NIICE intends enhance the performance of the current and new clean energy business incubators throughout the US by setting a high performance standard, promoting best practices, and improving coordination of the incubator community.
The initiative aims to strengthen support for early-stage firms developing high-risk technologies and scaling from prototype to domestically-based production as well as catalyze investment in early-stage clean energy businesses.
It will fund national organization, the Clean Technology Accelerator Program (CleanTAP), which will receive $979,783 to establish a suite of technological and training resources, connect critical industry and energy sector partners.
Additional awards will go to the three incubators to run new programs with commercialization services for startups including mentorship, business development, capital access, testing and demonstration.
The incubators will work with the CleanTAP to develop best practices for clean energy incubators.
US Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz said small businesses and entrepreneurs make crucial contributions to the country’s economy every day.
"With the right tools, these businesses and entrepreneurs can make an even bigger contribution to the development of advanced clean energy technologies," Moniz added.
"This initiative will drive innovation and foster cooperation in the clean energy business community, further advancing our clean energy economy and bringing the U.S. closer to its low carbon future."
Image: US Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz. Photo: Courtesy of the US Department of Energy.
