Manufacturing

LACI Innovators & Incubation Programs

LACI helps startups develop their technologies, secure funding and financing, access customers and markets, test and pilot their solutions, and unlock their full potential. Our startups go further, faster, together with LACI! Each of our programs will accept and fund 15-20 companies that best fit the program criteria, our mission, and the needs of the communities we serve.

Are you an ambitious cleantech startup, hungry to create solutions in clean energy, zero emissions transportation, or smart and sustainable cities that would benefit from hands-on support through market access, business services, and introductions to funders? Then our two-year, Incubation program is right for you! Or maybe you would benefit from for our one-year Innovators Program which offers a lighter-touch, high-impact concierge style ecosystem access opportunity.

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Battery Materials Processing and Battery Manufacturing

Projects awarded under this FOA will be funded, in whole or in part, with funds appropriated by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). The activities to be funded under this FOA support BIL Sections 40207 (b) & (c) and the broader government-wide approach to upgrading and modernizing infrastructure, including by strengthening critical domestic manufacturing and supply chains to maximize the benefits of the clean energy transition as the nation works to curb the climate crisis and advance environmental justice. This FOA provides approximately $3.1 billion to successful applicants to fund investments within the electric vehicle battery supply chain, increase domestic battery manufacturing, and create good-paying clean energy jobs. The overall scope in this FOA includes demonstration and commercial facilities for battery grade precursor materials, battery components, and cell manufacturing and recycling. Letters of Intent are due May 27.

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E2 1 Hotels Fellowship

1 Hotels Fellows will work in partnership with NRDC’s Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2) program to identify pressing environmental issues and needs across the country, and then organize and execute projects that help communicate and amplify the business and economic case for smart policies to address these issues. Fellowships are restricted to early or mid-career professionals. Fellows will be chosen by a committee of seasoned entrepreneurs and environmental leaders, including members of E2’s national network of business leaders and NRDC’s environmental experts.

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100+ Accelerator

The 100+ Accelerator works with AB InBev, The Coca Cola Company, Unilever and The Colgate-Palmolive Company to identify the thorniest sustainability challenges in their supply chains. Do you have a potential solution? Check out the list below to see if you qualify. If you prove the viability of your solution through the pilot phase of the 100+ program, you may end up with one (or more!) new corporate clients.

  • Circular Economy
  • Water Stewardship
  • Smart Agriculture
  • Climate Action
  • Inclusive Growth
  • Biodiversity
  • Corona Plastic-Free Challenge
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Toyota Ventures

Are you the founder of an early-stage company that is developing solutions to modernize manufacturing and advance sustainable production? Help make the factory of the future a reality sooner, and jump-start your startup by getting your product or service in front of the Toyota Ventures team. We’re looking to invest in promising companies that are creating technologies to enable smarter, flexible, connected factories that will amplify people and improve efficiency and sustainability. Software and/or hardware solutions are welcome, and some of the areas we’re exploring include:

  • 3D simulation
  • Artificial intelligence and computer vision
  • Augmented reality
  • Additive manufacturing
  • Robotics software and/or hardware (adaptive robots; collaborative robots; autonomous mobile robots)
  • Solutions to improve energy efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint in factories
  • Technologies to advance electrification and battery manufacturing
  • Cybersecurity and data analytics
  • Worker training and safety tools
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2GI DMV Cohort

With support from Capital One’s Impact Initiative and funded (in part) through a grant with the U.S. Small Business Administration, 2Gether-International (2GI) is launching an accelerator focused on DMV founders with disabilities of early-stage startups in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia (DMV). This accelerator will support ~25 disabled founders (virtually) to learn about key areas of business including product-market fit, management, sales, marketing, financial projections, and negotiations. Throughout this program, founders will engage with world-class speakers and be supported by accredited leadership coaches to further develop their startups.

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Industrial Technology Validation Pilot

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Advanced Manufacturing Office (AMO) has launched phase two of the Industrial Technology Validation pilot. This phase is open to all industrial sites that want to team with technology vendors to evaluate innovative manufacturing technologies in their plants. Technology vendors are also invited to apply individually.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until June 30, 2022.

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Voyager VC

Voyager invests in early-stage climate technology companies creating the foundation of a decarbonized global economy and a livable future for all. Its focus includes technology companies creating the future of mobility, energy, materials, food, the built environment, analytics, industrial systems, and carbon removal.

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Google for Startups Accelerator for Climate Change

The Google for Startups Accelerator for Climate Change is a 10-week digital program for Seed to Series A technology startups based in North America. It’s designed to bring the best of Google’s programs, products, people, and technology to the most innovative and impactful climate change technologists across the region. In addition to mentorship and technical project support, the accelerator will focus on product design, customer acquisition, and leadership development for founders. The program starts in June, so apply now.

Google also has Startup Accelerators for Women Founders and Black Founders.
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Enduring Planet: Growth Capital for Climate Entrepreneurs

Enduring Planet offers rapid financing without dilution, personal guarantees, or collateral. Specifically, this organization backs impactful teams working across mitigation, removal, adaptation and resilience.

Enduring Planet prioritizes investing in underrepresented founders, diverse teams, and companies serving marginalized communities.

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Spark Cleantech Accelerator

This 12-week, in-person incubator program provides mentorship, access to prototyping services, training workshops, and partnership opportunities. The program will take place in Knoxville, TN and stipends are provided to defray travel and living costs. Up to six companies will be accepted for the next cohort. Apply by April 11.

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