California Energy Commission

The California Energy Commission serves as the state's primary energy policy and planning agency, established by the Legislature in 1974 and headquartered in Sacramento. Its responsibilities encompass forecasting future energy needs, maintaining historical energy data, and licensing thermal power plants with capacities of 50 megawatts or greater. The Commission promotes energy efficiency by establishing appliance and building standards, collaborating with local governments to ensure compliance. It also supports public interest energy research and the development of renewable energy technologies through various incentives, including those for solar systems in new home construction and small wind installations. Additionally, the Commission implements the Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program and coordinates the state's response to energy emergencies. Through these initiatives, the Commission aims to provide Californians with affordable, reliable, and environmentally sustainable energy choices.

Jonah Steinbuck

Director

Past deals in GreenTech

Skycharger

Grant in 2025
Skycharger offers EV charging for motorsports, including solar, battery storage, financing support, and electrifying fleets. They provide installation, incentive processing, and charging infrastructure services for fleet electrification.

C-Crete Technologies

Grant in 2024
C-Crete Technologies is a pioneering company specializing in the development and commercialization of innovative materials and technologies. They focus on driving advancements in energy, environment, materials, construction, and infrastructure sectors. By integrating expertise in materials science, nanotechnology, multiscale computations, and predictive analytics, C-Crete is creating next-generation solutions for a low-carbon, energy-efficient world. Their flagship innovation is a nanoengineered cement that significantly reduces CO2 emissions and transforms abundant, non-carbonate rocks into cementitious binders, offering substantial energy savings, affordability, and flexibility, while maintaining high performance and user comfort.

Sepion Technologies

Grant in 2024
Sepion Technologies is an advanced membrane company based in Emeryville, California, founded in 2015. The company specializes in developing a suite of highly-tunable nanoscale membranes for various industrial applications, particularly in the energy storage sector. Sepion focuses on manufacturing innovative products, including lithium-metal batteries, by integrating nanoscience, polymer chemistry, and cell engineering. Its proprietary composite membrane serves as a cost-effective alternative to traditional ceramic separators used in lithium batteries, offering improved performance and the capability to be produced in large-area formats. This innovation enables battery manufacturers to enhance energy density in their products, thereby advancing the overall efficiency of energy storage solutions.

ChargePoint

Grant in 2024
ChargePoint, Inc., founded in 2007 and based in Campbell, California, operates the world’s leading network of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Initially known as Coulomb Technologies, the company rebranded in December 2012. ChargePoint offers a range of charging solutions, including public charging stations, consumer subscription plans, and cloud-based services that assist utility companies in managing electric demand. Its hardware products cater to various applications, including home, commercial, and fast-charging systems. The ChargePoint app enhances user experience by allowing consumers to locate, reserve, and monitor their charging sessions. Although it has a global presence with offices in Arizona, Germany, India, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, the majority of ChargePoint's revenue is generated in the United States.

Valley Clean Energy

Grant in 2024
Valley Clean Energy is an electricity provider focusing on clean electricity, product choice, and greenhouse gas emission reductions.

Monarch Tractor

Grant in 2024
Monarch Tractor specializes in the development of fully electric, autonomous tractors aimed at improving agricultural productivity and sustainability. These tractors are designed to operate without human intervention, utilizing advanced sensors, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to navigate fields, monitor crop health, and perform various farming tasks. By significantly reducing reliance on fossil fuels, Monarch tractors help farmers lower their carbon footprint and work towards sustainability goals. The integrated sensors collect valuable data on crop health, soil conditions, and other key variables, allowing for data-driven insights that enable farmers to optimize their practices, reduce costs, and increase yields.

ev.energy

Grant in 2024
Ev.energy is a London-based smart charging software platform for electric vehicles, founded in 2018. The company specializes in energy intelligence software that connects wirelessly to various electric vehicles and Level 2 chargers. It intelligently manages the charging process in alignment with utility and network signals, aiming to make charging both cleaner and more affordable for users. Through a mobile application, Ev.energy engages customers and offers rewards, enabling them to charge their electric vehicles at home while effectively reducing both costs and carbon emissions.

Form Energy

Grant in 2023
Form Energy, Inc. specializes in the development of long-duration energy storage systems aimed at enhancing the reliability of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. Founded in 2017 and based in Somerville, Massachusetts, the company focuses on creating low-cost battery systems, including its innovative iron-air battery technology, which allows for energy storage over extended periods. This capability enables the dispatch of renewable energy throughout the year, effectively replacing traditional fossil fuel-based generation and contributing to the decarbonization of the electric grid. Additionally, Form Energy offers Formware, a capacity expansion software tool designed to optimize energy management. The company's technological advancements are rooted in research from MIT and are supported by various investors committed to sustainable energy solutions.

Antora Energy

Grant in 2023
Antora Energy specializes in providing zero-carbon industrial heat and power solutions for heavy industries, offering a more reliable alternative to fossil fuels. The company develops innovative thermal batteries that utilize excess solar and wind electricity to heat blocks of carbon, creating a sustainable energy source. These thermal energy storage systems effectively convert heat energy into electric energy, facilitating the electrification of heavy industry. By enabling the integration of renewable resources into the electricity grid, Antora Energy aims to deliver convenient, sustainable, and reliable electricity while significantly reducing carbon emissions on a global scale.

Nikola Motor Company

Grant in 2023
Nikola Motor Company is an electric vehicle manufacturer based in Salt Lake City, Utah, founded in 2014. The company specializes in developing hydrogen fuel cells, battery electric trucks, and associated energy solutions, with the goal of transforming the transportation industry on a global scale. Nikola gained significant attention for its ambition to revolutionize the trucking sector through innovative electric and hydrogen fuel cell technologies. Initially, the company focused on creating zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell trucks designed for long-haul commercial use, with a range of up to 1,200 miles. Additionally, Nikola planned to establish hydrogen refueling infrastructure to support its vehicles, further enhancing its commitment to sustainable transportation solutions.

Yosemite Clean Energy

Grant in 2023
Yosemite Clean Energy is a clean energy service company that transforms forest and agriculture wood waste into zero-emission fuel.

Capture6

Grant in 2023
Capture6 specializes in the development and commercialization of innovative carbon dioxide removal technologies aimed at addressing climate change. The company utilizes electrochemical processes to convert seawater into a solution that captures CO2 from the atmosphere and deposits it into the ocean, thereby enhancing ocean health. This approach not only facilitates the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions but also offers economic benefits by enabling businesses, governments, and communities to decarbonize their operations effectively. By repurposing existing industrial-scale technologies, Capture6 provides scalable solutions that contribute to environmental sustainability while improving livelihoods.

LICAP

Grant in 2023
Licap Technologies specializes in the development and manufacture of activated dry electrode technology aimed at advancing energy and power applications. The company focuses on providing innovative solutions for energy storage devices, including ultracapacitors and lithium-ion batteries. Licap's proprietary processes and equipment are designed to enable cost-effective, energy-efficient, and sustainable manufacturing of high-performance electrodes. By catering to the needs of automotive, grid, and industrial customers, Licap Technologies strives to deliver products that meet rigorous standards for energy, power, reliability, safety, and cost, contributing to the transition toward an electrified, carbon-neutral future.

Next Energy Technologies

Grant in 2023
Next Energy Technologies specializes in transparent photovoltaic technology that enables windows to generate electricity from sunlight. Their innovative nano-coating converts ultraviolet and infrared light into usable energy, allowing buildings to produce renewable energy on-site and contribute to net-zero energy goals. This technology maintains transparency and efficiency, even in challenging lighting conditions, and is integrated directly into dual-pane windows, which reduces additional encapsulation costs. By transforming traditional windows and glass facades into energy-generating surfaces, Next Energy Technologies offers a cost-effective solution for enhancing building sustainability and reducing reliance on conventional energy sources.

Gradient

Grant in 2023
Gradient’s mission is to cool the world by transforming every home to be more comfortable and healthy for the people who inhabit it — without compromising the environment. Today, heating and cooling equipment emits more greenhouse gas emissions than the entire transportation sector, and expansion in the use of cooling is projected to double these emissions in the next 30 years. However, comfortable buildings are critical for health and productivity, especially among communities that are vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Gradient’s vision is a future where everyone has access to comfortable buildings that are fully decarbonized. Our launch product is a direct-to-consumer high-efficiency and low-carbon heat pump.

Enzinc

Grant in 2022
Enzinc is a company focused on developing advanced rechargeable zinc-air batteries, utilizing innovative technology to enhance energy storage solutions. Their batteries, made from a zinc metal nano-sponge, provide energy levels comparable to lithium-ion batteries while being cost-effective, akin to lead-acid alternatives. Enzinc's products aim to deliver a cleaner and safer energy source for a variety of applications, capitalizing on zinc's high energy density and recyclability. This approach not only addresses energy performance but also promotes sustainability in the battery manufacturing industry.

CALSTART

Grant in 2022
CALSTART works with business, fleets, and government to develop and implement clean, efficient transportation solutions. They believe that economic and environmental improvement must go hand-in-hand. They achieve this by focusing on four key activities that together provide the unique combination to support a growing industry.

Gate 5

Grant in 2021
Gate 5 is an environmental infrastructure company focused on sustainably managing organic wastewater solids. Established in 2011, the company has developed a patented technology that transforms sewage sludge into clean water, renewable energy, and sustainable building products. Headquartered at the Beall Applied Innovation Center on the UC Irvine campus, Gate 5 has partnered with the Santa Margarita Water District to construct a demonstration plant at their Chiquita Water Reclamation Facility in Orange County, California. The company's innovative approach not only addresses waste management but also contributes to public health and environmental protection. Gate 5 has received recognition and funding from organizations such as the California Energy Commission and the US Department of Energy for its impactful technology.

Ubiquitous Energy

Grant in 2021
Ubiquitous Energy, Inc. specializes in the development of transparent photovoltaics that aim to enhance energy efficiency in everyday products and surfaces. The company's ClearView Power technology allows windows and other surfaces to harness solar energy while remaining visually indistinguishable from standard glass. This innovative approach enables the generation of electricity from ultraviolet and near-infrared light, providing a sustainable power source for various devices, including wearables, tablets, and smart glass applications. Founded in 2011 and based in Redwood City, California, Ubiquitous Energy originated from research at MIT and has established a production facility in Silicon Valley. The company has also formed a strategic development agreement with Asahi Glass Co., Ltd., reinforcing its position as a leader in transparent solar technology.

Drought Diet Prouducts

Grant in 2021
Drought Diet Products is a manufacturer focused on creating innovative solutions for sustainable agriculture. The company has developed a climate-resilient tool designed to efficiently apply water to crops while minimizing waste from evaporation and deep percolation. This tool features sub-irrigation zone pipes that utilize greywater and rainwater catchment systems. Additionally, Drought Diet Products incorporates post-consumer film plastic feedstock in its irrigation piping, addressing both water conservation needs and the challenges associated with film plastic recycling. Through these efforts, the company aims to support farmers in enhancing water efficiency and promoting environmental sustainability.

Zelos Energy

Grant in 2020
Zelos Energy focuses on developing advanced green batteries that prioritize safety and environmental sustainability while delivering high performance. Utilizing patented rechargeable alkaline technology, the company offers safe and economical alternatives to traditional battery systems, including deep cycle storage batteries and lead-acid replacements. Their products are designed for various applications, such as uninterruptible power supplies, energy storage solutions for renewable sources, and specialized military and marine uses. Zelos's non-toxic alkaline chemistry mitigates the safety and supply chain risks associated with conventional options like lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, the company boasts a team with over 100 years of combined scientific and entrepreneurial expertise. Zelos Energy has also received a grant from the California Energy Commission to support research and development for alternatives to lithium-ion technology, reinforcing its commitment to a greener energy future.

RePurpose Energy

Grant in 2020
RePurpose Energy specializes in the development of sustainable energy storage systems utilizing repurposed electric vehicle batteries. By converting battery waste into valuable resources, the company enhances the resilience and sustainability of battery supply chains while supporting the global shift towards renewable energy. RePurpose Energy's innovative approach includes bundling reused EV batteries with advanced hardware and software solutions that monitor and manage various parameters such as temperature and charge levels. This enables clients to effectively address the complexities associated with second-life energy storage, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable energy landscape.

Enzinc

Grant in 2019
Enzinc is a company focused on developing advanced rechargeable zinc-air batteries, utilizing innovative technology to enhance energy storage solutions. Their batteries, made from a zinc metal nano-sponge, provide energy levels comparable to lithium-ion batteries while being cost-effective, akin to lead-acid alternatives. Enzinc's products aim to deliver a cleaner and safer energy source for a variety of applications, capitalizing on zinc's high energy density and recyclability. This approach not only addresses energy performance but also promotes sustainability in the battery manufacturing industry.

RePurpose Energy

Grant in 2019
RePurpose Energy specializes in the development of sustainable energy storage systems utilizing repurposed electric vehicle batteries. By converting battery waste into valuable resources, the company enhances the resilience and sustainability of battery supply chains while supporting the global shift towards renewable energy. RePurpose Energy's innovative approach includes bundling reused EV batteries with advanced hardware and software solutions that monitor and manage various parameters such as temperature and charge levels. This enables clients to effectively address the complexities associated with second-life energy storage, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable energy landscape.

P-Kap Systems

Grant in 2019
P-Kap Systems makes a low profile solar roof-top Photo Voltaic tracking system.

Caban Systems

Grant in 2019
Caban Systems, founded in 2017 and based in San Mateo, California, specializes in the design and manufacture of modular lithium-ion energy storage systems tailored for the telecommunications industry. The company focuses on providing software-enabled solutions that enhance energy management for off-grid and weak-grid telecom sites. By utilizing intelligent lithium-ion battery packs, Caban Systems aims to prevent downtime and lower the total cost of ownership and maintenance for telecom towers. This approach not only helps clients save on energy expenses but also contributes to reduced emissions, making it a valuable partner for telecommunication companies and mobile network operators.

Ubiquitous Energy

Grant in 2018
Ubiquitous Energy, Inc. specializes in the development of transparent photovoltaics that aim to enhance energy efficiency in everyday products and surfaces. The company's ClearView Power technology allows windows and other surfaces to harness solar energy while remaining visually indistinguishable from standard glass. This innovative approach enables the generation of electricity from ultraviolet and near-infrared light, providing a sustainable power source for various devices, including wearables, tablets, and smart glass applications. Founded in 2011 and based in Redwood City, California, Ubiquitous Energy originated from research at MIT and has established a production facility in Silicon Valley. The company has also formed a strategic development agreement with Asahi Glass Co., Ltd., reinforcing its position as a leader in transparent solar technology.

StratosFuel

Series B in 2018
StratosFuel is a company dedicated to advancing hydrogen production, fueling, and mobility solutions. It is engaged in the development of hydrogen fueling stations and renewable production facilities aimed at facilitating the integration of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles into the market. StratosFuel not only produces and supplies renewable hydrogen to various fueling stations but also constructs its own hydrogen stations. Additionally, the company provides a mobile application that enables users to rent hydrogen-electric vehicles on an hourly or daily basis. Through these initiatives, StratosFuel seeks to promote hydrogen as a mainstream fuel option across different markets.

StratosFuel

Series A in 2017
StratosFuel is a company dedicated to advancing hydrogen production, fueling, and mobility solutions. It is engaged in the development of hydrogen fueling stations and renewable production facilities aimed at facilitating the integration of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles into the market. StratosFuel not only produces and supplies renewable hydrogen to various fueling stations but also constructs its own hydrogen stations. Additionally, the company provides a mobile application that enables users to rent hydrogen-electric vehicles on an hourly or daily basis. Through these initiatives, StratosFuel seeks to promote hydrogen as a mainstream fuel option across different markets.

Wexus

Grant in 2015
Wexus Technologies addresses the critical challenge of optimizing energy and water resources amid increasing competition and scarcity. The company has developed a cloud-based software platform that leverages IoT technology and utility data to enhance renewable energy and water management across various industries. This system allows users, particularly in agriculture and food processing, to automate tasks, access energy and water usage data, and streamline billing processes. By optimizing energy consumption and reducing operational costs, Wexus Technologies helps clients improve efficiency and minimize waste, ultimately leading to a positive return on investment.

Enzinc

Grant in 2014
Enzinc is a company focused on developing advanced rechargeable zinc-air batteries, utilizing innovative technology to enhance energy storage solutions. Their batteries, made from a zinc metal nano-sponge, provide energy levels comparable to lithium-ion batteries while being cost-effective, akin to lead-acid alternatives. Enzinc's products aim to deliver a cleaner and safer energy source for a variety of applications, capitalizing on zinc's high energy density and recyclability. This approach not only addresses energy performance but also promotes sustainability in the battery manufacturing industry.

Pando Electric

Pando Electric, headquartered in Silicon Valley, specializes in providing electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions for multifamily properties. The company offers a smart, scalable, and cost-effective Level 2 charging solution, with in-house designed hardware and adaptive load management technology. This allows for 10x scalability without upgrading panel capacity, making it a competitive option at just 10% the cost of market alternatives. Pando Electric's vision is to create sustainable, connected living spaces by integrating EV charging, energy management, and demand charging, aiming to power commercial properties without straining the grid.
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