NCET Biz Tips: Powering the Future of Energy Through Startup Innovation
NCET helps you explore business and technology
Jessica Halsey
Nevada is rapidly gaining recognition as a leading destination for sustainable energy and material circularity, driven by its unique resources, strategic location, and pro-business climate. As industries worldwide seek solutions to meet the growing demand for renewable energy and resources, Nevada has positioned itself at the forefront of these advancements.
One key reason for this is Nevada's role in lithium battery technology. The state is home to the only active lithium mine in the United States, a critical resource for advanced battery manufacturing. Over time, Nevada has supported and attracted companies that represent each step in the battery supply chain. From mining and processing to production and recycling, each phase of the battery life cycle is represented in the state. Drawn by these strategic advantages and the state’s business-friendly environment, pioneering companies like American Battery Technology, Dragonfly Energy, and Redwood Materials have established headquarters in Nevada.
Much like how a strong battery industry requires every part of its supply chain to function well, Nevada's energy innovation ecosystem needs support across different stages of development. Early-stage businesses are particularly crucial —they create breakthrough technologies, generate new jobs, and address emerging market needs. Supporting these innovative small businesses is essential for maintaining Nevada's competitive advantage in sustainable energy.
Understanding the importance of supporting entrepreneurs and early-stage companies, Nevada is launching a new initiative: The Electrify Nevada Accelerator Powered by gener8tor. This accelerator program will support early-stage startups developing cutting-edge energy solutions. The Electrify Nevada Accelerator is made possible through a collaborative effort between The Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, the U.S. Economic Development Administration, and global venture firm and startup accelerator gener8tor.
gener8tor has been supporting startups in Nevada since 2022, building a robust network of mentors and investors dedicated to sustainability and alternative energy. This new program will focus on founders building sustainable energy solutions and material circularity advancements. Startup companies in battery tech and material supply chain will benefit from Nevada's unique position in the energy market. By combining gener8tor's national network with local industry expertise, selected startups will receive personalized coaching in product development, customer acquisition, and fundraising, accelerating their growth and impact in the evolving energy landscape.
The Electrify Nevada Accelerator will run four programs annually and welcomes applications from startups around the world. The application for the first program closes January 12, 2025 with the program beginning late February 2025. Interested companies can learn more and apply at www.gener8tor.com/nevada.
The Electrify Nevada Accelerator aims to support 20 innovative startups in its first year of operation, adding to the state's growing workforce in the energy sector. These companies will join Nevada's growing ecosystem of energy innovators, from early-stage startups to industry leaders, strengthening the state's position as a hub for sustainable technology. As Nevada continues to invest in the infrastructure necessary to support a circular economy, programs like the Electrify Nevada Accelerator will ensure the state remains at the forefront of America's clean energy transformation, creating both environmental and economic benefits for generations to come.
Jessica Halsey is managing director of the Electrify Nevada Accelerator Powered by gener8tor and leads the startup programs offered in Northern Nevada.
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