The purpose of this program is to support the creation of good-paying jobs, spur economic revitalization, remediate environmental degradation, and support energy workers located in energy communities. Energy communities are defined as those that have experienced employment loss and/or economic dislocation events as a result of declines in the fossil fuel industry; and/or are disproportionately reliant on fossil fuel energy production or distribution, including coal, oil, gas, and power plants. Supported projects may include the creation or expansion of business(es) that reduce emissions of toxic substances and greenhouse gases from existing and abandoned infrastructure and that prevent environmental damage that harms communities and poses a risk to public health and safety. Supported projects may also employ individuals from energy communities but focus on a range of other industries.

The program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy efficient equipment and new system loans for agricultural production and processing.

Renewable Energy System Grants range from $2,500 – $1 million. Energy Efficiency Grants range from $1,500 – $500,000.

The Department of Energy’s Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) manages the DOE’s Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP). The MPP helps increase participation and maximize opportunities for small businesses to work with the Department. The DOE’s MPP seeks to foster long-term business relationships between small businesses and DOE prime contractors and to increase the overall number of small businesses that receive DOE prime contracts and subcontracts.

This program encourages DOE prime contractors to assist small disadvantaged businesses (SDB) certified by SBA under section 8(a) of the Small Business Act (8(a)), other small disadvantaged businesses, women-owned small businesses (WOSB), service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSB), veteran-owned small businesses (VOSB), historically underutilized business zone (HUBZone) small businesses, historically black colleges and universities (HCBUs), and other minority institutions of higher learning to enhance their capabilities and improve their abilities to perform contracts and subcontracts for the DOE and other federal agencies.

For more information about the DOE’s Mentor-Protégé Program, contact the OSDBU office at 202-586-7377 or by email at SmallBusiness@hq.doe.gov

TechConnect World enables you to connect with the largest science and technology funding in the world. Connect with top scientists, corporate, federal and VC prospectors and interact with research, investments, licensing, and partnering opportunities.

There are two opportunities for startups to be featured at the TechConnect World: Submit a poster by March 31 or submit your innovation by February 24.

Because the challenges climate tech startups face are not one-size-fits all, our flexible and virtual 18-month accelerator is designed to meet your startup exactly where you are. From day one you get matched with a D³ connector, who acts as your bridge into our powerfully curated network of partners.

1. Climate Change – We are looking for disruptive innovations that can decarbonise energy generation and industries, as well as capture and utilise carbon to create scalable products for global markets. We also want solutions that address ocean challenges including  innovative models that restore and regenerate coastal and marine ecosystems in Southeast Asia.

2. Food & Nutrition – We are looking for disruptive innovations that can establish a circular urban agriculture or aquaculture system, or alternative protein system.  We are seeking innovative and breakthrough technological solutions to maximise production efficiency and minimise resource requirements.

Applications from startups for the inaugural cohort that have innovative solutions for the offshore wind industry are now open. Selected startups will work closely with Equinor and Offshore Wind Innovation Hub partners over six-month period to advance the startup’s commercialization goals and support development of their offshore wind innovations.

Equinor, through its 50-50 strategic partnership with bp, is developing Empire Wind and Beacon Wind, which combined will supply 3.3 gigawatts of renewable energy to New York.

The Fourth Revolution Awards celebrates regional manufacturing and hardtech entrepreneurs for their leadership and innovation as the industry stands on the
brink of a new technological revolution. Winners receive:

• Two 6-month shared workspace memberships to mHUB
• Recognition to mHUB’s network of more than 50,000 manufacturing and innovation influencers
• Opportunities to connect with local leadership
• Local and national visibility

6-month program fast-tracks high potential startups through hands-on product development in state-of-the-art prototyping facility supported by world-class corporate and venture investors. Teams benefit from the guidance of seasoned entrepreneurs, engineers, investors and industry leaders who’ve built businesses, raised capital and helped founders realize their full potential.

Grid Catalyst is kicking off 2023 with a new opportunity for startups through our PowerNorth Incubator. Minnesota has a robust energy economy and innovation ecosystem of established companies, vibrant startups, leading research centers, government support, and cross-sector partnerships. This program will support hardtech startups on the pathway to commercialization and scaling by:

• Hosting incubator programming and a support system that is specifically curated for hardtech energy entrepreneurs and takes into consideration the technical feasibility and commercialization hurdles for those startups.
• Deepening collaboration with a network of partners, primarily mature energy and industrial businesses and leaders, who can invest in, mentor, and support entrepreneurs in this sector and region.
• Prioritizing diverse founders. To have a thriving energy innovation ecosystem, we are committed to elevating underrepresented founders in this sector.