California
Blog
Insights from California’s leading clean energy entrepreneurs at our inaugural ‘NEX Level’ event

We recently had the pleasure of bringing together 160 of the brightest minds in California’s clean energy ecosystem for our inaugural NEX Level event. Entrepreneurs from all over the Golden State convened with policymakers, funders, and clean energy experts to share clean energy resources and success stories in Berkeley. We proudly showcased the new CalTestBed cohort, PowerForward grant awardees, and leaders who’ve navigated the ecosystem and seen success through CalSEED and beyond. Attendees engaged in tailored matchmaking sessions, connecting with funders, energy leaders, and key partners in funding, industry, policy, national labs, and mentorship.

CEO of Climformatics, Dr. Subarna Bhattacharyya, explained why this gathering was so important, “many of the attendees have technologies that can be game-changing and planet-saving, including ours. And so you can see those kinds of ideas, how you can build on them, how your technology can fit into how their technology can fit into yours, all of that amalgamation can happen. The best part is that this is inspired by our work here and supported by the California Energy Commission. So we get to learn a lot more about that.”

Dandelion Energy CTO, Kathy Hannun, is working to bring geothermal energy to residential buildings. She was excited to connect with folks working on similar projects. “I’m most excited about being in a place with many other people who care about the same things as me and are working towards clean energy in California.”

This event showed that California opportunities are rich and the ecosystem to support clean energy startups is robust. Through connections and creativity, we can solve big problems and advance toward a more just, clean energy future.

CEO of Community Energy Labs, Tanya Barham, spoke on a panel and expressed gratitude for the event.

CEO of Community Energy Labs, Tanya Barham, spoke on a panel and expressed gratitude for the event.

“We talk about vibrant collaboration. I’m really excited because I get to see all these other clean-tech entrepreneurs,” she said. “I think these are some of the best entrepreneurs worldwide trying to solve this problem being supported by one of the most innovative state funding mechanisms in the world. So it’s amazing to be a part of that.”

Here are recordings of some of our core sessions, including the new CalTestBed cohort introduction, an address by the California Energy Commission Chair, a keynote panel on the opportunities available to California clean energy companies, and a founder-to-founder discussion between two women leaders.

You can also browse a collection of photos from the event on CalSEED’s website.

Thanks to our partners, Momentum and the California Energy Commission, for making NEX Level possible.

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Youth
Blog
How can youth in the Global South build careers in the clean energy transition?

We talk to clean energy business founders and management teams on a daily basis, and what we hear consistently is the struggle they have finding talent.  A staggering number of green jobs will need to be created to transition whole economies to clean energy and there is a critical talent shortage across the sector. By 2030, there will be a global shortage of seven million skilled workers that would be needed for all the necessary climate and energy projects – a fact that is not lost on the startups and businesses we support. The skills shortage is the achilles heel in the clean energy transition.

While many young people – the workers of the future – want to dedicate their careers to climate action, they often find themselves without the necessary skills to pursue one, or aren’t even aware of the career pathways available to them.

Take this data point as an example: a majority of respondents to a Student Energy survey of 40,000 youth around the world found that over two-thirds think it is necessary to have a background in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) to work on the energy transition. However, ask any marketing professional or policy analyst working in a climate tech startup, and they’ll easily bust this myth!

Their research shows that the most common barriers respondents to the survey face in employment are lack of awareness about existing job opportunities (47.6%), lack of available entry-level positions (46.0%), and lack of access to skills training (44.9%).

LinkedIn’s own research also shows that just 1 in 20 Gen Zs globally have the skills they need to tackle the climate crisis, compared to 1 in 8 of the wider workforce.

This has big implications for the talent pipelines of clean energy businesses. So the question is: How can we create more awareness of the career pathways available in the clean energy transition? And how do we equip these youth with the skills they need to join clean energy businesses and startups, or even start their own?

At New York Climate Week 2024, we hosted a panel discussion with Student Energy and LinkedIn to answer these very questions, with a focus on youth in the Global South.

A discussion on clean energy career pathways for youth in the Global South

Cammie Erickson – Director of Social Impact, LinkedIn

Cammie opened the panel by stressing the importance of data in shaping strategies for clean energy career pathways. LinkedIn’s data reveals a passionate generation eager to work in green jobs but lacking the necessary skills and access to roles.

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Cammie Erickson – Director of Social Impact, LinkedIn

Andrew Chang – Chief Growth Officer, New Energy Nexus

Andrew emphasized the centrality of people in a just energy transition, which is not just about technology but about fairness. He discussed opportunities in the energy transition, entrepreneurial skills, narrative-building, and how NEX creates alliances to help youth connect with value-driven solutions.

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Andrew Chang – Chief Growth Officer, New Energy Nexus

Helen Watts – Executive Director, Student Energy

Helen highlighted the need for a multi-stakeholder approach, urging climate actors to rethink their business models and engage with underserved voices. She encouraged expanding partnerships, fostering dialogue between educational institutions, NGOs, and the private sector to create curricula, training, and job opportunities for youth, all while pushing for supportive government policies.

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Helen Watts – Executive Director, Student Energy

Hamd Akmal – Student, NYU

Hamd shared her personal experiences of the barriers young people face, including a disconnect between available jobs and their motivations. She urged organizations to better engage youth, understand their needs, and bridge communication gaps between job seekers and employers.

photo 2024 09 30 19 59 37

Hamd Akmal – Student, NYU

What next?

By investing in education and training, we can empower the next generation to accelerate a more equitable clean energy transition. The Student Energy and New Energy Nexus partnership is one such initiative.

We’ll pilot an internships and jobs platform that will feature opportunities from our extensive network of clean energy startups and entrepreneurs to bridge the gap between green skills, the youth workforce, and employers in the clean energy sector.

We’re already doing this in California, Indonesia, the Philippines, Uganda, and Vietnam. Watch this space as we scale up our work to support even more youth in joining the clean energy transition!

Sign up for our newsletter for updates.

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Energy Access
Indonesia
Decarbonizing Indonesia, one island at a time

Indonesia, the eighth-largest carbon emitter globally, faces significant climate risks. Despite these challenges, its abundant resources position Indonesia as a pivotal player in transitioning towards sustainable and decarbonized solutions. New Energy Nexus Indonesia is leading this change by supporting clean energy entrepreneurs in the climate solution sector. One of its programs, the Dilau Initiative, aims to decarbonize Indonesia’s marine and fishery sectors with a particular focus on coastal communities. The initiative includes conducting community outreach, building capacity, introducing scalable innovations, and preserving the marine ecosystem.

Bungin Village, located in the Alas District of the Sumbawa Regency, was originally settled by members of the Bajo Tribe, renowned for their free diving and fishing skills and recognized as the world’s largest remaining group of sea nomads. The Bajo community has maintained its distinct way of life by building its own islet out of coral, allowing their culture to develop separately from the mainland. The village is densely populated by 2,338 people per square kilometer, with most residents being fisherfolk. This includes 1,020 to 1,113 active fishers, 9 active fish collectors, and 12 fish farming groups known as KJA (Kelompok Jaringan Apung); though only 4 of these groups remain active.

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Aerial view of Bungin Village. Photo by Yudha Baskoro

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A fisherman passes his catch to his wife to sell at the market. Photo by Yudha Baskoro

The problem

Transitioning towards sustainable practices in Indonesia is a complex issue. For many Indonesians, the priority is simply putting food on the table, making it tough to prioritize sustainable practices.

In Bungin Village, the fishing sector faces several challenges, including issues with storage, high electricity, and fuel costs, as well as its dependence on conventional fuel for boats—which is both expensive and harmful to the environment.

Waste is also a significant issue on Bungin Island. The use of styrofoam for storage and plastic for fish captures and ice blocks have resulted in considerable trash ending up in the ocean. Moreover, fisherfolk often catch more fish than they can sell, resulting in waste and financial stress due to limited storage options and the high cost of ice and electricity.

The fishing sector holds a real chance for positive change, especially as more people are looking for ways to cut costs. With plenty of sunlight in the area, there’s a great opportunity to bring in sustainable solutions—one such idea is solar-powered cold storage for fish catch and electric outboard motors for boats. But the shift isn’t easy; there’s a knowledge gap, and some folks are hesitant, which is understandable given the lack of awareness, the high upfront costs, and concerns about whether new technologies will work. Making this transition will need careful planning and strong support to overcome these hurdles. With the end goal of adopting sustainable technologies, we can help lower costs and make sure there’s enough food for everyone.

“The potential for solar power in Sumbawa is excellent, so it would be a shame not to utilize it. We want to introduce green practices to the fishermen in Bungin Island, providing a solution to their problems” — Ahmad Jaya (Chief of Technology of Olat Maras Power)

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Nova, CEO of Olat Maras, inspects a solar-powered charging station. Photo by Yudha Baskoro

The solution

Our feasibility study

To get this initiative off the ground, we first needed to understand the current situation and the people who live there.

The feasibility study conducted by New Energy Nexus Indonesia and Manussa Consulting focuses on how we can bring solar-powered cold storage and electric outboard motors to Bungin Village’s fishing industry. The goal is to cut carbon emissions and boost economic efficiency by embracing sustainable technology. We surveyed 54 people, including 45 fishers and 9 village fish collectors (Pengepul Ikan), and conducted interviews with 22 representatives from startups, fish collectors, mariculture farmers, fishers, restaurant owners, local government, village enterprises, and banking institutions. The study suggests that providing workshops and financial incentives will be crucial to getting people on board with these new technologies. The financial analysis confirms that the project is feasible, but it will require careful financial planning and backup plans to ensure success.

The study brings to light some major challenges, including the high costs and the fact that many people are unfamiliar with the new technology. We asked locals about their knowledge and understanding of these technologies, their benefits, and climate change in general, and we found that there is a noticeable lack of familiarity, as shown in the chart below.

awareness and knowledge gaps among local communities

Noticing this trend, we wanted to gauge how interested people are in adopting and buying the technology. The results reveal that their interest is considered a balance between those who are keen, those who aren’t, and those who are neutral. But when it comes to making a purchase, it turns out that more people seem to shy away, which makes sense given the still low awareness of electric outboard motors.

interests in using electric outboard motors vs interests in purchasing the electric outboard motors

In contrast to responses about solar-powered cold storage, where people seem to have a better understanding due to existing units available in the village, therefore show more interest in adoption and purchase, although there’s still a high level of disinterest. This highlights how crucial initial awareness and knowledge are.

interest in using solar powered cold storage vs interest in purchasing a solar powered cold storage

When we asked why folks were disinterested, most said it was because the unit wasn’t a priority for them and they were worried about the high initial cost. Others were concerned about its capacity and durability.

Offering solutions such as financial support and awareness-raising programs may help bridge these gaps. By involving various stakeholders and pushing for sustainability, the project hopes to set an example for positive change in other coastal communities.

Solar Powered Cold Storage by Olat Maras

Our study reveals that many village fish collectors in larger capacity categories depend on multiple cooling units powered by PLN electricity, leading to significant monthly electricity costs. While fish collectors can store their catch for 2 to 4 days, they often prefer to sell it immediately. Some fishers also use cold storage when they return late from fishing, relying on arrangements with village collectors. To maintain the cold chain, fish collectors use styrofoam boxes and ice blocks, incurring substantial daily expenses.

Recognizing the Island’s abundant solar energy, Olat Maras Power offers sun-powered cold storage to help cut down electricity costs. This new solution addresses the significant economic loss caused by fish spoilage. Previously, fish quality would degrade by an average of 220 kg per month, reaching up to 1.2 tons during peak fishing seasons. With cold storage, fishers can now store their catch longer, reducing waste and increasing the market value of their products. By preventing spoilage—assuming a 25% rate—each fish collector can avoid economic losses of approximately IDR 2,388,750 (~US$147) per month.

“Before we had the cold storage, I always looked for ice blocks. If I couldn’t find it, I had to let the fish rot” — Mrs. Jusmia (a local fishmonger from Bungin Island, user, and beneficiary of the technology)

 

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Fish catch stored in styrofoam boxes, ready to be sold at the market. Photo by Manussa Consulting

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A conversation with local fisherfolk for the feasibility study.

Electric Outboard Motors by Maritek

Despite the environmental impact and high costs associated with conventional fuels, many fishers are still unaware of alternatives like electric outboard motors. Our research shows that most fishers don’t know about the environmental damage caused by fossil fuels. In fact, 51% aren’t aware that fossil fuels are a finite resource, and 69% don’t understand the connection between fossil fuels, carbon emissions, and pollution, which contribute to climate change. Additionally, about 90% of fishers are unaware of alternatives such as electric outboard motors.

Switching to electric outboard motors can lead to significant cost savings for fishers, with each person saving around IDR 2,012,500 (~USD 124) per month on conventional fuel. Using solar-powered cold storage can further reduce costs, saving IDR 2,265,000 (~USD 140) on ice blocks and IDR 83,326 (~USD 5) on electricity per 300L storage unit. These savings can greatly boost their profits per delivery cycle, potentially doubling their earnings.

Our approach

While there’s promising interest in solar-powered cold storage and electric outboard motors from fish collectors, mariculture farmers, and restaurant owners, we face challenges like high initial costs and concerns about durability.

To address these issues, we will organize workshops to educate small and medium-scale fish collectors, mariculture farmers, restaurant owners, and other relevant stakeholders. These workshops will focus on the potential cost savings and environmental benefits of these technologies. We will also share case studies, testimonials, and success stories from current users within the community to encourage wider acceptance and adoption.

Our study identifies Pokdakan groups (Kelompok Budidaya Ikan), especially Lelepa boat fishers, as key candidates for this project. They are well-suited for solar-powered cold storage and electric outboard motors and will serve as an ideal starting point for introducing and adopting these technologies. We will run pilot projects with them to give participants firsthand experience with the technology. By collecting and analyzing their feedback, we can refine the technology and address any operational issues, ensuring it meets local needs and builds trust among potential users.

What success looks to us

For these technologies to truly be implemented in the village, we will need to connect with all the key people involved—fish collectors, mariculture farmers, and village officials—who will help build support within the community.

Our approach includes educational workshops, pilot demonstrations, and ongoing feedback mechanisms, with plans to scale up pilot trials to involve more fisherfolks.

We are hoping that the Indonesian government will support sustainability and growth following our pilot trials. Our goal is to develop a comprehensive knowledge base on coastal decarbonization, securing enthusiastic community support and fostering a sense of ownership in the initiative. We are also dedicated to involving youth from the Greater Sumbawa area in innovative projects, inspiring them to address local challenges and actively contribute to the initiative’s success.

In the future, we aim to establish a flexible business model for these technology adoption managed by community-owned enterprises, with a strong emphasis on transparency to navigate social and political challenges effectively.


The Dilau Initiative is supported by the Milkywire Foundation and implemented with help from our partners at Manussa Consulting.

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California
Blog
Key Takeaways from ConNEX Workshop: Building Your Winning Clean Energy Workforce

The second installment of ConNEX’s expert workshops, Inclusive Innovation: Building Your Winning Clean Energy Workforce, brought together thought leaders to discuss building diverse, equitable, and inclusive teams to drive long-term success. Hosted by New Energy Nexus, California, as part of the CalSEED program, this virtual event provided valuable insights on strategies for fostering diversity in hiring, team culture, and workforce development.

At New Energy Nexus, we design all our programs with equity at the core. A just energy transition is our goal, requiring mindful work and the deconstruction of old mindsets. In this workshop, attendees asked panelists what kind of trade-offs they had to make to build out diverse teams, and the experts pushed back, explaining diverse teams aren’t a “nice-to-have”. They are a force multiplier and essential to long-term success. Throughout the hour workshop, experts from three successful clean energy startups shared concrete types and processes for building a winning team.

Defining Diversity Beyond Appearance

From the outset, the panelists stressed that diversity goes beyond race and gender. Zora Chung, CFO of ReJoule, highlighted the importance of diverse educational and experiential backgrounds, as these contribute to a richer diversity of thought within the company. Whether in technical roles or management, the collective variety of perspectives is a key driver of innovation.

Steve Pratt, Director of People at Twelve, echoed this: “A group of individuals from many different backgrounds brings their own experiences, perspectives, and creativity.” In fast-growing startups, this diversity enhances problem-solving and helps build stronger connections within the communities they serve.

Challenges in Recruiting Diverse Talent

Recruiting diverse talent is not without its challenges. Chung noted that smaller clean energy startups often face obstacles like a lack of brand recognition and competition with larger companies offering more stability and higher salaries. She credited the CalSEED program with helping ReJoule build a strong mission that resonates with potential candidates, noting that storytelling through mediums like video can be an effective way to attract talent.

Pratt shared how Twelve, which grew from 80 to over 260 employees, overcame recruitment hurdles by developing talent pipelines with a multi-faceted approach. Twelve partners with nonprofits, tribal governments, and minority-serving institutions to create talent pools while maintaining ongoing relationships with colleges and community organizations.

Strategies for Workforce Retention

Building a diverse team is only the beginning; retaining talent requires a concerted effort. Vince Wong, Co-founder and COO of ElectricFish, emphasized that fostering an inclusive workplace starts from the top. Inclusion isn’t just about having diverse employees in the room—it’s about ensuring they have a seat at the table. Wong underscored the importance of strategic partnerships with entities like labor unions and tribal nations, which create economic opportunities and open doors to grant funding.

At Twelve, inclusion is built into their recruitment and onboarding processes. They’ve developed a fair and transparent system from structured interviews that ensure every candidate has a similar experience to diverse hiring panels that incorporate multiple perspectives. They also focus on career development through each employee’s learning and development budget, regular check-ins, and a strong feedback culture to continuously evolve their practices.

Pratt urged participants to use surveys, focus groups, and one-on-one conversations to get feedback and make decisions.

“Make changes based on actual feedback, not what you assume,” he said.

The Power of Partnerships

Strategic partnerships emerged as a recurring theme throughout the workshop. Wong shared how ElectricFish has collaborated with community-based organizations and labor unions to create a pipeline of diverse talent. These partnerships contribute to workforce diversity and position companies well for funding opportunities targeting underserved communities.

Similarly, Twelve’s collaboration with community colleges has helped develop a workforce for operator roles, creating a pathway into the clean energy economy for non-traditional candidates. These partnerships are crucial for companies looking to scale inclusively while contributing to local economic development.

Investing in Diversity as a Competitive Advantage

The speakers all agreed that investing in diversity is not a trade-off but a strategic advantage. Wong noted that diversity has become a “force multiplier” for ElectricFish, contributing to its global impact. When diversity is built into the company culture from the start, it drives innovation and positions the organization for long-term success. Given each of ElectricFish’s four founders is from a different continent, they know the power of a diverse leadership team.

As the clean energy sector continues to grow, building an inclusive, equitable workforce is essential for companies looking to lead in the transition to a sustainable future. By leveraging resources like CalSEED’s Equity-in/Equity-out framework, engaging in strategic partnerships, and fostering an inclusive culture, clean energy entrepreneurs can position themselves at the forefront of this transformation.

Stay tuned for more insights from future ConNEX events as we continue to explore the strategies and innovations shaping the clean energy landscape.

Join Us Next Time! Interested in joining our upcoming ConNEX workshops? Here’s a link to register for our next event all about building strategic partnerships for maximum impact.

Resources:
Culture Amp https://www.cultureamp.com

IBEW: https://www.ibew.org/
Mental health resource: https://www.zeera.com/
CEC Grants: https://www.energy.ca.gov/funding-opportunities
LACI: https://laincubator.org/
CalEnviroScreen: https://oehha.ca.gov/calenviroscreen
Specific resources: To focus on HR tech stack, 1) engagement data, 2) LinkedIn Insights (skills that are rare and prioritize hiring specific people), 3) focus on scalability for your processes
For deeper recruiting channels 1) APC fellowships via https://laincubator.org/apc/ , 2) https://novaworks.org/

 

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Blog
Australia
Transportation tech
Turning half of Australia’s vehicle fleet into EVs? Challenge accepted.
Clayton Franklin with the team at Electric Power Conversions Australia and their electrified Cat 777 100-tonne haul truck.

Clayton Franklin with the team at Electric Power Conversions Australia and their electrified Cat 777 100-tonne haul truck.

Supercharge Australia welcomes 12 startups who have accepted our second annual Innovation Challenge—Retrofit Nation!

Beginning in August, we sought startups with solutions to convert half of Australia’s vehicle fleet into electric vehicles (EVs), or 10 million vehicles. To achieve this, they will need to find ways to deploy up to 1.3TWh of batteries that would be required to reach this goal.

Applicants this year will benefit from technical support, networking, mentoring, wide exposure, and introductions to investors and customers in an industry roundtable to accelerate their success.

Delivered over two months with most sessions online, startups will receive advice from international and domestic experts in finance, IP, and business growth, and pitching the opportunity to investors. This will culminate in the second Supercharge Australia Innovation Challenge Awards event, in Sydney on November 7. Participants in the inaugural Supercharge Australia Innovation Challenge in 2023 raised over AU$48 million in funding after the first Challenge.

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Participating startups join a virtual call with the team behind Supercharge Australia Innovation Challenger 2: Retrofit Nation.

“This is the first innovation challenge of its type in Australia to focus on mass EV retrofitting vehicles. With the incredible increase in battery demand this would generate, we aim to change the conversation on the viability of battery and cell manufacturing in Australia, taking advantage of our huge competitive advantage in the lithium battery supply chain,” said Kirk McDonald, Project Manager for Supercharge Australia.

“Not only would retrofitting half the Australian vehicle fleet to electric vehicles rapidly reduce emissions from transport, it would also support a big capacity uplift in our startup innovation ecosystem and clean energy advanced manufacturing,” said Megan Fisher, CEO of EnergyLab.

The Challenge aims to rapidly decarbonise Australia’s transport sector, which in 2022 contributed to 19% of Australia’s emissions; with trucks, buses, and light commercial vehicles accounting for about 40% of the total transport figure. The potential CO2 savings are critically important, and vehicle acquisition cost savings of up to 50% per vehicle in comparison to new purchases have been identified in overseas markets.

Get to know each participating startup’s business model and hear from their founders below (click dropdowns for full descriptions):

australia evs

Australian EVS

Newcastle, NSW

Their business: Light commercial EV retrofits for councils and fleets.

Why they’re joining the challenge: “To meet like-minded businesses who are focused on transitioning Australia to zero emission transport.” — Edwin Higginson, Founder

cuedo controls

Cuedo Controls

Melbourne, VIC

Their business: Efficient EV software control systems for the entire retrofit market.

Why they’re joining the challenge: “To see the best EV retrofit practitioners Australia has to offer.” — Kyle Van Berendonck, Founder

eclass outboards

Eclass Outboards

Kiama, NSW

Their business: Electric outboard and marine hybrid retrofits for pleasure craft and fishing fleets.

Why they’re joining the challenge: “Connecting with battery suppliers, connecting with the retrofit community. Becoming investment ready.” — Lynelle Johnson, Founder

electric power conversions australia

Electric Power Conversions Australia

Hazelmere, WA

Their business: EV retrofitting mining haul trucks from 100 tonnes and up

Why they’re joining the challenge: “Because it aligns perfectly with our mission to drive sustainable transformation in the mining industry… We’re looking forward to connecting with like-minded innovators, demonstrating the viability of our technology, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible to create a greener, more efficient mining future for Australia and beyond.” — Clayton Franklin, Founder

electromotiv landscape

Electromotiv

Canberra, ACT

Their business: EV retrofitting buses for public transport and private fleets.

Why they’re joining the challenge: “This could be the beginning of an incredible decarbonisation journey!” — Adrian Salinas, Founder

evans electric

Evans Electric

Sydney, NSW

Their business: EV powertrain hardware and software developer specialising in axial flux motor development including e-axles

Why they’re joining the challenge: “Excited by the opportunity to scale next-generation EV powertrains in Australia.” — Paul Evans, Founder

iondna

IonDNA

ACT and NSW

Their business: Power electric ATVs, utility vehicles, and farm tools from electricity generated via on-site solar power infrastructure.

Why they’re joining the challenge: “Retrofit Nation aims to build the Australian lithium battery value chain. To succeed, demand for lithium batteries must massively increase, supported by a domestic market that consumes battery electric technology at scale. Rural Australia represents a significant market for this technology (and a significant challenge).” — Michael Day, Founder

jaunt

Jaunt

Melbourne, VIC

Their business: EV conversion systems for classic cars and specialist commercial vehicles.

Why they’re joining the challenge: “Australia has the design and engineering talent, the resources, and the culture to lead the world in electric vehicle conversions. Let’s make that happen.” — Dave Budge, Founder

net zero engineering solutions

Net Zero Engineering Solutions

Adelaide, SA

Their business: Bi-directional EV charging solution.

Why they’re joining the challenge: “The chance to help supercharge V2X in Australia and the broader transition to EVs.” — Portia Rooney, Founder

oz electric vehicles

OZ Electric Vehicles

Logan City, QLD

Their business: Battery upscaling and “flat pack” EV retrofit kits.

Why they’re joining the challenge: “We can see what’s needed (to decarbonise Australia’s vehicle fleet) and want to make it happen.” — Graeme Manietta, Founder

project midas

Project Midas

Sydney, NSW

Their business: Next-generation graphene anode technology, improving lithium-ion battery performance and safety.

Why they’re joining the challenge: “Excited about the opportunity to contribute further to the fast-growing and exceptional Australian ecosystem of startups around lithium battery technology!” — Laura Whelan, Founder

revr

REVR

Melbourne, VIC

Their business: Minimised installation requirement mass EV retrofit kits

Why they’re joining the challenge: “It will be exciting to pitch REVR to a new audience and to interact with other entrepreneurs and innovators!”Craig and Alexander Burton

Supercharge Australia is accelerating the lithium battery value chain in Australia, and is a joint project of not-for-profit cleantech startup support organisations New Energy Nexus globally and EnergyLab in Australia and New Zealand.


About New Energy Nexus

New Energy Nexus (NEX) is an international organization that strives towards a 100% clean energy economy for 100% of the population. It does this with a laser focus on diverse entrepreneurs, supporting them with accelerators, funds, skills, and networks they need to thrive.

NEX has accelerated over 1,200 startups, supported nearly 9,000 entrepreneurs, and mobilized over US$3.7 billion in investment. Celebrating 20 years since its founding in California in 2004, NEX now operates programs or advisory services in Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand, the UAE, Uganda, the USA (California and New York), and Vietnam. More at www.newenergynexus.com

About EnergyLab

EnergyLab is Australia’s largest climate tech startup accelerator and innovation network dedicated to reaching net zero emissions. EnergyLab connects talented founders to the mentors, advisors, partners, peers and investors they need to succeed and has so far supported over 195 startups and 140 aspiring founders through its various programs.

In addition to running 10 programs, EnergyLab operates a climate focused angel investor network with over 200 angel investors, a mentor network with over 400 experts, coworking and events space at UTS in Sydney all of these services are leveraged to support the clean energy and decarbonisation startup ecosystem in Australia.

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Built Environment
Blog
Working towards deep collaboration to accelerate the clean energy transition
heniri van eegh 960x540

New Energy Nexus CEO Henri van Eeghen

All living and thriving systems, including nature, are regenerative, circular, and interconnected. They go through phases of growth and renewal, ensuring nothing goes to waste.

Unfortunately, our current economy stands in stark contrast. Instead of regenerating, it depletes Earth’s resources, contributing to climate change, inequality, and instability. To create a sustainable future, we must not merely adjust our economic model but transform it entirely. By prioritizing our planet and nurturing society, we can reimagine an economy that regenerates. To achieve this, we must dare to rethink our entrenched financial systems, explore innovative solutions, and reward actions that benefit both society and the environment.

While this transformation is challenging, it is within our reach. Our current model was crafted by people, and we have the power to reshape it for a more sustainable and equitable world.

At New Energy Nexus, we champion initiatives that pioneer, catalyze, and foster communities and partnerships. We celebrate those who dare to go against the grain, challenge the status quo, and focus on regenerating both society and our planet. We do this with a laser focus on entrepreneurs building a 100% clean energy economy — for everyone, equitably. Access to energy is recognized as a fundamental human right and constitutes the seventh of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

To achieve this, we need to engage entrepreneurs around the globe through accelerators, funds, skills, and the networks they need to thrive. We cannot do this alone; deep collaboration is essential.

What does deep collaboration look like?

About twelve years ago, while at Cordaid, I had a meaningful experience around collaboration. It was with an organization that had developed technologies, primarily using SMS, to share and send information. This was during a time when mobile usage was exploding in Africa, making distributed information suddenly accessible to many. Initially, the organization (AKVO and Text to Change, TTC) approached the Dutch Ministry to consider using this technology in the fight against HIV/AIDS. However, the Ministry responded: “We will not finance any renewal or innovation. It must be proven technology.”

Cordaid, a major partner of the Ministry, was active in the area of HIV/AIDS and was approached by TTC to collaborate. Initially, we were hesitant, but after several workshops, we realized the potential of this innovative idea as a breakthrough.

It required us to completely rethink our way of working. This was also the case for TTC, which had little experience working within such contexts. In order to collaborate fully, both organizations had to give up something to create space for a new way of working, which resulted in an impact far greater than anything achieved previously.

To succeed, we had to move beyond our own offices and include local clinics and other stakeholders. Creating the space for renewal and involving all stakeholders changed the approach to HIV/AIDS entirely. Much like the energy transition realizes distributed energy sourcing, this project allowed for drastically improved information sharing and decision-making.

This example has implications for our work as well. If we want to be more impactful, we must reach out to other stakeholders and find new collaborative models. It seems logical, but giving up something is difficult, especially for those in “northern” countries. In our cultures, we often rely on transactional models and are not taught to embrace collaborative ones.

ug masindi 1

New Energy Nexus works with Community-based Organizations (CBOs) in Uganda to provide clean energy access to off-grid communities.

Here, we can take inspiration from living systems. The closest concept to collaboration is symbiosis — a mutualistic relationship where everyone benefits. We might even imagine reaching a point of ‘transcendence,’ where the collaboration creates something greater than the sum of its parts. True collaboration in this context occurs when two or more organizations adopt an open mind and heart, seeking congruence in the common good of human development, contributing to a better world with energy for all.

This also requires dispelling some myths surrounding the adoption of sustainable technologies. Through our work, we have seen that sustainable technologies can be adopted within underserved communities and made affordable.

To achieve this, we must design creative financing solutions, among other prerequisites, by carefully carrying out needs assessments. This requires time and resources to do well. But it can be done, and we have compelling evidence from several contexts in which we operate.

May this serve as an invitation to those in the sector, including those active in venture philanthropy, blended finance, technical assistance (including training), and especially social enterprises in the many countries where we work. Our mission requires an ecosystem that collaborates with a shared goal and common purpose: to make the world a better place, with clean energy as a transformative, decentralized power.


Henri van Eeghen is CEO of New Energy Nexus.

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California
Blog
CalTestBed welcomes 12 new clean energy companies
These California companies are receiving vouchers to test their technologies in world-class labs.

CalTestBed proudly announces its newest cohort of 12 clean-energy companies, pioneering research, and development around charging infrastructure, novel materials, grid monitoring, and more. These forward-thinking California-based startups were selected to receive vouchers that grant them access to world-class testing facilities at University of California laboratories to help them further test and validate their discoveries.

Funded by the California Energy Commission and operated by New Energy Nexus California, the CalTestBed initiative supports early-stage technologies by providing the necessary resources to refine and validate their groundbreaking solutions. The program’s commitment to equity and diversity in California’s clean energy transition is evident in its active recruitment of entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds, including BIPOC, LGBTQ+, rural, and veteran communities (here are the specific CPUC designations). This focus ensures that the benefits of clean energy innovation extend to all Californians, particularly those in disadvantaged and low-income areas.

CalTestBed’s rigorous application and review process ensures that promising and impactful technologies receive support. Applicants undergo a comprehensive evaluation, considering their technologies’ innovation, feasibility, scalability, and potential impact.

The program focuses on diverse technology types, from renewable energy and energy storage to advanced materials and grid infrastructure. By partnering with leading UC laboratories, CalTestBed offers these companies opportunities to test and optimize their innovations in state-of-the-art facilities. This cohort showcases various technologies and applications, each contributing to California’s clean energy goal of reaching carbon neutrality by 2045. Learn more about the technologies CalTestBed supports and the program at CalTestBed.com.

Below, we highlight the innovative work and potential impact of these 12 companies, demonstrating why we chose them and where they will be testing their technologies.

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Enventix

Testbed: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratories

Enventix, Inc. employs a patented thermocatalytic pyrolysis-reformer pathway to convert dry plant biomass waste into hydrogen, biofuel blend stock, biochar, and wood vinegar. This approach results in high conversion efficiency and flexibility in feedstock variability, producing multiple valuable products at a commercial scale of 230–460 tons per day while addressing energy security, sustainable farming, and carbon reduction.

Impact: Enventix’s technology has the potential to transform biomass waste into valuable products like biofuels and fertilizers, reducing the need for open burns and landfilling, improving local air quality, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions, with a carbon intensity range of -7 to -11 gCO2e/MJ.

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Flex Power Control

Testbed: UC Davis

Flex Power Control‘s Smart Power Integrated Node (SPIN) is a Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) product providing a 10kW bidirectional charging system, expandable to 30kW, for whole-home backup using an electric vehicle. 

This system integrates advanced power electronics to manage DC loads, including solar, stationary storage, and EVs, enabling both on-grid and off-grid operation. It can also island at home during power outages and export power to the grid upon request.

Impact: The SPIN product uses the growing number of EV batteries as a new category of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), helping to stabilize the electric grid during peak demand. Its unique bidirectional charging capability using the Combined Charging Standard (CCS) sets it apart from other products, making it a valuable asset for grid resilience and energy management.

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Evoloh

Testbed: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratories

EvolOH is developing a cost-effective, scalable water electrolyzer stack using anion exchange membranes (AEM) that rely on earth-abundant materials like steel and plastic, avoiding the need for rare earth elements. This innovative approach enables high-volume manufacturing of electrolyzers with 100% domestic supply chains, achieving significant cost reductions and efficiency improvements in green hydrogen production, with proven performance benchmarks in efficiency, current density, and durability.

Impact: EvolOH’s low-cost electrolyzers can produce green hydrogen more affordably than current technologies, offering substantial savings compared to battery storage for long-term renewable energy storage. This transition to green hydrogen could save California approximately $80 million annually and significantly reduce CO2 and NOx emissions, aiding in decarbonizing the state’s energy and transportation sectors.

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Evolectric

Testbed: UC Riverside

Evolectric is creating a hardware and software solution for retrofitting existing combustion engine commercial vehicles with new battery-electric powertrains. This innovative approach leverages AC-based overnight charging, reducing thermal impact and GHG emissions while enhancing vehicle efficiency and longevity. Evolectric offers a cost-effective and scalable pathway to transition commercial fleets to zero-emission vehicles by using modular software and hardware for retrofitting.

Impact: By reusing existing vehicle chassis, Evolectric lowers the economic and environmental costs of manufacturing new electric vehicles. Their retrofit kits, produced in California, enable rapid deployment and scalability, offering a faster and more cost-effective solution for fleet owners, especially small and medium-sized businesses, to transition to electric vehicles.

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Kfobix

Testbed: UC Irvine

Kfobix invented a lightweight, low-cost, and durable superhydrophobic nano-composite coating called K-FobiX. This innovative coating can be easily applied via airbrush or drone to prevent ice formation on power lines and wind turbines, enhancing electrical distribution safety and renewable energy efficiency. The nanocomposite achieves superhydrophobic properties without fluorinated chemicals, maintains light transmittance of around 80%, and lasts up to four years.

Impact: K-FobiX has the potential to significantly reduce maintenance costs for energy transmission lines by 24.2% and prevent ice buildup on wind turbines, improving their efficiency and performance. This leads to lower operational costs and increased reliability of renewable energy infrastructure, aligning with California’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

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Twelve

Testbed: Lawrence Berkeley National lab

Twelve is pioneering a scalable electrolyzer technology that converts carbon dioxide into essential building blocks for chemicals and fuels. The initial focus is sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) produced through the Fischer-Tropsch process from electrolyzed carbon monoxide. Twelve is constructing a groundbreaking CO2-to-SAF plant, with their SAF certified for up to a 50% blend in jet engines under ASTM D7566 Annex A1. The project aims to enhance the performance and durability of the membrane electrode assembly, the electrolyzer’s core component. Twelve’s electrolyzer can efficiently utilize excess electricity, promoting renewable energy’s economic viability and reducing overall electricity costs.

Impact: Twelve’s SAF offers significant environmental advantages, including 80% less fine particulate matter and over 90% less ozone than petroleum jet fuel. Additionally, SAF emits less NOx and SOx, benefiting residents near California airports, often low-income communities. Deploying this technology at scale could reduce CO2 emissions by 2-3 billion tons annually, mitigating climate change impacts such as wildfires and flooding.

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Relyion Energy

Testbed: UC Riverside

Relyion Energy is pioneering an advanced energy storage system that utilizes repurposed electric vehicle (EV) batteries, extending their lifecycle and minimizing environmental waste. Their prototype integrates second-life EV batteries into a scalable system, enhanced by advanced control algorithms and machine learning for optimized performance. The system provides a sustainable and cost-effective solution for energy storage, crucial for supporting the transition to renewable energy and the electrification of transportation while promoting a circular economy by minimizing battery waste.

Impact: Relyion’s energy storage system significantly reduces upfront capital expenditures for energy storage by 30-50% compared to first-life battery systems. This cost-effectiveness, combined with extended battery life and improved performance, leads to long-term savings. Reduced strain on California’s electricity grid during peak times translates into lower energy costs for ratepayers, benefiting commercial and industrial users and underserved communities.

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UNIGRID

Testbed: UC San Diego

UNIGRID is advancing a sodium-ion 18650 cylindrical cell, a standardized battery form factor widely used in the industry. This innovation competes with lithium-ion (Li-ion) 18650s, offering a safer, more cost-effective energy storage solution. The sodium-ion battery addresses key challenges associated with current technologies, including cost, safety, and material supply chain issues. By leveraging low-cost, abundant, and domestically sourced sodium materials, UNIGRID’s battery reduces the bill of materials by 50% compared to lithium-ion batteries while being non-flammable and releasing no toxic fumes.

Impact: The advanced sodium-ion battery offers superior performance metrics, including lower cost, improved safety, a wider operating temperature range, and higher energy densities than lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries, ensuring more reliable and efficient energy storage.

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Tyfast

Testbed: UC San Diego

Tyfast‘s innovation is a high-performance lithium-ion battery that replaces conventional graphite with a proprietary vanadium-based anode. This technology allows for ten times faster charging (under six minutes), ten times the cycle life (over 10,000 cycles), new charging capability below freezing temperatures (as low as -40°C), and enhanced safety due to the metal oxide anode. Tyfast designed the battery to meet the rigorous demands of heavy-duty and construction vehicles, providing continuous high power and reliability in challenging conditions.

Impact: The batteries’ enhanced safety features, including non-flammability and resistance to lithium-metal plating, lower the risk of battery fires and toxic fume emissions. These improved safety features are crucial for heavy-duty and construction vehicles operating near residential areas, reducing health hazards for communities and workers.

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Nelumbo

Testbed: UC Davis

Nelumbo‘s innovation involves advanced surface treatments for heat exchangers in residential heat pumps, enhancing resistance to frost formation and accelerating frost shedding. This technology increases the operational efficiency of heat pumps, particularly in frosty conditions, by extending operating time and reducing defrost cycles. Additionally, Nelumbo’s surfaces enable the use of more efficient heat transfer designs that are otherwise prone to performance degradation due to frost, thereby supporting the transition of 14.5 million homes in California from natural gas furnaces to heat pumps.

Impact: Nelumbo’s technology can save over 2 billion kWh annually by transitioning electric resistance heaters to heat pumps three to four times more efficiently than traditional heaters. The significant energy saving from this technology helps reduce electricity consumption and peak load demand, contributing to a more resilient and efficient power grid in California.

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McEachern Laboratories

Testbed: UC Riverside

The GridSweep instrument is an advanced hardware technology integrated with firmware and software that enhances grid reliability, efficiency, and solar deployment capacity. It measures the stability of distribution grids with inverter-based resources like solar power inverters and battery storage inverters. GridSweep uses a subsynchronously modulated electric heater to probe a 120-volt outlet while measuring voltage changes at a different location on the grid, providing parts-per-billion resolution. This technology increases the hosting capacity for solar generation resources, enabling more solar power deployment without grid replacement or upgrades.

Impact: By identifying faults and ignition points early, GridSweep can contribute to wildfire prevention and overall grid safety. Its precise measurement capabilities and low-cost deployment make it a valuable tool for enhancing the safety of California’s electricity grid, especially in areas prone to wildfires.

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ChargePodX

Testbed: UC Riverside

ChargePodX is developing a charging technology that provides a Level 3 DC Fast Charging experience using existing Level 2 (240V AC) infrastructure. This portable design eliminates the need for extensive construction of fixed charging stations, offering a flexible and efficient charging solution. ChargePodX’s portable DC-fast chargers can be easily deployed in various locations, ensuring accessibility in underserved regions and urban areas without complex installations.

Impact: ChargePodX’s portable DC fast chargers enable rapid deployment in diverse locations, bridging the gap in areas lacking permanent charging infrastructure. Portable fast chargers increase accessibility and convenience for EV owners, particularly in underserved and urban regions, encouraging wider adoption of electric vehicles and supporting California’s goal of increasing EV usage.

Want to watch these companies grow and develop the next generation of clean energy technologies? Follow us on LinkedIn and X, and subscribe to our newsletter.

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Youth
Blog
Indonesia
Insights from Indonesia’s first youth-driven clean energy policy hackathon

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Participants of the [RE]Power Launch event listen to a discussion on Indonesia’s energy policy and the role of young people in shaping the country’s sustainable energy future.

As a Policy Analyst Manager at New Energy Nexus Indonesia and a young professional, I’m often told that we are ‘the hope of the nation.’ This phrase carries immense responsibility, especially in the context of a climate crisis for which we’re expected to lead solutions. But this begs the question: are we able to access the resources to tackle this enormous challenge? Moreover, are we able to think critically and participate in energy policy decisions in our country, which will ultimately impact our future?

The climate crisis is not some distant issue, but an immediate challenge that disproportionately affects us: the youth. We are the ones who will live with the consequences of today’s policy decisions. Therefore, we must understand how these energy policies are crafted and their potential impacts—both positive and negative. Youth is crucial in identifying new solutions to the challenges our world urgently needs to address.

This is why New Energy Nexus Indonesia initiated Indonesia’s first youth-driven energy policy hackathon, [RE]Power. The event is more than just a gathering; it provides a unique platform for young people to engage with complex issues, learn from experts, and collaborate on innovative solutions. It’s a space where youth can voice their concerns and actively participate in crafting policies that will shape their future. Beyond the event itself, policy hackathons symbolize a broader movement toward making youth participation in policy-making, especially in the energy sector, more meaningful.

Bringing together young people with diverse ideas

At the Policy Hackathon, we are bringing together a diverse group of individuals with varying perspectives and expertise, such as tech, engineering, law, and management, among others. This diversity is key for the group to think outside their own boxes, and be able to bring something new to the national energy policy front. When people from different backgrounds and skill sets collaborate, they are more likely to come up with creative solutions and see gaps that a more homogenous group might overlook. In the context of clean energy and climate policy, this means drawing on insights from young engineers, social scientists, environmentalists, and even those who simply have a passion for sustainability. Furthermore, diversity is essential to the development of inclusive policies that can address the multifaceted challenges of our time, without leaving anyone behind.

Moreover, these events create a sense of community and shared purpose. Young participants not only learn from experts but also from each other, building networks that can be leveraged for future initiatives. This collaborative spirit is crucial for fostering a culture of continuous improvement in clean energy policy.

Meaningful youth participation in learning policy and regulatory framework

One of the biggest challenges young people face in engaging with policy is the lack of transparency and access to information. Often, policy-making processes are not as transparent, making it difficult for the youth to understand how decisions are made and how such decisions can influence their lives. By contrast, policy hackathons provide a transparent and inclusive environment where young people can learn about policy frameworks, regulatory processes, and the complexities of governance. These offer hands-on experience that is invaluable for anyone looking to make a real impact.

Beyond the event itself, policy hackathons symbolize a broader movement toward making youth participation in policy-making more meaningful. Involving youth in these processes means we have to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to be effective participants. Through educational programs, mentorship opportunities, and platforms for dialogue, we can empower young people, especially the ones who have just begun their careers and considering being involved in governance. They become not just passive recipients of policy decisions, but active shapers of them and preparing them to be future energy leaders.

At New Energy Nexus Indonesia, we believe that empowering youth with the knowledge and tools to engage in policy-making is essential for a sustainable future. This is why we’re hosting Indonesia’s first youth-driven policy hackathon—it’s an opportunity for young Indonesians to step up, put their minds into action, and lead the charge towards a cleaner, more sustainable future. By bringing together diverse groups, fostering innovation, and providing transparent, accessible information, we can ensure that today’s youth are not just prepared for the future—they are the ones deciding what it should look like.


 

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Enda Grimonia is the Policy Analyst Manager at New Energy Nexus Indonesia. Before joining NEX Indonesia, she served as the Head of the Renewable Energy Division at the Laboratory of Energy and Environmental Engineering at the Department of Engineering Physics, Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS), and as the Head of Competency Development at the Society of Renewable Energy ITS, the largest youth-led renewable energy organization in East Java, Indonesia.

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California
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Energy Finance
ConNEX Workshop: Securing Working Capital & Advanced Financial Planning
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Speakers at the ConNEX Workshop: Securing Working Capital & Advanced Financial Planning

On July 25, 2024, we hosted a virtual workshop on Advanced Financial Planning, attended by entrepreneurs from all over California and as far as Ethiopia. The event provided insights into the unique financial landscape for clean energy startups and featured the following speakers:

 

Key Takeaways
Chante Harris: Navigating Risks and Finding Value

Harris delved into the shifting landscape of clean energy funding. She highlighted the necessity for startups to communicate their intrinsic value beyond their technology and look for additional revenue and collateral options. Harris discussed blending public and private capital to transition projects from the research phase to viable businesses.

Harris also highlighted the importance of doing product market fit work before the product is ready. She encouraged entrepreneurs to ask:

“Who’s started to think about earmarking money for the specific problem you’re solving, and if they haven’t done that yet, how do you get them to?”

Scott Pitts: Creative Funding and Cash Flow Management

Scott Pitts shared insights on creative funding solutions, emphasizing the importance of finding financing partners who are open to innovative approaches. He provided the example of how his financing partner bought equipment and resold it to the startup, using collateral to secure more funding. Pitts discussed the need for high-fidelity cash flow forecasts and building strong relationships within the industry – before needing to ask for money.

“If you only manage your business based on the money you have in the bank, you have a capacity issue,” explained Pitts. He encouraged leveraging incubators and local venture/angel groups to find supporters passionate about clean energy.

“Find lovers with money.”

He urged entrepreneurs to find people who are excited about their technology and have the resources to invest.

Erin Davis: Simplifying Equity Raises and Financial Maturity

Davis encouraged founders to use SAFE notes (Simply Agreement for Future Equity) using the Y-combinator template. She stressed the importance of securing non-dilutive capital quickly and bridging funding gaps with loans. Davis highlighted the significance of maintaining well-organized financial records and building a robust pro forma. She encouraged companies seeking early-stage financing to visit Enduring Planet’s website and apply.

Strategic Advice for Startups

The session concluded with strategic advice for startups. Pitts emphasized the importance of having a backup plan and advised being prepared for potential capital crunches. Harris encouraged treating regulatory requirements as drivers of innovation and leveraging networks to increase funding access.


Resources & Tools

Funders & Accelerators

Grant Writing

Recruiting

Financial Management

Special thanks to our partner, Momentum, and funder, The California Energy Commission.

How did we do? Please take a short survey to help us improve this workshop series.

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3 lessons for clean energy entrepreneurs from someone who has helped back a thousand!

As I leave my role as CEO of New Energy Nexus, people have been asking me what advice I can give or what lessons I have learned from all the support we’ve provided to clean energy entrepreneurs.

I am loath to say my top three things or drop some pearls without getting to know the person and what part of the entrepreneurial journey they are on. It is not really my style to pretend there are generic truths out there for every startup or person getting on the solar coaster as we make clean energy happen.

However, it is incumbent on us to try to tease out the things that make sense to teach – that’s why we run accelerators. So, when pressed, I did think of three important realities that I don’t think get stressed enough with founders.

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From right: Danny Kennedy (CEO of New Energy Nexus) and Megan Fisher (CEO of EnergyLab)

1. Cash is kind

This is a play on the cliché that “cash is king” because, of course, it is important to have enough funding on hand to cover expenses.

This will be especially so in the US market as we enter a long winter of funding from other sources in the coming six months or so (uncertainty about politics is enough to chill the investment community, and if the wrong side wins the US federal election then government funding will be harder to come by too).

Cash is not just there to cover outgoings but to create opportunities, and to allow you to maneuver as an entrepreneur, as you inevitably pivot, to a variation on the initial theme of the business you thought you were starting. I have seen too many (hundreds!) businesses just run out of runway. It’s a very stressful feeling to know you have a good thing, the right team, and the right stuff, but just not enough cash to get there. And then if you go to some vendor of the commodity known as cash, like VCs, they often take advantage of you.

Be kind to yourself, your team, your vision and keep enough cash on hand to avoid that fate.

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File photo from New Energy Nexus

2. Money matters more

Money matters more than you realize (and more than just cash to cover shortfalls).

Tech is key. Talent too. But the capital strategy of companies is where I have seen most fail or fail to fulfill their dreams. Too often, founders are focused on their own technical brilliance and do not develop a sophisticated understanding of the way they will pay for it to manifest IRL. It is often debt, or some combination of debt and grant, or gift capital that gets tech across the line. But we have all been brainwashed to think we can only sell equity to get capitalized.

This will become all the more important now that the energy transition has largely shifted from one of de novo invention to innovation around the deploy, deploy, deploy dilemma facing humanity. This is especially true as we aim to triple wind, solar, and battery installations as the main game of the energy transition and double the bog standard adoption of widely known energy efficiency solutions).

Clean energy companies are not tech companies in the end. They are development companies. DevCos as opposed to TechCos live and die on the creativity of their financial engineering. How they set up SPVs, adopt new instruments at low legal cost, and lever themselves smartly to build a first, second, fiftieth of their thing is what matters.

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Our New York program at The Clean Fight’s summit with Cohort 1 startups in 2021

3. EQ > IQ

Finally, EQ is more important than IQ.

As a white man, I can say that I and a lot of other entrepreneurs out there are pretty enamored with our intelligence. What I have learned the hard way with my own startup stories, as well as supporting several thousand more, is that “people practices” are about feelings.

Emotional support for a cohort of founders, employees, and customers who are all probably suffering pre-traumatic stress from what they think they know about climate change and the paucity of their solutions is critical in our work. If you are not addressing how your stakeholders feel then you’re only dealing with the tip of an iceberg.

The act of active listening to team members does more for talent retention and iteration of your products than all the AI you can muster. And if you don’t take a moment to take care of yourself along this journey, you may not make it through the solar coasters and stress machines that are part and parcel of small businesses growing large. Even worse, you may miss an opportunity to build something of significance, by which I mean a legacy of which you can be proud.

You don’t want to look back on an apparent success at people you dropped along the way – and if you do you’ll probably be looking at a trainwreck of something that had so much promise but lost its way in the egoism of an individual.

We’ve seen that a lot at NEX with investors and others coming in to take over a profound vision from some technical founders only to lose their way on the true transformational potential.

At the end of the day, we all are passing on a better world to future generations by bringing clean energy generation in this generation! Be aware it’s a long haul and a lot harder than you think it should be.

Have cash to navigate your liquidity, a plan to stay more than solvent but able to choose your financial future, and enough humility to know that people matter more than any tech or brilliant ideas.

Thanks for playing. Shine on! ☀️


Danny Kennedy is the outgoing CEO of New Energy Nexus. After eight years of service, Danny shaped New Energy Nexus into the world’s leading organization supporting clean energy entrepreneurs. Social impact expert Henri van Eeghen will assume the CEO position effective 15 August 2024 (see here for more).

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