About New Energy Nexus
Company Overview
New Energy Nexus
Berkeley, California, United States
2004
Approximately 50 employees (source: newenergynexus.com).
What They Do
New Energy Nexus focuses on accelerating weather-dependent clean energy technologies, including solar, efficiency, storage, and related innovations. The organization provides non-dilutive grants, accelerators, networks, training, and testing resources to early-stage startups, rather than developing proprietary products (source: newenergynexus.com). Its primary services include the CalSEED program, which has awarded $20 million to over 100 startups since 2016, and the CalTestBed initiative, distributing $8.8 million in testing vouchers across various testbeds (source: buildmomentum.io). New Energy Nexus targets diverse entrepreneurs from underrepresented groups, emphasizing equitable outcomes for vulnerable populations in investor-owned utility territories (source: newenergynexus.com). As a non-profit ecosystem builder, it leverages billions in follow-on investments since its inception, positioning itself as a crucial bridge for startups lacking access to private capital (source: idealist.org).
Projects & Track Record
New Energy Nexus has completed notable projects such as the CalSEED initiative, which has supported over 100 startups with $20 million in funding since 2016, leading to significant advancements in clean energy technologies (source: buildmomentum.io). The CalTestBed program has also been instrumental, providing testing to clean energy innovators and completing its $11 million award rollout since 2019 (source: buildmomentum.io). Early investments in companies like Bridgelux and Tesla have positioned New Energy Nexus as a pioneer in the clean energy sector, while ongoing projects like the Salton Sea Program aim to develop lithium supply chains around the world's largest lithium reserves (source: influencewatch.org). The organization collaborates with key clients and partners, including the California Energy Commission and various universities, to drive innovation and support startups in the clean energy space (source: newenergynexus.com).
Recent Developments
In recent years, New Energy Nexus has been selected by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change as the Climate Tech Startup Program partner for COP28 in 2023, marking a significant milestone in its efforts to accelerate early-stage climate tech from the Global South (source: influencewatch.org). The organization has expanded its presence in Nigeria through a partnership with the Clean Technology Hub and in Australia with EnergyLab, focusing on energy storage solutions (source: newenergynexus.com). Additionally, the Salton Sea lithium research project received funding from the James Irvine Foundation in 2023, further enhancing its research capabilities (source: influencewatch.org). The organization continues to administer state grants like CalSEED while piloting career pathways for low-resourced communities, demonstrating its commitment to fostering innovation and equity in clean energy (source: newenergynexus.com).
Working There
New Energy Nexus hires for various roles, including program management, entrepreneurship support, and accelerator operations, with a focus on building a diverse team experienced in commercialization mentoring (source: newenergynexus.com). The organization has a strong presence in California, particularly in Oakland and Berkeley, but also offers potential remote or international roles tied to its global programs (source: idealist.org). Company culture emphasizes values such as Living Ubuntu, Being Resourceful, Having Impact, and Seeking Justice, with a commitment to equity in clean energy and collaborative partnerships (source: climatebase.org). While specific benefits are not detailed publicly, job seekers are encouraged to review postings for information on compensation and perks (source: idealist.org).
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