Who we are

Our vision

New Energy Nexus strives towards an abundant world with a 100% clean energy economy for 100% of the population in the shortest time possible.

Our mission

We support diverse entrepreneurs to drive innovation and build equity into the global clean energy economy.

Our goal

Our goal is to support 100,000 clean energy entrepreneurs to succeed by 2030. It’s the Big, Risky, Audacious, Visionary & Exponential (BRAVE) goal the planet needs to accelerate the energy transition.

What we do

New Energy Nexus builds innovation ecosystems and runs programs that are locally tailored to support the specific needs of entrepreneurs in that region.

With nearly 20 years experience in launching and growing clean energy startups, we equip entrepreneurs with the right resources at the right time, leveraging our global network of people and institutions who share our vision

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What we offer

We offer programs to grow clean energy entrepreneurs and build thriving, inclusive innovation ecosystems. These programs are offered both to applicants globally, and specifically tailored to those in the 11 countries or regions we operate in.

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LAUNCH

These programs are designed to inspire new clean energy solutions and form startup teams.

  • Bootcamps
  • Hackathons
  • Educational courses
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ACCELERATE

Providing startups with the training, mentorship, and networks to grow locally and internationally.

  • Accelerators
  • Incubators
  • Commercial partnerships
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FUND

Providing capital resources to clean energy startups at various stages of growth

  • Impact funds
  • Grant programs
  • Voucher programs
  • Loan programs
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CONNECT

Activities that connect entrepreneurs, corporations, education institutions, civil society, and financial organisations to accelerate startups and remove barriers for entrepreneurs.

Our global presence

NEX Timeline

2004

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2018

2022

2023

Launched California Clean Energy Fund (CalCEF)

The California Clean Energy Fund was launched as the locus of organizations working to advance sustainable energy in California. Our initial plan was to pioneer a non-profit venture capital fund of funds model, making $30 million worth of indirect investments in companies through partnership with venture capital firms.

Initial capital came from the settlement of the energy crisis of 2000 between the CPUC and PG&E with the purpose of the serial creation of institutions and investment vehicles that accelerate the adoption of clean energy. This included critical investments in funds including Nth Power, DFJ’s Element Fund, and VantagePoint, which gave us early exposure to deals from Bridgelux to Tesla.

Founding sponsor of UC Davis Energy Efficiency Center

Upon exiting some of these investments, we held a $1m challenge grant competition with the universities of California and proudly became the founding sponsor of the UC Davis Energy Efficiency Center. This was the premier academic center of excellence for energy efficiency in the US – a credit to the work of our Board member Art Rosenfeld.

Hosted CalCEF Annual Conference

We held the inaugural CalCEF Annual Conference at the PG&E Convention Center in downtown San Francisco, called Transforming Technology with Policy: California’s Success in the Clean Energy Transition. This was an event and theme we have returned to many times in many ways ever since.

Launched CalCEF Innovations

We launched CalCEF Innovations as an independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization with the remit to engage and challenge critical stakeholders at the intersection of clean energy policy, technology and finance. This allowed CalCEF to significantly expand its role as the clean energy industry matured, acting as a connective tissue linking relevant players. We have been promoting green new deals ever since!”

Launched CalCEF Angel Network

We launched the CalCEF Angel Network as “a nexus for entrepreneurs, investors, utility companies, government and academia” engaged in early stage development of clean energy technologies.

Published two groundbreaking white papers on energy innovation

We published a pair of white papers by Entrepreneurs-in-Residence on “Energy Efficiency Paying the Way” and “Funding First Commercial Clean Energy Projects,” which led to innovative new contracts being used from Ohio to California and also to some of the authors forming the pioneering energy services company, Metrus, which still does great work today.

Published paper on expanding energy access in US Tribal communities

Published “Native Energy: A Pilot Study of Pro Bono Programs Supporting the Clean Energy Development Goals of US Tribes”. This study led to our interest in supporting real entrepreneurial initiatives on indigenous territory in the USA.

Created Residency Program (XIR & FIR)

eXplorer-In-Residence (XIR) and Founder-In-Residence (FIR) is a grant program that provides the financial launchpad to develop clean energy businesses that are reflective of emerging trends. Entrepreneurs are given $10,000 – $15,000 to cover three months of research, analysis and concept prototyping.

Launched CalSEED

California Sustainable Energy Entrepreneur Development Initiative (CalSEED is a program to help early stage California clean energy startups bring their concepts and prototypes to market.

Launched New Energy Nexus

New Energy Nexus, becomes the operating name for the organization’s expanding footprint in the USA and globally.

Launched New Energy Nexus Southeast Asia with GIZ

Co-founded Free Electrons. Free Electrons is a global energy startup accelerator that connects the world’s most promising energy startups with leading utility companies.

Hosted the annual Accelerate Energy Summit in Shanghai

Launch of  New Energy Nexus Thailand and Indonesia

New Energy Nexus in Indonesia and Thailand draws on our experience and acts as a bridge between different national stakeholders: running incubation, acceleration, and funding programs to urgently accelerate clean energy and energy access.

New partnership with Clean Tech Hub expands New Energy Nexus’ impact into Nigeria and West Africa

Located in Abuja, Nigeria, Clean Tech Hub is a pioneering hub for the research, development, and incubation of clean technologies, increasing energy access and improving climate resilience

2022 Supercharge Australia launches

In partnership with EnergyLab – Australia and New Zealand’s largest climate tech startup accelerator – New Energy Nexus doubles down on energy storage solutions with the Supercharge Australia initiative. It aims to expand innovation and value along the battery and lithium supply chain, turning Australia into a critical pillar in the global clean energy transition

2022 Climate of Change podcast launches

New Energy Nexus CEO launches an Audbible UK podcast series with actor Cate Blanchett, and featuring a line-up of inspirational innovators, activists and thought leaders, including His Royal Highness Prince William, Mary Robinson, Adam McKay, Katy Milkman, Imogen Heap, Rutger Bregman, Jeraiza Molina, Agamemnon Otero, Becky Paisley.

2023 COP28 UAE selects New Energy Nexus as Climate Tech Startup Program partner

The program is the first of its kind at a UNFCCC COP and is designed to accelerate early stage climate tech startups from around the world with a focus on those from the Global South.