This year reflected the growing demand for National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) commercialization capabilities. NLR's Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (IEC) expanded its strategic corporate partnerships with the addition of ExxonMobil as well as the Energy Champions network to strengthen engagement with industry leaders. IEC also sharpened its strategic focus on critical minerals, digital infrastructure, and advanced materials—areas of growing national importance. Together, these efforts leveraged NLR's robust, lab-leading commercialization infrastructure to connect researchers, industry, investors, and innovation partners in advancing energy technologies to market.
Director, NLR Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center
Spotlight: New Partnership With ExxonMobil Drives Advanced Materials Innovation
Accelerate Powered by ExxonMobil and NLR (Accelerate)—the newest IEC incubator program—is on the hunt for the next billion-dollar advanced materials innovation. Launched in July 2026, the program helps innovators overcome the challenge of scaling and de-risking advanced materials technologies on the path to commercialization. Focusing on construction, transportation, energy storage, and electronics and computing, Accelerate portfolio companies will draw on NLR's scientific expertise and innovation networks to turn economically viable advanced energy technologies into competitive, real-world solutions.
Awardees will work directly with NLR technical experts on a range of advanced materials, including polymers and polymer composites, ceramics, carbon materials, hydrocarbon phase-change materials, and battery electrolyte materials. Each awardee receives $250,000 in nondilutive, in-kind technical assistance to develop and de-risk their technology, along with ongoing engagement with ExxonMobil. Working alongside NLR technical experts, the ExxonMobil Product Solutions team will evaluate each technology for its commercial fit and long-term partnership potential.
2026 at a Glance
Portfolio Companies
Fourteen companies joined IEC programs in Fiscal Year 2026.
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Market Adopters
IEC is bridging the gap between new technologies and market adoption. The Innovation Incubator (IN2) pairs high-potential startup technologies with market adopters to align with real-world needs.
In 2026, IN2 welcomed nine organizations into its second Scalable Tech cohort. Four of these organizations were awarded funding for pilot projects to test, validate, and de-risk new technologies. From affordable housing to grid modernization, these pilot projects will address real-world energy demands and market challenges.
2026 IN2 Pilot Project Award Recipients
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles will leverage three new technologies to streamline its planning and building efforts and ultimately expand its capacity to address the growing housing burden in Los Angeles County.
National Grid will enable an automated connection study tool to connect new customers to the grid faster and improve speed-to-power lag times.
Tucson Electric Power will partner with NLR and the City of Tucson, Arizona, to pilot two technologies using artificial intelligence tools to build a more resilient microgrid-powered cooling center to save lives in the extreme heat of Arizona.
WinnCompanies will implement networked building controls across affordable housing properties to shift and shed electricity loads, lowering utility costs for residents.
2026 IN2 Program Graduates
The Colorado Energy Office focused on a new window technology to improve efficiency across its portfolio of buildings and facilities.
EdgeCore Digital Infrastructure explored innovations in mechanical cooling systems, electrical distribution systems, and construction materials to enhance digital infrastructure and promote responsible resource use.
Haskell explored modular construction techniques, advanced digital design tools, and alternative energy integration to shape the next generation of grid infrastructure and manufacturing facilities.
SLB Global focused on de-risking and scaling advanced industrial technologies and energy-efficient solutions in the industrial sector.
Stoneweg focused on energy efficiency in multifamily real estate by leveraging actionable energy data to improve decision-making and financial performance.
Portfolio Startups in the News
Photo from 75F
75F was acquired by Carrier to strengthen its intelligent building capabilities, expanding its innovations in cloud-native, wireless, artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled building automation systems. (PR Newswire)
Photo from Transaera
Transaera, an innovator in next-generation cooling and dehumidification systems, announced a new collaboration with Amazon to expand use of its high-efficiency heat pump technology. (PR Newswire)
Photo from OsmoPure Technologies
OsmoPure Technologies was awarded $250,000 by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade to develop pressure-driven distillation membranes to remove contaminants from water. (Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade)
Photo from Mana Battery
Mana Battery signed an agreement with manufacturing company Saft to develop anode-free sodium batteries. (University of Colorado Boulder)
Photo from Antora Energy
Antora Energy raised $550 million in Series C funding to commission a new system to help meet surging energy demand. (Canary Media)
Graphic rendering from SPAN
SPAN announced a new model that includes a network of miniature AI computing units. (Scientific American)
Photo from Aquanta Vision
Aquanta Vision has secured pre-seed funding to accelerate the commercialization of its methane leak-detection software. (Globe Newswire)
Photo from Michael Shapiro, Chron
SolarMantle partnered with the FIFA World Cup to keep fans cool in Houston through its polymer film, which reflects sunlight to allow structures to cool passively. (Chron)
Photo by Josh Bauer and Taylor Mankle, National Laboratory of the Rockies
Zanskar raised $40 million for project development of its technology, which uses geoscience and AI to accurately map Earth's subsurface for geothermal exploration. (Zanskar)
Programs: Celebrating Lab-to-Market Innovations and Milestones
IEC is dedicated to turning advanced energy innovations into competitive, real-world solutions. Through our programs, we incubate and de-risk new technologies at our world-class lab facilities while developing customized solutions for public and private partners to bolster innovation and solve complex challenges.
Energy I-Corps
In 2026, Energy I-Corps (EIC) graduated its 22nd cohort, bringing the total number of graduated teams to 288. EIC, a program of the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) Office of Technology Commercialization managed by NLR, provides an intensive 2-month entrepreneurial training for national lab researchers. This year, six researchers from NLR graduated from the program with new pathways to bring their technologies to market. To date, EIC teams have attracted more than $255 million in post-program funding and executed 110 licenses.
West Gate
Now in its fifth year, NLR's West Gate is one of four DOE Lab-Embedded Entrepreneurship Programs designed to support early-stage energy innovators working inside national labs. To date, West Gate innovators have raised more than $57 million and created nearly 100 jobs. The program partners with individuals and organizations across Colorado and works closely with partners at the University of Colorado Boulder and Colorado School of Mines to support student engagement and workforce development.
In August 2026, West Gate welcomed a new cohort of seven fellows, bringing with them technologies ranging from critical mineral extraction to chemical production to advanced battery design. With DOE's support, West Gate provides innovators with a 2-year living stipend and technical funding that can be used at the lab, access to NLR facilities, and targeted entrepreneurial support.
Chevron Studio
In 2026, the Chevron Studio program grew to 15 portfolio companies advancing technologies from the laboratory to commercialization. Technologies from university and national lab partners include work in critical minerals, water purification, biofuels, advanced materials, and advanced sensing. This growth reflects an expanding pipeline of licensable intellectual property sourced through deepened partnerships with leading research institutions, coupled with a rigorous vetting process that pairs promising technologies with experienced entrepreneurial talent.
Each Chevron Studio company benefits from structured coaching, access to field trial opportunities, and direct connections to Chevron's technical and commercial expertise, de-risking early-stage ventures and accelerating their path from concept to market-ready solutions. As the program enters Fiscal Year 2027, it remains committed to scaling technologies and preparing portfolio companies for commercial solutions that address challenging issues in the energy sector.
The Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator
This year, the Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator (IN2) completed its second Scalable Tech cohort, awarding $750,000 in philanthropic funding from Wells Fargo to four organizations to pilot startup energy technologies in real-world applications. The four organizations—Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles, National Grid, WinnCompanies, and Tucson Electric Power—will collaborate with energy experts at NLR to refine and ready their technologies for broader use.
In November 2025, IN2 welcomed a new Emerging Tech cohort featuring three startup companies focused on advancing reliability in the built environment. As IN2 looks ahead to Fiscal Year 2027, the program will focus on accelerating the commercialization of scalable technologies while supporting a variety of startups through funding, validation, and national lab expertise.
IN2 validation strengthens Verv Energy’s case for broader adoption. In a crowded market, an independent seal of approval is a game changer."
The Shell GameChanger Accelerator Powered by NLR
In 2026, the Shell GameChanger Accelerator Powered by NLR (GCxN) achieved a major milestone of raising $1 billion across its portfolio of companies. Two companies successfully graduated from GCxN this year, demonstrating the meaningful technical and commercial impact of their projects.
GCxN continued to support the broader energy technology ecosystem, granting both follow-on and new strategic awards to competitively selected Channel Partners and convening founding members of the new Worldwide Innovation Network.
The Canadian Technology Assistance Program
Seventeen Canadian companies participated in two cohorts, and 17 NLR researchers participated in three pitch days to share technical expertise and feedback.
NLR Technical Assistance Program
The NLR Technical Assistance Program leverages expertise at the lab to help startups and strategic partners overcome technical barriers. The program supports projects aligned with NLR's mission and potential licensees. In 2026, the program selected 24 projects across two cohorts in a variety of technology areas, including critical minerals, geothermal, and grid infrastructure.
Events: Collaboratively Tackling Energy Challenges
IEC events convene industry, investors, researchers, and startups to accelerate innovation through connection.
Industry Growth Forum Launches Investors, Startups Into Stratosphere of Innovation
NLR's Industry Growth Forum is the premier event for energy innovation and investment.
The buzz of innovation was in the air at the 2026 Industry Growth Forum (IGF), where more than 900 attendees, including 400 startups and nearly 200 investors, convened in downtown Denver March 31–April 2. With $2.1 billion in capital ready for deployment in the next 12 months, investors were primed to engage the next cutting-edge technology startups to make a real-world impact.
The forum theme was All Systems Go—a phrase that turned literal when Artemis II launched on the second day of the event. Meanwhile, IGF attendees forged their own connections across the broader energy ecosystem—from research and development to system planning and operations to market partnerships. Focusing on the unique capabilities of NLR, IGF added ask-an-expert knowledge bars and preconference technical workshops, giving attendees unique access to lab researchers.
The forum's investor-selected pitch competition drew 273 applicants and narrowed the field to 52 finalists, with Endolith taking Best Overall Venture. Corporate reverse pitches from ExxonMobil and CBRE inverted the format, with industry partners naming the most pressing problems they need solved and where they see the biggest opportunities.
Industry Growth Forum Highlights
2,132 meetings held between cutting-edge startups and motivated investors
Industry Growth Forum Attendance by Technology Sector
Chart Summary: A trend map reflecting growth in industry sectors from 2021 to 2026:
- Electricity — Generation, Use, and Management: 31%
- Materials and Manufacturing: 22%
- Fuels and Chemicals: 14%
- Built Environment: 11%
- Enabling Technologies: 7%
- Resource Management: 6%
- Transportation and Mobility: 6%
- Agriculture and Food: 2%
The technology mix at each IGF event continues to evolve with the market. In 2026, IGF saw a significant increase in materials and industrial manufacturing companies compared with previous years, reflecting growing activity in these technology areas and IGF's ability to surface emerging commercialization opportunities.
Networks: An Ecosystem of Impact
It takes an entire ecosystem—startups, investors, corporate and industry partners, foundations, organizations, and national labs—to bring competitive innovations to market. In 2026, IEC expanded this ecosystem through its strategic networks.
Channel Partner Network Scales Nationwide Impact
In 2026, the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center expanded its Channel Partner network with new organizations actively supporting energy technology startups and innovators through high-impact programs, services, and connections. This growing network continues to serve as a critical pipeline for IEC, creating pathways for startups to access opportunities offered through IN2, GCxN, IGF, and the newly launched Accelerate program.
Through IN2 and GCxN, IEC awarded nine strategic awards to Channel Partner organizations leading initiatives designed to address critical commercialization gaps and advance technology pilots. These projects connect startups and potential adopters with new markets, resources, and tools—helping promising energy technologies gain market traction and move toward early commercialization. Collectively, IN2 and GCxN have deployed more than $10 million through the Channel Partner Strategic Awards program to strengthen the innovation ecosystem and accelerate the pathway from promising technology to market impact.
Energy Champions Grow in Strength and Numbers
This year, the Energy Champions Network welcomed nine new member organizations, bringing the network's community of forward-thinking energy leaders to new levels of expertise and collaboration. Through this network, members gain access to curated technical insights from NLR, facilitated connections with subject matter experts, and a peer community committed to advancing energy technologies.
Most notably, Energy Champions is creating new pathways for industry partners to engage directly with national laboratory expertise. Facilitated connections with NLR researchers provide industry partners with access to technical thought leadership and specialized knowledge as they explore emerging technologies, evaluate innovative solutions, and address critical technical priorities—strengthening the connection between national laboratory research and real-world industry needs.
Investor Advisory Board Brings Unique Market Perspective to Critical Minerals, Domestic Manufacturing
With the Investor Advisory Board, IEC creates a two-way exchange between NLR and the investment community, bringing outside perspectives into the lab while giving investors greater insight into NLR research and innovation. This year, the board explored U.S. competitiveness and examined where the United States leads and risks falling behind, and how research, industry, and capital can work together to strengthen domestic innovation and commercialization.
In early 2026, the board convened in San Francisco to address U.S. competitiveness from the perspective of venture capitalists, specifically in the areas of critical minerals and domestic manufacturing. To dig deeper into this discussion, startup companies presented approaches for unlocking new domestic sources of minerals, including biologic pathways and chemical extraction.
The board also traveled to Carnegie Mellon University's Scott Institute for Energy Innovation in Pittsburgh to explore how artificial intelligence impacts the manufacturing workforce and new potential pathways to domestic production.
In 2027, the board's critical market and capital insights will continue to help inform NLR's commercialization priorities, strengthen pathways to market, and connect promising technologies and startups with the expertise, networks, and investment needed to scale.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center Team
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Last Updated Oct. 29, 2026