Eight startups powering California’s clean energy future
March 20, 2025
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.
New Energy Nexus strengthens leadership with appointment of two new board members
March 18, 2025
Berkeley, California, USA – New Energy Nexus announces today the appointment of two clean energy and international development leaders, Peter du Pont and Richenda Van Leeuwen, to its Board of Directors. These strategic additions to the board bring decades of combined experience in clean energy finance, policy, and entrepreneurship across global markets, further strengthening New Energy Nexus’s mission to support diverse entrepreneurs building a 100% clean energy economy.
Peter du Pont, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Asia Clean Energy Partners
Peter du Pont is Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Asia Clean Energy Partners, an Asia-based international consultancy providing services and solutions for clients in the development and business sectors. Based in Bangkok, Dr. du Pont brings over 30 years of experience developing sustainable energy and climate programs across the U.S. and Asia. His expertise spans technical, policy, and market assessments, with deep connections to major development institutions including USAID, Asian Development Bank, as well as to clean energy and impact investors in the Asia region. He also co-founded the Private Financing Advisory Network (PFAN) in Asia in 2009 and continues to serve as its Asia Regional Coordinator.
“The entrepreneurial ecosystem is a driving force behind clean energy innovation, particularly in emerging markets,” said Peter du Pont. “I’m honored to join New Energy Nexus at this critical moment when the need to rapidly scale up innovative and investable climate solutions has never been more urgent. I look forward to helping expand the organization’s impact across Asia and beyond, connecting entrepreneurs with the resources they need to scale impactful solutions.”
Richenda Van Leeuwen, President of Hummingbird Green Solutions
Richenda Van Leeuwen is President of Hummingbird Green Solutions. Her career includes many years of leadership roles focused on sustainable energy for sustainable development, renewable energy investing and entrepreneurship at organizations including senior roles at the Aspen Institute, RMI, the United Nations Foundation, the Global LPG Partnership, and Good Energies across Africa, the Americas and Asia. She brings expertise in commercial renewable energy investments, impact investing, particularly in energy access solutions for emerging economies, climate finance and entrepreneurship.
“Throughout my career, I’ve witnessed firsthand how entrepreneurial approaches can transform challenges into opportunities for local sustainable development,” said Richenda Van Leeuwen. “New Energy Nexus has built an impressive global platform that nurtures diverse talent and innovative business models. I’m excited to contribute to its next chapter, and support significant contributions to both sustainable development and climate goals.”
These strategic appointments come after Henri van Eeghen assumed the role of CEO in August 2024, leading New Energy Nexus in its next stage of growth and impact.
“Peter and Richenda bring invaluable expertise and networks that will help us deepen our support for entrepreneurs in key markets and strengthen our partnerships across the public and private sectors,” said Henri van Eeghen, CEO of New Energy Nexus. “Their combined experience in Asia, Africa, and global institutions aligns perfectly with our strategy to scale our impact and unlock greater capital for diverse founders building climate solutions.
“We also thank outgoing Board members Julia Blunden and Chia-Lin Simmons for their invaluable work, expertise, and advice over the years.”
“We are absolutely delighted with the addition of Peter and Richenda to our Board,” said Board co-chairs Ian Rogoff and Janet Dalziell. “As we move into our next phase, these appointments position us to significantly accelerate our work toward a 100% clean energy economy for 100% of the world’s population.”
Media contacts:
Tristan Tremschnig
Global Communications Director, New Energy Nexus
tristan.tremschnig@newenergynexus.com
(Based in San Francisco)
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 1,400 startups, empowered over 9,500 entrepreneurs, and mobilized over US$3.7 billion in investment. 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.
Closing the gender gap in Indonesia’s climate sector
March 7, 2025
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.
Breaking barriers, scaling solutions: Women in clean energy
March 7, 2025
Kizia Janet, an entrepreneur selling solar-powered products in Kyenjojo, Uganda.
On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the impact women entrepreneurs have on the clean energy transition, overcoming systemic challenges and biases around the world.
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Clean energy solutions – the very ones that can help address the impacts of climate change – should not be held back by systemic barriers. Yet women entrepreneurs continue to face disproportionate challenges in funding and scaling their clean energy businesses. In fact, only 3% of global venture capital goes to companies founded solely by women, and just 15% of investors in the clean energy space are women.
These data are not just mere numbers on equitable representation: they speak about missed economic and societal potential. For example, the International Monetary Fund states that only 6% of women in advanced economies hold green jobs, whereas more than 20% of employed men work in this sector. The share of women in green jobs is even lower in emerging markets and developing economies.
Tackling this gender gap is crucial for both economic growth and environmental sustainability. According to the IMF, nations with a higher proportion of STEM-educated workers and robust gender equity policies tend to experience greater reductions in greenhouse gas emissions when implementing climate policies. In the countries where NEX works, we see daily that women are developing groundbreaking clean energy solutions, yet they often struggle to access the same resources, visibility, and agency as their male counterparts.
On International Women’s Day, it’s not enough to simply celebrate women founders for the sake of diversity—we must recognize their ingenuity, resilience, and the transformative impact they’re making in the clean energy sector. These entrepreneurs aren’t just numbers on an inclusion story; they’re building tangible clean energy solutions that reflect the needs of their communities.
The question is, how can they break these barriers and scale their solutions?
What we’re doing
At New Energy Nexus, we’re committed to partnering with women-led startups and businesses, and facilitating access to the resources they need to grow. In 2023, we backed 1,100 women entrepreneurs—40% of the total founders we supported—toward the goal of building a more inclusive clean energy sector. This is far from parity but a huge step in the right direction.
This support only elevates the already impactful work these women entrepreneurs are doing. From energy efficiency solutions to improving energy access in off-grid communities, women have their fingerprints all over the global clean energy sector. Here are a few examples across the world:
Community Energy Labs (California, USA)
Community Energy Labs (CEL) is pioneering a low-cost, grid-interactive building control platform that autonomously optimizes energy use, pricing, and comfort. Their innovative solution minimizes the setup and maintenance burden for controls professionals and building operators, making it ideal for K-12 schools, municipalities, and small to mid-sized buildings.
At the helm of CEL is Tanya Barham, a visionary entrepreneur and CEO who is revolutionizing energy management through community-driven, sustainable solutions. With a deep passion for technology and sustainability, Tanya has established CEL as a leader in smart energy systems, empowering communities to reduce costs, lower carbon footprints, and optimize energy efficiency.
Beyond her technical expertise, Tanya is a dedicated advocate for diversity and inclusion in STEM and entrepreneurship
“CalSEED has really enabled our customer focus in a way that I think a lot of technology and R&D organizations don’t necessarily do. So we’ve appreciated that a lot. Also just good people. They’re really just trying to enable you to give you the resources to the network, the opportunities, the visibility to allow you to test your new idea and to allow it to flourish,” said Tanya Barham.
Solar Run Energy (China)
Solar Run Energy is not only a thriving business but also a lifeline for off-grid communities in several countries in Africa, providing solar-powered solutions to millions without electricity.
Founder Xia (Susan) Li grew up in rural China, where she relied on kerosene lamps for light. That firsthand experience shaped her understanding of energy poverty and reinforced her commitment to creating sustainable solutions.
“Today, many girls still have to give up the opportunity to study because they have to fetch water during the day,” Li said. “If there is a light at night, at least they still have a chance to study and read.”
New Energy Nexus China has supported Solar Run Energy, helping scale its impact with access to networks and international markets.
Agrivijay (India)
Co-founded by Shobha Chanchlani, Agrivijay is India’s first curated marketplace for renewable energy products, specifically for farmers and rural households. They have multiple ‘Renewable Energy Stores’ that act as a one-stop shop for solar, biogas, thermal, wind, and electric products.
An alumni of the Women in Energy program we run with Climate Collective, which support the growth of women-led early-stage startups in India, Agrivijay has since established 11 new Renewable Energy Stores and has expanded in the states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
“We’re honored and glad to be part of [New Energy Nexus’] accelerator program, which has helped shape us as an organization with a vision to empower farmers and rural households to fight climate change,” said Chanchlani.
Magi Farm (Indonesia)
The island of Bali in Indonesia has a waste problem, with a large component being food scraps. Led by Indonesian entrepreneur Ima Rida, Magi Farm uses Black Soldier Fly larvae to transform food waste into nutrient-rich compost.
This method not only cuts harmful methane emissions, but also regenerates the environment and opens up possibilities for sustainable tourism.
Magi Farm launched its pioneering, community-focused pilot project with support and a grant from NEX Indonesia.
“Maybe there are Balinese women out there feeling the way I did when I started building my business,” Rida said. “Sometimes the challenge lies in societal expectations: balancing running a business, finding personal time, and participating in traditional community activities.”
GAIA Corp (Philippines)
Women-led startup GAIA Corp is tackling the challenge of heat management in buildings—a critical issue in the Philippines, where rising temperatures are driving up cooling-related energy consumption.
Their insulation technology, The CoolRoof Project, reduces heat absorption in buildings, improving resilience while cutting energy costs.
Operating in a male-dominated industry, founder Eva Lisa Adoremos has faced challenges working primarily with engineers. She overcame this by continuously expanding her expertise through education.
Eva and GAIA Corp are alumni of NEX Philippines’ Startup Acceleration Program, where she gained valuable insights into the administrative side of running a clean energy startup and joined a global network of industry peers.
“I think my role, being a woman in this space, is to become an instrument of promoting equal opportunities for other women who want to be part of this sector,” Adoremos said.
Atchara Poomee, Founder and CEO of PAC Corporation. Photo from PAC Corporation
PAC Corporation (Thailand)
Just a short flight away from the Philippines, Thailand also experiences bouts of extreme heat, partly quelled by air conditioning units. However, emissions from these units contribute to climate change, creating a cycle of rising temperatures and increased energy demand.
PAC Corporation is tackling this issue by producing energy-efficient air conditioning units and water heaters that recycle waste heat, reducing both energy costs and environmental impact.
Founder and CEO Atchara Poomee is also a strong advocate for gender equality, mentoring entrepreneurs of all genders and using her platform to inspire more women to enter the sector.
“I would like them to believe that they are capable, and, regardless of gender, we can succeed if we are determined,” she shared in a UN Women article.
Through NEX Thailand’s Decarbonizing Thailand Sandbox, PAC Corporation was matched with corporate partner B. Grimm, helping scale its solutions for a more sustainable future.
Uganda – Local Organizations and Entrepreneurs
With 60 percent of the population still lacking access to electricity, our Uganda program focuses on supporting local organizations that understand the unique challenges of off-grid communities. We’ve provided funding to groups like Utopia, a faith-based organization empowering rural women entrepreneurs to build clean energy businesses in the Kyenjojo district.
A majority of the entrepreneurs we’re supporting in the country are women, and 70 percent of the jobs created by our programs were taken by women as well.
One such entrepreneur is Kizia Janet, whose solar lantern and panel business is now thriving. Beyond securing a steady income, she is helping her community transition to sustainable energy, improving both quality of life and local economic growth.
Nguyễn Thị Thu Hằng pitching Wiibike on “Shark Tank Vietnam.” Photo from Shark Tank Vietnam
Wiibike (Vietnam)
Nguyễn Thị Thu Hằng founded Wiibike, Vietnam’s first locally made e-bike, to promote both a healthier lifestyle and a shift toward green transportation.
Her journey began as a new mother concerned about air pollution’s impact on her child’s future. What started as a personal mission has grown into a thriving business, with over 1,000 e-bikes sold and an ambitious goal of reaching 2 million units by 2030. Hằng even pitched Wiibike on Shark Tank Vietnam, showcasing the potential of sustainable mobility.
Wiibike participated in New Energy Nexus Vietnam’s Cohort 2 program, where the team refined their business model, gained insights into fundraising, and built strategic partnerships to scale their impact.
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From California to Ho Chi Minh City, these women are demonstrating that when diverse founders have the right support, they don’t just succeed—they redefine industries, drive innovation, and accelerate the clean energy transition.
Their businesses are not only creating jobs and cutting emissions, but also highlighting that women entrepreneurship holds the key to an inclusive clean energy future.
Be part of our movement for a more equitable clean energy transition. If you’re an entrepreneur, check out how our programs can accelerate your growth here. Or if you’re a donor or potential partner that wants to scale your impact, let’s talk!
Hong Kong-based utility Towngas launches 4th TERA Award in partnership with NEX
February 24, 2025
Hong Kong, 24 February 2025 – Hong Kong-based utility Towngas, in partnership with New Energy Nexus (NEX), has launched the 4th TERA Award, a global initiative to identify and recognize exceptional, innovative green technologies and solutions that are poised for the future.
Through the competition, the organizers will offer the application scenarios, funding opportunities and resources to the entries with potential, helping them to bring their innovative ideas to fruition and achieve commercial success.
The prize of the award is US$1 million for the first-place winner, while runner up and third prize will receive US$100,000 and US$50,000.
Hong Kong skyline
Application categories include:
Renewable Energy: Solar Energy, Wind Energy, Geothermal Energy, Biomass Energy
Energy Storage and Conversion: Electrochemical energy storage, Physical Energy, Energy conversion technologies,Thermal solutions (e.g air source heat pumps)
Green fuel & hydrogen energy: Sustainable biomass processing tech, Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), Green methanol, Hydrogen production, transmission and storage, Hydrogen energy applications
Intelligent Energy Systems: Energy Internet, Virtual Power Plant, Energy management
Smart City: Green Smart Kitchens, Home Energy Management Solutions, Green City Planning (e.g. Green Transportation, Green Buildings, Waste Management, Air Quality Management)
In its past three editions, Tera-Award has attracted applications from 933 green tech start-ups across 59 countries and regions, thereby establishing a significant impact within the global energy innovation ecosystem.
New Energy Nexus China has been supporting Tera-Award for three years. Every year, we link global ecological partner resources, fully support the recruitment and promotion of the competition, and jointly accelerate the implementation of advanced green energy technologies.
The application window is until April 9th, 2025. Apply now for US$1 million for Gold Prize, and chance to accelerate with Towngas energy sandbox!
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 1,400 startups, empowered over 9,500 entrepreneurs, and mobilized over US$3.7 billion in investment. 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.
State of clean energy in 2025: Six insights from California’s clean energy leaders
February 12, 2025
85 cross-sector leaders driving clean energy innovation convene around exciting opportunities, daunting challenges, and innovative solutions from the Golden State and beyond.
In late January, 85 policymakers, industry leaders, labor organizers, nonprofit representatives, and government officials gathered under the shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge for a candid discussion of the opportunities and challenges facing the clean energy industry in our state.
California is in an exciting place to be working in clean energy:
In 2024, 54% of CA’s electricity is renewable or emits no greenhouse gases, compared to 40% for the US. (Source)
California had 100 days in 2024 with 100% carbon-free, renewable electricity for at least a part of each day. Thanks to new clean energy resources and the surge in battery storage, the state’s power grid withstood July’s record two-week heat wave – and even exported power to other states. (Source)
At 10,379 megawatts, the state has increased battery capacity by 1,250% – up from 770 MW in 2019. (Source)
“There’s a whole lot of potential to use the industrial policy instincts to continue to move the ball, but it will need different vocabulary than traditional climate policy advocates have used in the past,” one leader explained about the changing nature of policy in Washington.
Candid comments and bold calls to action are common at the Clean Energy Business Roundtable because the convening operates under Chatham House rules to encourage open, high-trust conversations. This is why no one is directly quoted in this article. New Energy Nexus hosts the annual event to create connections and generate ideas between the top minds in California’s clean energy ecosystem.
The scale and urgency of the challenges facing clean energy in California weighed on the gathering. With the fires in Los Angeles and Washington DC’s rapidly changing political climate, the future looks uncertain and daunting, yet there’s an opportunity to collaborate strategically.
There was a sense of optimism as leaders pressed the importance of the clean energy industry, showing up with authority and empathy and leading the energy conversation.
“We have to make sure we are leading with our heart.”
What would that look like? Here are some of the opportunities and solutions discussed during the event
Tackling the affordability crisis through cutting red tape
Industry leaders continuously lamented California’s onerous and complex permitting process. Battery manufacturers are innovating in California’s universities and labs, harvesting lithium from California’s underground brine (the largest reserve in the nation) and taking those components overseas to be assembled into batteries only to be shipped back. Startups lack the capital and wiggle room to build big facilities, and larger companies don’t see California as a profitable place to do big industry. There was a consistent drumbeat of pleas from industry and labor leaders to the legislators in the room to address this issue.
“Energy is for people in our society. It’s about avoiding rolling blackouts. It shouldn’t be a policy innovation exercise or market optimization.”
One leader pitched the idea of forming county-level teams of experts to help companies navigate regulation since many lack in-house expertise, helping California attract and retain clean energy companies and becoming more attractive than surrounding states or overseas markets.
Beefing up grid resilience and safety
In the wake of the devastating fires in Los Angeles, balancing grid safety with community needs was top of mind. Utility representatives toted advancements in vegetation management and powerline monitoring using drones and AI. Despite all these improvements, representatives and ratepayers voiced frustrations over the prolonged and frequent power safety shut-offs while costs continue to rise.
Leaders suggested undergrounding power lines as a costly but reasonable solution when strategically deployed. There was an example of a utility providing ratepayers in vulnerable areas with generators to help during the safety shut-offs. Microgrids are another solution to help rural customers become more power resilient.
“Utilities are in an impossible situation. It hasn’t rained in Southern California in nine months… We have to be willing to say that if you live in different places, it’s a different reliability framework.”
Last month, The United States Department of Energy announced a $15 billion loan to Pacific Gas and Electric to expand hydropower, improve distribution, increase battery storage, and set up virtual power plants. This move was generally lauded across the gathering as a massive win for ratepayers, who will get improved services and save thousands of dollars in interest over the life of the loan.
Streamlining the fragmented EV charging infrastructure
Most attendees agreed the current state of EV charging in California is a significant barrier to driving further EV adoption and avoiding a plateau. Attendees shared stories of banks of broken chargers, poorly lit stations, too many apps, and terrible or non-existent customer service. Additionally, there’s not enough investment going to simple solutions, like freeway signs pointing to chargers like we do for gas stations.
“If you’re looking for something transformational with limited funds, we have a strong fast charger backbone, which is where we should focus. With our limited time to combat climate change, we need a reliable public network.”
A big light-bulb moment came when a leader pointed out that charging companies don’t think of the end-user as their primary customer. They’re focused on the agencies giving them grant money and the site owners housing the units. There’s no motivation to think about the customer experience piece. It’s just not part of the current business model. That could change as big retailers, like Walmart, get into the charging space and build networks located at their stores.
Building big in California
Growing a clean energy business in the Golden State presents risks and rewards, including access to critical minerals. The Imperial Valley boasts the richest lithium reserves in the nation, making it a prime location for battery manufacturing. Labor groups are urging policymakers to develop in this region to create high-quality jobs in an often-overlooked community.
“This is an opportunity to not just help the residents of Imperial, but all of California.”
Despite these advantages, many battery manufacturers are looking to neighboring Nevada, where permitting is faster and the tax burden less. These factors are critical considerations for California lawmakers as they work to retain manufacturers. One proposed solution is to complete California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) reviews in advance, reducing permitting delays and expediting projects.
Manufacturing forgoing the California opportunity has a significant impact on the California workforce. Experts emphasized that labor and community benefits must be at the forefront of industrial policy to accelerate the energy transition and strengthen the economy. This means pushing for policies like a decreased tax burden on tools and infrastructures and a more streamlined permitting process.
“The key here is to shift our thinking around labor and community partnerships—not as barriers to growth, but as catalysts for progress. But it requires commitment.”
Banding together and doubling down to continue momentum
One of the main benefits of this gathering was getting everyone in the same room to share experiences, expertise, resources, and ideas. Everyone agreed California sets the pace for the energy transition, and we must work together to get the job done. Clean energy leaders pointed to the immense opportunity for the industry to take a more significant role in garnering support from government officials and investing strategically in crafting more effective policies.
Oil and gas spent $110M lobbying government officials in 2024 [source], compared to $46M spent by renewable energy groups [source]. If the clean energy industry wants to keep up the momentum we’ve gained over the past 10 years, we’ll need to come together and double down on our investments.
“Politics is very much like surfing. In surfing, you cannot manufacture the wave. If you’re on the beach looking at the wave, you’re not riding the wave. Clean energy is standing on the beach.
Why do we have subsidy after subsidy for oil and gas? It’s not magic. It’s politics.”
Wrapping it up
California’s transition to a green industrial economy presents both challenges and opportunities.
By addressing affordability, reliability, and equity concerns, California can continue to serve as a model for a sustainable future if leaders collaborate and prevent politics from interfering with incremental change.
Ultimately, it will take everyone working on the problems from all fronts to usher in a just energy transition. This gathering showed the power and promise of getting the best minds together to work on solutions – this next year will show if the clean energy industry can make good on those promises.
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Groundbreaking battery tech startups win LG Energy Solution Battery Challenge
February 12, 2025
Promotional image for the 2024 LG Energy Solution Battery Challenge.
From recycling EV batteries to boosting battery performance, the 2024 LG Energy Solution Battery Challenge previews an exciting future for battery technology.
In partnership between New Energy Nexus and LG Energy Solution, the project attracted 141 companies worldwide, with 19 advancing to the interview stage. This year’s winners—Evyon and Iontra—each stood out with breakthrough products that could reshape the clean energy space. The winners are set to receive cash prizes and embark on pilot projects in collaboration with LG Energy Solution.
Evyon: Unlocking the potential of second-life batteries
The team at Evyon. Photo from Evyon
Founded in 2020, Evyon transforms spent EV batteries into high-value, modular and safe energy storage systems. Their proprietary hardware and Battery Cloud ecosystem repurpose EV battery modules into certified modular storage solutions for renewable energy applications.
Since being founded in Oslo in 2020, Evyon has delivered almost 1000 second-life battery modules across six countries, providing close to 10 MWh of energy storage across 25 projects, preventing 50 tonnes of battery waste, and avoiding 1000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions compared to using new battery cells.
Potential impact
CO2 Reduction: Reusing EV batteries cuts lifecycle emissions by up to 85%.
Waste Minimization: Repurposing prevents batteries from becoming waste, supporting a circular economy.
Energy Transition: Provides affordable, reliable energy storage, accelerating the shift to renewable energy.
Why they won
Their innovative approach to battery repurposing opens opportunities for collaboration with LG Energy Solution. Their pilot project focuses on scaling modular energy storage systems across Europe, with long-term ambitions to expand globally.
Based in Colorado, USA, Iontra has developed a pioneering charging technology that enhances lithium-ion battery performance, safety, and lifespan. Utilizing electrodynamic principles, their patented charge control technology reduces degradation and maximizes efficiency, resulting in faster charging, longer battery life, and healthier batteries.
Potential impact
Battery Efficiency: Iontra’s technology can double, and in some cases triple, the lifespan of batteries.
2nd and 3rd Use: By keeping batteries healthy, Iontra enables batteries to be more easily qualified and used for 2nd and 3rd life applications
Environmental Benefits: Fewer battery replacements and reduced material demand lower CO2 emissions and waste.
Market Transformation: Applications range from consumer electronics to electric vehicles, addressing challenges like cold-weather performance and battery lifecycle management.
Why they won
Iontra’s persistence and innovation paid off in the application process to the LG Energy Solution Battery Challenge. Iontra refined and customized their advanced charging technology to present a solution that secured the winner’s spot. This collaboration with LG Energy Solution opens avenues for deeper integration of Iontra’s various solutions into LG’s manufacturing and product ecosystems.
Photo from Iontra
The partnership behind the Battery Challenge
The 2024 Challenge marked the fourth time New Energy Nexus has partnered with LG Energy Solution to host this challenge.
Leveraging our global network of clean energy startups, we have scouted and recruited over 600 enterprises worldwide for the Challenge since its inception. By fostering industry connections and curating a platform for impactful discussions, NEX has empowered over 40 companies—which will now include Evyon and Iontra—to access invaluable investment opportunities through the Challenge.
Moving forward, this collaboration between NEX and LG Energy Solution will continue to advance clean energy innovation across the world, showcase amazing battery technologies globally, and drive a sustainable future through a steady stream of brilliant solutions.
ConNEX: How to secure and use alternative venture capital for clean energy startups
February 3, 2025
Clean energy entrepreneurs are all too familiar with the constant shifts and uncertainties in the funding landscape. Recent changes in federal policy have made it more challenging for many to secure the capital needed to advance their innovations. However, many funders are still interested in backing clean energy projects.
In a virtual workshop hosted by New Energy Nexus and Momentum, experts examined the current clean energy funding landscape and offered concrete recommendations for entrepreneurs seeking to scale over the next four years, looking beyond the traditional Venture Capital landscape.
While uncertainty is everywhere, Dr. Mark Hartney from Breakthrough Energy Ventures is hopeful. It’s not his first time facing a massive shift in federal priorities. Eight years ago, he worked at Stanford on a program funded mainly by federal grants. When Trump took office, federal funding dried up, forcing them to look elsewhere and get creative, but they didn’t slow down or stop work.
“The reality is that the economic interests are all pointing towards renewables as the cheapest power we’re ever going to find. Plenty of people are looking at innovative climate solutions, whether it’s carbon capture or crop science or biotechnology,” said Hartney, “There are so many things that prevent present compelling opportunities for the future that it’s economics that drives decision-making in the real world. It’s not politics.”
So, what exactly is alternative VC? It encompasses a range of non-dilutive funding options, from federal grants and university programs to more creative VC models that offer additional support beyond just capital. Derrick Tang from the California Infrastructure Bank (iBANK) shared examples of funds like Indie VCBBG Ventures, Seae Ventures, and Unshackled Ventures, which incorporate unique features like equity buyback options and immigration support for founders.
The key advantage of exploring alternative VC is the ability to align your business trajectory with your investors’ goals and timelines. As Dave Smith from Enduring Planet emphasized, it is crucial to ensure that your funders’ return profiles and exit expectations match your company’s natural progression.
“[You need to] understand your best case scenarios, what happens if you get paid on time, but also having a deep and robust look at your financial model and understanding of what happens when you need to start cutting back,” explained Smith. “It’s much easier to find funding when you don’t have three days of runway left. Having a well-built financial and impact model is essential to be able to show investors.”
To that point, Enduring Planet has a Fractional CFO business that builds these models for startups. Enduring Planet is offering a free month of Fractional CFO services or half-off the loan origination fee to members of the New Energy Nexus network. To start the conversation, email dave@enduringplanet.com. By diversifying your funding sources, you can reduce reliance on traditional VC and access mission-driven capital that prioritizes impact alongside financial returns.
So, what can clean energy startups do to strengthen their readiness and stand out? The panelists offered three actionable steps:
Conduct discovery on potential alternative funders. Understand their priorities, investment criteria, and sweet spots, then tailor your pitch to highlight what matters most to them.
Build relationships with funding agencies early. Connect with program managers before solicitations are released and provide input to shape programs that fit your needs.
Stay authentic to your mission and values. Don’t compromise your core focus just to match a funder’s preferences. When pitching, emphasize your passion and conviction.
“If you hit those points with passion and clear conviction, that will shine through,” said Tang. “And it’s similar for government grants. The earlier you get to know the people at the agency that helped make grant programs, ideally before solicitations are out, the better.”
As the funding landscape evolves, embracing alternative VC can provide clean energy startups with valuable non-dilutive support and a pathway to scale their impact.
This story was originally posted by CalSEED.fund, our program in California.
CalSEED stories: Diversifying battery materials with Enzinc
January 30, 2025
Move over Lithium. Hello Zinc!
Lithium-ion batteries have ruled the battery space since 1980 and makeup 90% of the batteries in use today. While lithium batteries have many advantages, there are also challenges with their production, concerns about the availability of lithium, safety issues related to overheating and fires, and environmental considerations regarding mining and disposal.
As a result, researchers are actively exploring alternative battery chemistries, such as zinc-based batteries like the one developed by Enzinc, to address some of these challenges and diversify the options available for energy storage. Zinc is the fourth most produced metal in the world in terms of tonnage. While lithium is less abundant and typically found in specific geological formations, much of which is not economically viable for mining.
Enzinc’s Zinc rethink
The team at Enzinc stands at the forefront of this movement with their 3D zinc micro sponge. It is a metal-based sponge with tiny pores that effectively eradicates dendrite growth – a term used to describe the formation of needle-like structures that can cause short circuits in batteries. This breakthrough overcomes the limitations of traditional zinc batteries, which had limited cycles before failure, offering exceptional durability and efficiency. The innovation provides a significantly large surface area, delivering energy comparable to lithium-ion batteries. Enzinc’s water-based electrolyte widens the temperature range of the batteries, eliminating the need for external cooling or heating systems.
‘‘Without scalable batteries, we cannot achieve a green grid or widespread adoption of electric vehicles. Enzinc’s breakthrough technology paves the way for a sustainable future.”
Enzinc’s technology is a game-changer, not just for one industry but for many sectors. Its applications are as diverse as they are impressive, from mobile devices to stationary energy storage. This versatility makes Enzinc a solution for various industries, including electric vehicles, data centers, and residential energy storage.
“The mission of Enzinc is to democratize energy storage. We feel that energy storage is necessary for the clean energy revolution. It’s the foundation, and yet existing technologies either do not have the energy necessary, or they’re just too expensive, or they don’t meet the ethos of recyclability. And that’s what we want to do: deliver high-performance recyclable and affordable energy worldwide.”
Enzinc’s groundbreaking work has not gone unnoticed. It has been recognized and supported by some of the most prestigious entities in the industry. From the CalSEED Concept and Prototype awards to the BRIDGE award from the California Energy Commission, EnZinc’s achievements speak for themselves. Their work has also received support from ARPA-E’s RANGE Program, further validating the credibility and potential of their technology.
This story was originally posted by CalSEED.fund, our program in California.
In response, its agricultural sector is embracing climate adaptation, powered by brilliant women entrepreneurs whose products are helping the region build resilience.
Through the Deltaccelerate program, funded by the Australian Government and managed by New Energy Nexus, six women entrepreneurs with climate-adaptive products received up to VND 1 billion (over US$39,000) to scale their businesses and strengthen their sustainable practices. These entrepreneurs were selected out of 14 competitive participants, all of whom underwent tailored training and gained networking opportunities.
The six women entrepreneurs receiving funding from the Deltaccelerate program.
Whether they’re using coffee to make mugs, or cat houses from water hyacinth, here are the women-led businesses at the forefront of climate innovation in the Mekong Delta:
Founded by Hoang Thanh Thuy, the company produces quality cosmetic and food products made from coconut oil in the Ben Tre province. They have been utilizing and preserving over 10,000 hectares of coconut trees, estimated to have absorbed 75,000 tons of CO2.
Lam Ngoc Tu’s business uses macapuno coconuts to produce confectionery, baking ingredients and drinks. Cultivated by the Khmer community of Tra Vinh province, macapuno coconuts are known for their high saline tolerance—making them an ideal climate-adaptive crop.
Co-founded by Chau Ngoc Diu, the company produces Palmania, an organic sugar substitute made of sweet nectar from palmyra trees in An Giang province. The business provides jobs to indigenous farmers and taps palmyra trees in a way that does not shorten the trees’ 100-year lifespan.
Represented by Chief Strategic Officer Tran Thanh Thao, AirXCarbon turns materials such as coffee grounds, rice, and coconut husks into bioplastics, used to make zero-carbon products ranging from mugs to alternative packaging.
Led by Quang Chan Chan, this company manufactures and distributes handicrafts made entirely from natural materials in the Ha Giang province—including water hyacinth, bulrush, rattan, bamboo, and macrame. Their products include bags, coasters, and even cat houses.
About Deltaccelerate
Deltaccelerate is made possible by a unique partnership between the Australian Government and New Energy Nexus through the Business Partnerships Platform (BPP) Climate Adaptation Partnerships in the Mekong Delta, announced in November 2023.
Deltaccelerate is a business accelerator funded by the Australian Government providing direct support, tailored training, and networking opportunities for enterprises that work in the Mekong Delta’s agricultural sector, which are led by or significantly benefit women and contribute to the sector’s resilience to climate adaptation.
The Partnerships are part of the Australian Government’s AU$94.5 million investments for climate change adaptation in the Mekong Delta.
