground up, integrating world-class AV and collaboration technologies throughout the campus.

The scope of the project quickly evolved, and GE Vernova needed an AV partner that could keep pace with continued growth without compromising quality, delivery, or performance.

cb20 was selected through a competitive, multi-vendor evaluation process where cost mattered, but the ultimate decision was rooted in long-term value – in quality, delivery, and execution.

“Low bid isn’t always acceptable bid… once you’re cost competitive, it becomes a quality and delivery conversation. And cb20 did a really nice job of coming in and assessing our environment, listening to our needs, and providing us with cost-effective, value-rich solutions.”
— Matthew Savoie, Facilities Operations Leader, GE Vernova Advanced Research

The Opportunity

Rebuilding the campus created a rare opportunity to design AV environments intentionally – supporting GE Vernova’s collaboration goals, operational needs, and executive engagement from day one.

Initial scope included:

• Three conference rooms
• Two shared collaboration spaces
• A customer experience center with conference rooms and gathering areas
• Prominent video boards at key entry points

Expanded scope included:

• A new visitor center
• A 50,000-square-foot outdoor patio
• An additional building on campus

“The project expanded, and we expanded the cb20 scope to include the base building, a secondary building, and outdoor space.”

The cb20 Approach

Disciplined Delivery and Value Engineering Under Pressure

As the project progressed and scope evolved, cb20 distinguished itself not just by what was installed, but by how the work was delivered – bringing discipline, predictability, and technical rigor to a complex construction environment.

“cb20 differentiated itself in a way that was unexpected but positive – like showing up with our half rack already built, tested, and shrink-wrapped. Everything that came off cb20’s truck had been downloaded, programmed, tested… real plug and play. That’s a very good approach.”

This “plug-and-play” delivery model reflects cb20’s operational standards. At cb20’s world-class configuration center in Malta, NY, systems are built, programmed, and validated in advance, reducing onsite installation time and minimizing risk during critical construction phases. For projects operating under aggressive timelines, this approach helps avoid delays, rework, and downtime – while ensuring systems perform as expected from day one.

To support this model at scale, cb20 has invested in expanded operations capacity dedicated to hardware assembly and programming, making pre-built, pre-tested AV systems a standard, repeatable part of delivery.

Value Engineering Without Upselling

As scope expanded, cb20 focused on value engineering rather than unnecessary hardware additions, providing clear options and helping GE Vernova make informed decisions that balanced cost, functionality, and long-term flexibility.

“It’s easy to just take a drawing from a designer, go procure all the parts and pieces, and build something the way it’s designed. It’s more difficult to think critically about it, apply your business acumen and technical expertise, and provide meaningful feedback.- that’s where cb20 added value.”

Rather than defaulting to change orders, cb20 consistently framed decisions around efficiency and impact – helping GE Vernova determine where additional investment made sense and where it didn’t.

The Result

As the Advanced Research Center came online, cb20 delivered AV systems that were operational when they mattered most – supporting collaboration in GE Vernova’s most critical spaces despite evolving scope and aggressive timelines.

By aligning installation and commissioning with real-world use, cb20 ensured that key conference and collaboration environments were functional for executive-level meetings and day-to-day operations as the campus continued to take shape.

“On the audio and visual side… the conference side… we haven’t had any technical issues. I definitely recommend cb20.”

As GE Vernova transitions from construction into ongoing use and expansion, the AV foundation delivered by cb20 provides a stable, scalable platform that can adapt as needs continue to evolve.

Why cb20: A Strategic Partnership

According to GE Vernova, cb20 stood out through its ability to adapt while maintaining execution discipline:

• Shop-built, pre-tested systems
• Clear expectation-setting and communication
• Field-level technical credibility
• Local presence and rapid response
• Willingness to stay aligned as scope evolved
• A value-engineering approach that prioritized informed decision-making over upselling

As the project expanded from an initial build-out to a broader campus transformation, cb20 remained closely aligned with GE Vernova’s goals – supporting not just AV delivery, but a holistic, environment-wide approach to collaboration and experience.

“cb20 was a strategic partner in designing and building a world-class, collaboration-optimized facility that supports GE Vernova’s leadership in electrification and decarbonization.”
— Matthew Savoie, Facilities Operations Leader, GE Vernova Advanced Research

Quotes are attributed to GE Vernova personnel and reflect their perspectives at the time of discussion. Project scope and outcomes may evolve over time.

Build What’s Next with cb20

As organizations rethink how their spaces support collaboration, leadership, and growth, cb20 partners with teams to design and deliver AV environments that are practical, scalable, and built to perform under pressure.

If you’re planning a campus transformation, facility modernization, or complex AV deployment, let’s start the conversation.

👉 Connect with cb20

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About cb20

cb20 is an award-winning provider of managed IT and audio visual services, proudly serving organizations across New York, Massachusetts, and the greater New England region. With over 30 years of experience, a team of world-class engineers, and trusted partnerships with the industry’s leading hardware and software providers, we provide unparalleled expertise, excellence in service, and above all, “An Experience Above.”