ATLANTA — ScaleUp Lab, a program of Georgia Tech’s Enterprise Innovation Institute, announced a strategic collaboration with the Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator (IN2), a $50 million clean technology program funded by the Wells Fargo Foundation and co-administered by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
This collaboration is set to catalyze CleanTech innovation across the southeastern U.S. by providing critical commercialization support and access to cutting-edge programs, including the Shell GameChanger Accelerator™ Powered by NREL (GCxN) and Chevron Studio.
Through this partnership, ScaleUp Lab aims to identify and support the most promising energy startups in the region. Selected startups will receive unparalleled access to $250,000 in non-dilutive funding, NREL’s state-of-the-art facilities, and the opportunity to work alongside world-class experts from Shell, NREL, and other leading institutions. This partnership provides a unique opportunity for startups to overcome common market barriers and accelerate their path to commercialization, driving impactful clean energy solutions that address the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions across various sectors.
The IN2 program focuses on supporting early- and mid-stage clean technology startups, particularly those developing innovations that minimize the energy impact of commercial buildings, affordable residential housing, and agriculture. By aligning entrepreneurial creativity with robust resources, IN2 fosters the commercialization of low-carbon solutions that deliver significant social, economic, and climate benefits.
“We are proud to be a channel partner with the IN2 Wells Fargo NREL program and excited about the opportunities this partnership brings to energy startups in the Southeast,” said Nakia Melecio, ScaleUp Lab director. “Our goal is to support the best innovations in the South, providing them with access to world-class expertise, facilities, and funding. This partnership will enable us to nurture groundbreaking cleantech solutions and contribute to the transition to a low-carbon economy.”
In addition to the financial and technical support, selected startups will gain access to an extensive ecosystem of innovation support, including connections to a robust, cross-industry network of foundations, investors, and other stakeholders. This collaboration underscores Georgia Tech’s commitment to fostering a thriving innovation ecosystem that drives economic growth and sustainability in the Southeast.
For more information about Georgia Tech’s Scale Up Lab and how to engage with NREL, please visit scaleuplab.gatech.edu or contact Nakia Melecio at nakia.melecio@venturelab.gatech.edu.
About Georgia Tech’s Scale UpLab
Georgia Tech’s ScaleUp Lab is dedicated to supporting the growth and commercialization of innovative technologies, particularly in the energy sector. By providing startups with the resources, expertise, and networks needed to succeed, Scale Up Lab plays a vital role in advancing the region’s economy and fostering sustainable development.
About the Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator (IN2)
The Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator (IN2) is a $50 million clean technology program funded by the Wells Fargo Foundation and co-administered by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). IN2 identifies and supports promising cleantech startups with the goal of commercializing low-carbon solutions that deliver social, economic, and climate benefits.