Oakland, CA, 17 March 2025 – The California Sustainable Energy Entrepreneur Development (CalSEED) program is proud to celebrate the seventh annual Prototype Awards by recognizing eight groundbreaking companies: ThermoShade, Sunchem, Project K Energy, Westwood Aerogel, Sperra, Activated Energy, ExPost Technology, and Aepnus Technology. Selected through a rigorous business plan competition, each company stood out for its bold ideas and potential to transform California’s energy landscape — earning $500,000 to bring innovations closer to reality.

The business plan competition is closely coordinated with Cleantech Open (CTO). Eligible CalSEED Concept Awardees participate in CTO’s accelerator program, gaining valuable tools, insights, and mentorship to shape their business plans and pitches.

“This year’s winners are solving some of the toughest challenges facing our energy system,” said Joy Larson, Program Director of CalSEED, a program of New Energy Nexus. “From decarbonizing industrial heat to unlocking new ways to store and move energy, these teams represent the passion, ingenuity, and diversity of California’s clean energy community.”

Companies submitted business plans and pitched their ideas to panels of judges representing expertise in building start-ups, experience with industry-specific commercialization, and ability to evaluate rate-payer benefits.

The 2025 Prototype Awardees are working on technologies that address urgent needs for a more resilient and equitable energy system:

• Activated Energy is creating a solid-state carbon dioxide storage technology that uses sustainable materials to build scalable, compact energy storage systems. Their solution is non-toxic, non-flammable, and carbon-negative, providing a safer alternative to conventional energy storage while enhancing grid resilience.
• Aepnus Technology is designing low-cost electrolysis equipment to electrify and decarbonize the production of critical commodity chemicals, including lithium salts, hydrochloric acid, and caustic soda. Their technology supports the domestic production of key materials needed for the energy transition.
• ExPost Technology is developing next-generation recycling and upcycling processes for lithium-ion batteries, helping to recover valuable materials and support a circular economy for battery production.
• Project K Energy is developing potassium-ion batteries — a lithium-free, low-cost, and long-lived solution for grid-scale energy storage. Their technology uses abundant potassium materials to provide affordable, energy-efficient storage at scale. Project K Energy is partnered with the U.S. Department of Energy’s ARPA-E and the California Energy Commission to bring this next-generation battery technology to market.
• Sperra (formerly RCAM Technologies) is developing Marine Pumped Hydroelectric (MPH) Storage pods that integrate with California’s floating offshore wind farms. This long-duration energy storage solution uses 3D-printed concrete spheres on the seafloor to store and release electricity, enabling reliable renewable energy delivery.
• Sunchem is advancing nanotechnology-based filtration systems to selectively extract critical metals from complex water mixtures, helping industries improve water quality while recovering Sunchem’s valuable materials from waste streams.
• ThermoShade is piloting patent-pending composite panels that integrate multiple passive cooling technologies, including phase change materials, to reduce building cooling costs and energy consumption. The panels can be affixed to an outdoor structure and create a shady space that feels up to 20°F cooler than under a basic awning and can replace shade structures, fans, and evaporative cooling solutions.
• Westwood Aerogel is pioneering advanced aerogel insulation materials using a novel ambient drying process. Their continuous production method significantly reduces energy consumption compared to traditional aerogel manufacturing, making high-performance insulation more accessible and sustainable.

“We are honored to receive the Prototype Award, which supports the development of California’s first lithium battery direct recycling/upcycling pilot line,” said Benson Lam, CEO of ExPost. “This funding accelerates ExPost’s mission to commercialize an economical, environmentally friendly direct recycling technology—helping to build a circular battery economy and reinforce California’s leadership in clean energy.”

“We express our sincere gratitude to the California Energy Commission (CEC) and CalSEED for their generous funding of Activated Energy’s long-duration energy storage system,” said Cullen Quine, co-founder of Activated Energy. “This support will significantly enhance community-scale grid resilience during severe weather events and enable more efficient energy load shifting for electric utilities across California, contributing to a more reliable and sustainable energy future.”

CalSEED is a program of the New Energy Nexus, a global clean energy entrepreneur support network. It is funded through the California Energy Commission’s EPIC program, which invests approximately $130 million annually to advance clean energy technologies that benefit California’s ratepayers and communities.

The CalSEED community includes over 165 startups inventing new energy solutions, creating good jobs, and building a cleaner, more equitable energy system for all.

Rainy Putri with Ima Rida, co-founder of Magi Farm at Magi Farm Centre.

Rainy Putri, Program Manager at New Energy Nexus Indonesia, reflects on the barriers women entrepreneurs face in Indonesia’s climate tech sector.

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I will never forget the day Mbak Nimas, CEO of BLUE (Warung Energi), walked into our office for a check-in meeting, her young son quietly walking beside her. While he might not have understood the significance of the moment, one thing was clear: his mother was doing something extraordinary.

Warung Energi, founded by a group of young innovators, is more than just a shop. It not only provides environment-friendly technology products and services at competitive rates but also bridges islands across Indonesia with accessible renewable energy solutions. With a mission to make clean energy available across generations, Warung Energi is driving a future where sustainability is within everyone’s reach. In that simple gesture, Mbak Nimas was not only shaping a more sustainable future; she was showing him, firsthand, what it means to lead, to innovate, and to leave the world better for the next generation.

As a woman in climate and clean energy, I don’t just witness these moments, I live this reality everyday. The women I have met, and the stories I have been privileged to be part of have reminded me why this work matters, despite the many challenges that often go unspoken.

Women are leading businesses, pioneering solutions, and driving change—not just for themselves, but for entire communities. However, despite the progress, the reality remains: the world isn’t built equally for men and women. The barriers we face; access to funding, leadership roles, and decision-making spaces, are not due to a lack of capability but systemic biases that continue to hold many of us back. Yet, still, women persist.

Rainy Putri with Ima Rida, co-founder of Magi Farm at Magi Farm Centre.

I think of Mbok Ima from Magi Farm, who inspires me with her work using black soldier fly bioconversion to tackle landfill waste, cut methane emissions, and create a healthier environment. Her work goes beyond food waste reduction, it’s about creating new possibilities for sustainable tourism. With the support of male allies like Bli Soma, they keep me grounded in the fact that male allies matter, that real progress happens when everyone is involved.

Then there’s Mbak Almira from Bionersia, who continues to push for climate action while navigating life as a new mother. Even with a newborn in her arms, she’s leading innovations in biogas technology, bringing cleaner energy solutions to locals in Surabaya.

And Mbak Nafi from Crustea, who is traveling across Indonesia and beyond to spotlight the challenges shrimp farmers face in areas with little access to electricity. Through her work, their voices are finally being heard in the global climate and clean energy space.

These women are redefining what leadership in this space looks like. But their success isn’t just theirs alone. It’s made possible by the allies who choose to support them.

Why gender-inclusive climate solutions require collective support

Helga Tjahjadi, CEO & Co-Founder of Burgreens & Green Rebel, once shared her experience of fundraising while pregnant. Some investors questioned whether maternity leave would slow down her business. But with the right allies, angel investors and venture capitalists who believed in her; she secured funding before giving birth and ensured her business stayed on track. As she put it: “Women have more support now, but there’s still work to be done for investors to fully recognize the value female founders bring.”

Samantha Tedjosugondo from Sweef Capital echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that while risks exist, what truly matters is how they are managed: “We admire founders who acknowledge challenges and actively tackle them. Risks come with opportunities, and strong leaders know how to navigate both.”

But gender bias isn’t just present in investment meetings; it’s also present in communities and cultural norms.

The two years I’ve spent running the Matangi Bali initiative has made me more aware of the everyday realities of patriarchy, subtle yet pervasive barriers that many overlook but deeply affect women’s lives. Have you ever walked into a village meeting and noticed it’s entirely men? Not because women are uninterested, but because there is no seat at the table for them, left without a voice in decisions that shape their families, livelihoods, and futures. Have you ever heard a journalist say they refuse to interview women because “women talk too much”—as if our voices, our experiences, our knowledge, are something to be dismissed rather than valued?

The NEX Indonesia program team attends a village discussion in Desa Beng with Griya Luhu before launching their organic waste management collaboration, supported by New Energy Nexus.

I have. These stories are not just something I read online. They are constant reminders of why I do what I do.

Women continue to face barriers that are recognized but not acknowledged, limiting their full participation.  Access to funding, leadership roles, and decision-making spaces remains uneven. Not because of a lack of capability, but because of systemic biases. Policymakers must create inclusive energy policies. Investors need to back women-led solutions. And communities should foster an environment where women’s leadership isn’t the exception; it’s the norm.

Rainy Putri with Desa Adat Keliki representatives; NEX Indonesia held Jelajah Inovasi Iklim at Desa Adat Keliki, inviting young people to understand sustainable waste management practices (TPS3R) in Desa Adat Keliki (Keliki Village), powered by solar energy.

Looking ahead: Big plans ahead for Bali 

This year, we’re doubling down on our commitment to clean energy and climate innovation—rooted in a localized approach that truly resonates with Bali. Beyond exploring new ways to showcase its economic potential, we’re taking a holistic, ecosystem-wide approach. That means, equipping Bali-based young journalists to bring climate stories to the forefront and working with policymakers to turn Bali’s Net Zero vision to reality.  Sustainability is not just necessary, it’s an opportunity, and we’re making sure it’s one that benefits everyone.

I’m especially excited about the entrepreneurs we’ll be supporting in 2025. We’re committed to supporting 10 innovators to turn their ideas into lab-scale prototypes through capacity building and funding. On top of that, we’re thrilled to announce we will be supporting 2 later stage businesses/startups in scaling their innovations for real community adoption here in Bali.

Our challenge statement remains “Advancing Sustainable Tourism with Low-Carbon Innovation and Climate Entrepreneurship” a commitment we stand by fully. More than ever, we want to see local innovators leading the charge, shaping a future where sustainability and innovation go hand in hand.

Looking for inspiration? Watch below to see the pilot adoptions we supported last year!

Elevating women and diverse entrepreneurs

Of course, it’s not just Bali we’re thinking about.  We’re here to support more diverse entrepreneurs across Indonesia who are ready to lead and innovate.

To get you on your feet, I’m thrilled to give you a glimpse of what’s coming next!

For women entrepreneurs and diverse innovators in Indonesia, an acceleration program is on the horizon, designed to take you to the global stage, because your businesses deserve to be seen and heard. But that’s not all: we’re also rolling out a capacity-building program designed for businesses led by women, people with disabilities, and those beyond metropolitan Jakarta. This is about turning ideas into action, giving you the tools to bring your vision to life through pilot projects that create real impact.

The stage is set, and big things are coming. So as we celebrate International Women’s Day today, I hope you’re just as excited as I am for what’s ahead.

When we integrate gender, diversity and social inclusion perspectives into climate action, we don’t just make the transition fairer; we commit to make it stronger. Going above and beyond to improve livelihoods, strengthen local economies, and build long-term climate resilience. Real change doesn’t happen in isolation, so instead of fighting for a seat at the table, women and diverse leaders should already be there; leading, innovating, and shaping the path forward.

So, whether you’re an entrepreneur, an investor, a policymaker, or simply an ally, the question is: What role will you play in building a more inclusive clean energy future?

Happy International Women’s Day! Here’s to the extraordinary grace and resilience to women everywhere. Wishing you the courage to challenge gender norms, surpass every expectation and embrace small successes. 

The Philippines, with its abundant sunlight and growing energy demands, is perfectly poised to harness the power of rooftop solar (RTS). RTS is an ideal way to address the pressing issues of energy access, security, and affordability in the country. As the shift to clean energy accelerates, the Filipino rooftop solar industry’s journey offers valuable insights into both the potential and the challenges of scaling clean energy—and why it’s important to support entrepreneurs venturing into this space.

Why does the Philippines need rooftop solar?

Rooftop solar holds immense promise as a decentralized energy solution. For a country like the Philippines, where energy costs are high, outages are frequent, and rural areas often suffer from lack of access, RTS provides a clear pathway toward a more secure and affordable future. Unlike large power plants that require significant infrastructure and investment, rooftop solar systems are scalable and relatively simple to deploy. This makes them particularly attractive to homes and businesses seeking to reduce energy costs, while contributing to the country’s renewable energy goals.

From beginnings to growth

The RTS industry in the Philippines started small in the early 2000’s, steadily growing through supportive policies such as the Renewable Energy (RE) Act of 2008 and the introduction of net metering. As of 2024, the net metering program has enabled over 9,000 qualified end-users to connect their systems to the grid, allowing consumers to sell excess electricity back to the utility.

Organizations like the Philippine Solar and Storage Energy Alliance (PSSEA), Renewable Energy Association of the Philippines (REAP), and the Association of Solar Installers of the Philippines (ASIP) have emerged as key players in promoting solar adoption. These industry associations advocate for better policies, provide training, and foster a sense of community among stakeholders, driving the sector forward.

Photo from the Davao Solar Community Meetup Event in May 2024, a gathering of solar installers, companies and stakeholders in the Davao Region.

Challenges in scaling rooftop solar

Despite these promising developments, RTS still faces significant hurdles, particularly when it comes to scaling beyond Metro Manila. Today, only a small fraction of the country’s rooftops are outfitted with solar panels, leaving a massive untapped market.

One of its key barriers to growth is the fragmented implementation of policies across different regions. The roles of government agencies and implementing bodies remain unclear and inconsistent, leading to delays and miscommunications. Furthermore, product standards are lacking, which leaves room for subpar equipment to enter the market. This also hampers the industry’s reputation and undermines consumer confidence.

Financing is another major obstacle. Many small- to medium-sized installers struggle to secure affordable financing options, limiting their ability to expand. The fragmentation of players within the industry exacerbates these problems, as knowledge sharing between companies is limited. This also hinders collaboration with government agencies, resulting in a missed opportunity to refine policies and improve the business environment for rooftop solar.

Unlocking the potential of rooftop solar MSMEs

At the heart of addressing these challenges lies the empowerment of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) within the rooftop solar sector. Solar installers, particularly those in the countryside, play a critical role in bridging the energy access gap. In rural areas, where the need for secure and affordable energy is even more pronounced, these small-scale businesses are essential.

By equipping MSMEs with the tools to understand the importance of service quality, the potential for competitive advantage, and the value of strategic partnerships, we can enable these companies to scale their operations. This would accelerate the adoption of rooftop solar in underserved areas, creating a ripple effect of benefits for both the industry and the communities they serve.

To this end, New Energy Nexus—the only non-profit clean energy accelerator in the country—has been supporting small solar businesses through initiatives such as the Solar Innovation Program. Beginning in 2021, the annual program provides players in the space with seminars, learning sessions, and workshops to enhance their competitiveness in the evolving Filipino energy sector.

Photo from the Solar Innovation Program 2024

Join us in scaling rooftop solar in the Philippines

The future of rooftop solar in the Philippines is bright, but it requires the collective effort of stakeholders across the energy ecosystem. At New Energy Nexus, we are committed to supporting MSMEs in the rooftop solar sector, providing the resources, training, and connections they need to grow and thrive. By working together, we can overcome the barriers to scaling rooftop solar and unlock the immense potential that this technology holds for our country.

If you’re a solar installer, policymaker, or investor interested in contributing to the clean energy future of the Philippines, we invite you to join us in this mission. Let’s build a more sustainable, energy-secure future, one rooftop at a time.

Learn more here.

Brenda Valerio is the country director of New Energy Nexus Philippines.