Clean energy accelerator Grid Catalyst has named seven finalists to be cohort members of its 2024 Demonstration Cohort Program.
The program is providing the seven startups the opportunity to pitch to Grid Catalyst's Innovators Network, which includes high-profile companies (such as 3M Co., Xcel Energy Inc., CenterPoint Energy Inc.), as well as nonprofits, utility and higher education organizations, so that they can potentially partner on a pilot program.
Grid Catalyst, founded in 2021, focuses on energy solutions for cold climates. It works with startups and entrepreneurs to help them accomplish their ideas through mentorship and facilitating connections.
Since its founding, the organization has initiated programs such as Cleantech Innovation Day and the PowerNorth Incubator. It was also one of the Business Journal’s Minne Inno 2023 Blazer Award winners.
Nina Axelson, the founder of Grid Catalyst, said in a statement that these finalists represent a "tremendous opportunity" to develop clean energy solutions in Minnesota. The finalists are working in technologies such as electric vehicle charging, grid distribution, ammonia-powered engines, AI-powered 3D mapping for infrastructure projects, carbon sequestration, industrial solar heating and residential-scale battery storage.
“By matching these startups with our Innovators Network partners to demonstrate their technologies, we are accelerating the pathway to commercialization and addressing climate change faster and more effectively," continued Axelson.
Here are the finalists:
Carba, Edina
Carba Inc., founded in 2021, is an innovative cleantech company that wants to pioneer carbon dioxide removal (CDR) solutions.
GridWrap, San Diego
GridWrap Inc., is a woman-owned cleantech company that specializes in strengthening grid infrastructure and increasing power capacity through its patented Composite Wire Wrap and Pole Wrap technologies.
Aza Power Systems, Minneapolis
Aza Power Systems has a portfolio of technologies that enable carbon-free energy using ammonia as a combustion fuel. Founded by two University of Minnesota faculty in 2023, Aza aims to become a leader in ammonia combustion so that it can be used as fuel in generators, engines and thermal applications.
Prezerv - Somerville, Massachusetts
Prezerv is building a platform to provide automated 3D underground maps through artificial intelligence, signal processing and ground-penetrating radar. Organizations such as municipalities, construction contractors, infrastructure agencies and utilities need these underground maps during infrastructure projects to avoid project delays, property damages, injuries and other environmental harms.
Solar Steam - Alberta, Canada
SolarSteam delivers renewable heat through concentrated solar thermal energy that heats fluids to produce steam or hot water that can be be used for space heating and cooling, and agricultural technology applications for industrial and institutional clients.
NeoCharge, San Luis Obispo, California
NeoCharge is a cleantech company that wants to provide affordable and accessible home EV charging. Their primary technology, the Smart Splitter, taps into existing 240-volt outlets so that homeowners can save money by avoiding expensive electrical panel upgrades and rewiring. They also developed a software platform, NeoCharge Connect, that helps people monitor their energy usage.
Blip Energy, Chicago
Blip Energy wants to add millions of homes to the smart grid through affordable energy storage. It utilizes both hardware and software that was developed to be used in any home to manage energy. They also want to distribute energy resources equitably throughout urban infrastructures, especially to low-income families with their technology.
