Accelerating the Next Generation of Energy Innovation
Since 2012, gener8tor has helped founders turn bold ideas into lasting companies. In energy, that means working alongside the states, agencies and industry leaders building the next generation of power, storage and clean technology, and giving founders the capital, customers and connections to scale.
A Proven Track Record
Our energy programs are built on the same model that has powered gener8tor accelerators for more than a decade. These numbers reflect every founder we have backed, across every program and industry.
- 2,200+
startups accelerated since 2012
- $3B+
raised by portfolio companies
- 15,800+
people employed by alumni companies
- 32
U.S. states and 6 other countries with programs
Our History in Energy
From our first cohorts in Wisconsin to accelerators across the country, gener8tor's work in energy has grown alongside the founders, partners and communities driving the energy economy forward.
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2012
gener8tor Founded
First accelerator cohorts in Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 13 startups in year 1.
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2022
First Energy and Climate Programs
The Sustainability Accelerator launches in Chicago with $100,000 investments in climate tech startups. gBETA Energy & Sustainability kicks off in Indianapolis with the Indiana Economic Development Corporation.
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2023
U.S. Venture Sustainability Accelerator
Launched in Appleton, Wisconsin with U.S. Venture, a distributor of renewable and traditional energy products. $100,000 into 5 startups per cohort.
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2024
Carbon Removal and Cox Cleantech
The Carbon Removal Accelerator runs in Chicago through the U.S. Department of Energy EPIC Prize. Cox Enterprises and gener8tor launch the Cox Cleantech Accelerator in Atlanta.
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2025
Electrify Nevada Accelerator
Launched with the Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development and UNLV. First cohorts in Reno and Las Vegas, focused on advanced energy, batteries and the lithium loop.
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2026
4 Cohorts a Year in Nevada
Electrify Nevada expands to 4 cohorts a year across Reno and Las Vegas. Cox Cleantech welcomes its 3rd cohort and adds a Residency program. U.S. Venture selects its 4th cohort.
The Fastest Way Into the Nevada Energy Ecosystem
Nevada is one of the most important energy economies on earth: the only U.S. state with an active lithium mine, #1 for clean energy investment and home to the Tesla Gigafactory, Redwood Materials, Dragonfly Energy and NV Energy. The Electrify Nevada Accelerator is gener8tor's program for founders building in advanced energy, critical minerals, the lithium loop, physical AI and related deep tech.
Founders get warm introductions to Nevada's anchor companies, SBIR and STTR support through the SAGE partnership, wet lab and research access at UNR and UNLV, and introductions to Battle Born Ventures, Flume Ventures, Sierra Angels and a national energy investor network.
- 30companies through the program
- $51M+raised by alumni
- 208jobs created
- 6cohorts completed in Reno and Las Vegas
- 4cohorts a year, 2 per city
- $1M+in partner perks
Backed by the Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development, UNLV, UNR, the U.S. Economic Development Administration and the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Partnered with the Northern Nevada Development Authority and the City of Las Vegas. Learn more about Electrify Nevada.
Energy Accelerators
gener8tor partners with the organizations shaping the energy economy, from state economic development offices to global energy companies, to build accelerators where founders find capital, customers and momentum.
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Electrify Nevada Accelerator
For founders building in advanced energy, next-generation batteries, closed-loop lithium systems, critical minerals and clean technology supply chains. 4 cohorts a year, 2 in each city, with the Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development and UNLV.
Learn more about Electrify Nevada -
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Cox Cleantech Accelerator
For cleantech startups with market-validated technology that are ready to land their first large customers. Built with Cox Enterprises and the Georgia Cleantech Innovation Hub. Cohorts have focused on energy systems, industrial efficiency and infrastructure. 2 cohorts a year, plus a Residency program.
Learn more about Cox Cleantech -
U.S. Venture Sustainability Accelerator
For sustainability, energy, mobility, logistics and industrial startups across the U.S. and Canada. Built with U.S. Venture, a distributor of renewable and traditional energy products, lubricants and transportation solutions. Alumni include fleet electrification, hydrogen fueling, electric motor and biodiesel companies.
Learn more about the U.S. Venture Sustainability Accelerator -
gener8tor Sustainability Accelerator
gener8tor's first climate program. For startups anywhere in the world working on decarbonization, renewables, energy management, storage and circular economy technologies.
Learn more about gener8tor Sustainability
What Energy Founders Get
Energy is a demanding industry to build in, with long sales cycles, regulated markets and capital-intensive customers. gener8tor programs are designed to open the doors that matter most.
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Introductions to Utilities and Anchor Companies
Warm introductions, not contact lists. In Nevada that means NV Energy, Tesla, Redwood Materials, Dragonfly Energy and Panasonic. In Georgia it means Cox Enterprises and its operating companies, where 2 startups from the first Cox Cleantech cohort began pilots.
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Non-Dilutive Funding Pathways
gener8tor has operated programs funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, the Economic Development Administration, the Department of the Treasury and NOAA. Founders get help with SBIR and STTR applications and other federal grant pathways.
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Research and Lab Access
Wet lab space at the University of Nevada, Reno, research facilities at UNLV and technical validation through university partners in each program's region.
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Investors Who Back Energy
Introductions to Battle Born Ventures, Flume Ventures, Sierra Angels, Hard Yaka, FundNV, Uncorrelated Ventures and a growing national energy investor network, alongside gener8tor's own investor community.
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State Government as a Partner
Program partners include the Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development, EDAWN, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation and the Georgia Cleantech Innovation Hub. Founders get direct access to the people who run each state's incentive and economic development programs.
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A Network That Stays With You
Weekly sessions with operators, mentors and investors embedded in energy and deep tech, one-on-one coaching for the length of the program, and an alumni network of 2,200+ companies after it.
Partners Behind Our Energy Programs
Behind every gener8tor energy program is a partner invested in the future of its region. Together we connect founders to the capital, customers and resources that turn early technology into lasting companies.
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State and Regional
- Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development
- EDAWN
- Northern Nevada Development Authority
- City of Las Vegas
- Indiana Economic Development Corporation
- Georgia Cleantech Innovation Hub
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Federal
- U.S. Department of Energy
- U.S. Economic Development Administration
- U.S. Department of the Treasury
- NOAA and the U.S. Department of Commerce
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Universities
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas
- University of Nevada, Reno
- University of Illinois System
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Corporate
- Cox Enterprises
- U.S. Venture
Inside the Programs
Facility tours, working sessions, cohort dinners and showcase nights. A look inside life in a gener8tor energy program.
What Energy Founders Say
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"No one had helped me before gener8tor. They showed me that NV is an incredible place to do business."
Billy WhittakerFounder & CEO, Bronco Power Boost, Electrify Nevada Accelerator
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"gener8tor is the best thing that's ever happened to me."
Mait KukkQuad Solar, Electrify Nevada Accelerator
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"I really can't express enough gratitude for the opportunities provided by the gener8tor program. We're plugged into a huge support network, and have been able to really refine and modify our business model and growth plans in a way that would not have been possible if we were building on our own."
Tiya Gordon and Nathan KingCo-Founders, itselectric, gener8tor Sustainability Accelerator
Talk to the Energy Team
The best way to learn whether a program is the right fit is a conversation. Book time with the team to talk through what you are building.
Build an Energy Accelerator With gener8tor
The strongest energy ecosystems are built in partnership. gener8tor works with corporations, governments and universities to design, recruit and run accelerators that bring the best founders to your market and help them stay.
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Our Portfolio
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