West Gate

?? A round of applause for Cohort 2 innovator Lisa Morey and her startup Colorado Earth LLC for winning a VO-9 voucher from the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations | U.S. Department of Energy! Colorado Earth is leading the way in low-carbon #construction with its EcoBlox—compressed earth blocks that are fireproof, sustainably produced, and reduce the need for #cement. This voucher will support performance validation test planning and help overcome #commercialization hurdles for industrial decarbonization technologies. We’re proud to see Lisa’s groundbreaking work recognized: https://lnkd.in/exVfm9cA

The IGF is one of our favorite events for startups to attend! You'll have the chance to connect directly with investors, showcase your innovations, and schedule one-on-one meetings that could transform your business. Save $400 when you register before Jan. 31 ??

?? ?? Hats off to Cohort 3 innovator Julia Curley, founder of EsterCycle, for winning the Commercialization Award at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office (AMMTO)’s recent stakeholder event! EsterCycle's innovative chemical recycling technology breaks down #bioplastics into their original building blocks using alcohol and a simple catalyst—producing recycled plastics with like-new properties and reducing environmental impacts. Learn more about Julia’s groundbreaking technology enabling #circularity for bioplastics: https://lnkd.in/gWG4USUv

?? A big congratulations to Cohort 1 innovator Grant Gunnison and his startup, Zero Homes, for being named an Open Innovation Pathway Buildings UP Phase 2 winner! ?? Zero Homes was awarded $200,000 in cash prizes and technical assistance to advance their mission of delivering simple, affordable home electrification solutions to rural and low- to moderate-income populations. This recognition highlights Zero Homes’ innovative approach to merging cutting-edge technology with financing to tackle energy equity challenges. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eSf_jFTN

Happy holidays from us to you! As we wrap up the year, we’re grateful for the opportunity to support groundbreaking #startups and advanced #energy solutions. Thank you to our incredible innovators, dedicated partners, and broader community for your dedication to making a positive impact. Wishing everyone a joyful holiday season and a bright, successful new year! ???

Looking to take your leadership to the next level while making a tangible impact on the clean energy transition?? NREL's Energy Execs program offers exclusive access to the lab's cutting-edge research, tools, and expertise to drive impact in your organization. With only 20 spots available, this competitive program is your chance to join an elite network of leaders from the private sector, communities, nonprofits, and government shaping the future. ?? Apply by Jan. 10, 2025: https://lnkd.in/eUKR-42

Congratulations to Latimer Controls, Inc. and Mana Battery, Inc. on each receiving an Early-Stage Capital and Retention grant from the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade! These awards promote the growth of advanced industries in #Colorado by driving commercialization, innovation, and public-private partnerships. Simon Julien is the founder and CEO of Latimer Controls, which optimizes #solar output by using machine learning to enhance grid stability and economic performance for large solar power plants. Heather A. S. Platt is the director of Materials Engineering at Mana Battery, which is advancing sodium-ion battery technology by developing a low-cost cell design for safer, high-performance batteries. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gdY5JkwV

In regions plagued by wildfires, the need for fire-resistant homes has never been more urgent. Yet, traditional construction materials are often not up to the challenge. But Cohort 2 innovator Lisa Morey and her startup Colorado Earth LLC are helping communities rebuild with fire-resistant homes made from Earth. ?? Natural building materials like earth, clay, and straw offer a sustainable solution—resisting flames, lowering environmental footprints, and supporting local economies. Lisa’s work shows how blending innovation with nature can create safer, more resilient housing in fire-prone areas. Read more from BBC: https://lnkd.in/gn96R898

We’re proud to be part of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s Innovation and #Entrepreneurship Center (IEC) network! Their 2024 Annual Report highlights IEC events, programs, and partners that scaled energy solutions, tackled market barriers, and accelerated widespread adoption of transformative technologies across industries. Chief among them was LEEP Demo Day in May and the announcement of our third cohort in August. These efforts underscore IEC's commitment to strengthening NREL's connections across the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) network, promoting collaboration among national labs and engaging with key DOE technology offices. Learn more and discover the IEC’s impact in the full report: https://lnkd.in/g7JkhFMs

The demand for critical #energy transition minerals like copper, lithium, nickel, and cobalt is expected to nearly triple by 2030, yet the U.S. sources more then 80% of these from abroad. Cohort 2 innovator Pilanda Watkins-Curry, Ph.D. and co-founder Lacey Reddix are tackling this challenge with Olokun Minerals. Their solution extracts valuable minerals from oil and gas wastewater while generating clean #water and diverting harmful waste from aquatic ecosystems—addressing two critical issues with one innovative approach. Read more about their impact in Inc. Magazine: https://lnkd.in/gKGTvRJM