Duke Energy is a major electric power holding company based in the United States, providing electric and natural gas services to approximately 7.5 million customers across six states, including Ohio and Kentucky. The company operates through two primary segments: Electric Utilities and Infrastructure, and Gas Utilities and Infrastructure. It generates electricity from a diverse mix of sources, including coal, nuclear, hydroelectric, solar, and natural gas, and boasts an electric generating capacity of about 35,000 megawatts in the Carolinas and the Midwest. In addition to electricity, Duke Energy also offers natural gas transportation and distribution services. The company is committed to sustainability and community support, further evidenced by its philanthropic efforts through the Duke Energy Foundation, which focuses on enhancing community vitality and promoting climate resilience. Founded in 1837 and headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Duke Energy continues to play a significant role in the energy sector.
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is a prominent grant-making organization co-founded by Bill and Melinda Gates in 2000, headquartered in Seattle, Washington, with additional offices in Washington, D.C.; New Delhi, India; Beijing, China; and London, United Kingdom. The foundation focuses on improving global health, enhancing education, and providing support to at-risk families, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. It actively promotes strategies that assist low-income families and works towards greater equality in various sectors. The foundation is also involved in investment management, overseeing an endowment that includes a diverse portfolio primarily in public equity and fixed income markets, while excluding tobacco-related investments. Its trustees include Bill Gates, Melinda Gates, and Warren Buffett.
NC IDEA is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting early-stage, high-growth technology companies in North Carolina. It primarily offers financial assistance through its NC IDEA SEED and NC IDEA MICRO programs. NC IDEA SEED provides $50,000 grants to innovative startups with viable concepts, helping them scale more quickly, while also offering mentorship to mitigate growth risks. Since its inception in 2006, this initiative has granted over $7.2 million to 161 companies, with nearly 70 percent of these businesses still operational today. Collectively, they have secured over $295 million in additional funding and created more than 1,860 jobs. The NC IDEA MICRO program complements this by offering $10,000 grants to early-stage companies seeking to validate and advance their ideas. Through these efforts, NC IDEA plays a crucial role in fostering the growth of technology-driven entrepreneurship in the region.
Google is a multinational corporation specializing in Internet-related services and products. Its extensive product portfolio includes Google Search, which provides access to online information; Google Ads, an auction-based advertising program; AdSense, which allows websites to display ads; and YouTube, a platform for video content. Google also offers Android, an open-source mobile operating system, alongside hardware products like Chromebooks and Chromecast. The company provides cloud-based services such as Google Drive, Google Cloud Storage, and Google App Engine, as well as tools for real-time analytics. Additionally, Google AI focuses on advancing artificial intelligence and integrating it into various products. The philanthropic arm, Google.org, supports initiatives that leverage technology for social good, while the Google Foundation invests in innovative technologies to address global challenges. Founded in 1998 by Larry Page and Sergey Brin in Mountain View, California, Google has become the world's leading search engine and a key player in the digital landscape.
Bpifrance Financement S.A. is a French financial institution that provides a range of financing solutions and support services aimed at fostering the growth of startups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and mid-cap companies. It offers various financial products, including medium to long-term loans, export insurance, and leasing options for both tangible and intangible assets. Additionally, Bpifrance supports companies through consulting services, guarantees for bank financing, and training for executives. The organization also engages in direct investments and manages funds aimed at enhancing the financial landscape for businesses at different stages of their development. Established in 1980 and based in Maisons-Alfort, France, Bpifrance was formerly known as OSEO S.A. and rebranded in July 2013. It operates as a subsidiary of Bpifrance SA, reinforcing its commitment to bolstering the French economy through diversified financial solutions.
The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) is a state agency established to promote the growth of the clean energy sector in Massachusetts. Founded in 2009 under the Green Jobs Act, MassCEC focuses on accelerating job creation and economic development within the clean energy industry. The organization provides early-stage investments to startups, offers renewable energy rebates for residents and businesses, and supports workforce development initiatives to prepare individuals for careers in clean energy. By leveraging the state's unique assets, MassCEC aims to facilitate the development of renewable energy projects and establish Massachusetts as a leader in the national and global clean energy landscape.
Truist is a financial services provider that offers a range of philanthropic solutions aimed at helping corporations and nonprofit organizations engage effectively with their donors and volunteers. The Truist Foundation works to inspire and enhance the quality of lives and communities through various initiatives. Additionally, Truist Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm of Truist Financial, emphasizes economic empowerment for minority and underserved communities, as well as promoting racial equity within financial services. Established in 2018, Truist Ventures combines investments in technology companies from the former SunTrust brand with those of BB&T Ventures, reflecting a commitment to social impact and innovation.
Bank of America is a prominent financial institution based in Charlotte, North Carolina, providing a comprehensive range of banking, investment, asset management, and risk management services. It caters to approximately 51 million consumer and small business relationships through around 5,300 retail banking offices, 16,350 ATMs, and a robust online banking platform with 30 million active users. The institution offers specialized support to about 3 million small business owners with innovative online products and services. With operations in over 40 countries, Bank of America is recognized as a leader in wealth management and corporate and investment banking, serving corporations, governments, institutions, and individuals globally. Founded in 1874, the company has established itself as a key player in the financial sector, focusing on delivering a diverse array of financial solutions tailored to meet the needs of its varied clientele.
Microsoft Corporation, founded in 1975 by Bill Gates and Paul Allen, is a multinational technology company headquartered in Redmond, Washington. The company develops, manufactures, licenses, and supports a diverse array of software products and services. Its offerings include the Windows operating system, Microsoft Office suite, and various enterprise software solutions under the Microsoft Dynamics brand, which encompasses customer relationship management and enterprise resource planning applications. Microsoft also produces hardware, including Xbox gaming consoles and Surface devices, and provides cloud services through Microsoft Azure. The company supports startups globally through initiatives like the Microsoft Accelerator and Microsoft for Startups, which offer mentorship, resources, and access to its cloud platform. Microsoft markets its products through a network of original equipment manufacturers, distributors, and resellers. The company serves a broad range of industries, including sales, retail, manufacturing, and financial services, making it a key player in the technology sector.
The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, established in 1934 by Alfred Pritchard Sloan, Jr., is a philanthropic nonprofit organization based in the United States. It focuses on supporting research and education in the fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and economics. The foundation is committed to fostering innovation and enhancing the understanding of these disciplines through its grantmaking initiatives. By funding various projects and programs, the Sloan Foundation aims to promote advancements that contribute to the betterment of society and the economy.