Energizing America’s future

Across the United States, energy innovation continues to take root, transforming how organizations power their operations and pursue solutions to evolving challenges. Part of this forward momentum is the Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator (IN2), an initiative that’s helping turn bold ideas into practical solutions for the energy challenges of today and tomorrow.

A national ecosystem from coast to coast

The cleantech sector is no longer confined to Silicon Valley or the research labs of the Northeast. Thanks to IN2, breakthrough technologies are emerging from New York to California, from Houston’s energy corridor to the agricultural heartland of St. Louis. This growth is being shaped by entrepreneurs and researchers from diverse organizations who see opportunities in the growing need for reliable, resilient energy.

IN2’s reach is impressive: With a portfolio of 77 startups and a Channel Partner network spanning more than 60 incubators, accelerators and universities, the program is a catalyst for national collaboration. These connections mean that a promising technology developed in one region can quickly find partners and pilot sites across other regions, which can accelerate the pace of adoption and scale impact across the country.

Resiliency and scalability in action

IN2’s 15th Emerging Tech cohort, announced earlier this year, is a testament to the diversity and ingenuity of America’s cleantech sector. The three selected startups, MicroEra Power, SkyCool Systems and Verv Energy, are tackling some of the toughest challenges in building operations, heating and cooling, and grid reliability.

• MicroEra Power (Rochester, NY) is pioneering thermal energy storage that helps buildings shift electricity use to off-peak hours, cutting costs and easing pressure on the grid.
• SkyCool Systems (Mountain View, CA) is harnessing passive cooling technology that sends heat beyond Earth’s atmosphere, offering a new way to keep buildings comfortable without traditional energy-intensive systems.
• Verv Energy (Los Angeles, CA) uses artificial intelligence to optimize HVAC and refrigeration, enabling smarter, more predictive maintenance and energy savings.

These companies aren’t just building prototypes in a lab. They work with researchers to test in real-world settings while engaging with a broad network of investors and adopters. The result is technologies that are ready to meet the reliability and resiliency needs of organizations across many sectors.

Scaling technology—the bridge from concept to commercialization

IN2’s Scalable Tech track is where the rubber meets the road. Here, a variety of organizations from affordable housing and utilities to commercial infrastructure and multifamily real estate are matched with validated energy solutions and supported through a six-month educational program. The latest cohort includes EdgeCore, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles, Haskell, National Grid, SLB, Stoneweg, Tucson Electric Power and WinnCompanies—each focused on integrating clean technology into their operations and communities.

By the end of the program, these organizations aim to have developed detailed adoption strategies and will compete for up to $250,000 in Wells Fargo funding to launch pilot projects over the following six months. The program seeks to build replicable models that can be scaled nationwide and create new business opportunities.

Fueling regional growth with Strategic Awards

IN2’s impact goes beyond startups and adopters. Through its Channel Partner Strategic Awards, the program is investing in regional projects that support commercialization and build local ecosystems. From Energy Tech Nexus in Houston to Evergreen Climate Innovations in Chicago, these awards are helping communities pilot technologies and connect innovators with commercialization opportunities and new markets.

This collaborative approach helps to create a ripple effect wherein startups get the support they need to grow, organizations gain access to cutting-edge solutions, and regions build their capacity to compete in the cleantech economy.

Turning ideas into impact

What sets IN2 apart is its commitment to real-world deployment. Recent pilot awards have supported projects that retrofit HVAC systems, improve air quality in schools, optimize data center cooling and modernize building infrastructure. These pilots are laying the groundwork for widespread adoption of new technologies, demonstrating how clean technology can solve pressing challenges and deliver tangible benefits.

Growth, opportunity and client value

For Wells Fargo’s clients and customers, this momentum can result in new solutions and technologies that address real needs. Wells Fargo & Company’s support for IN2 is rooted in a belief that growth and opportunity come from collaboration and innovation, backed by a strong desire to invest in the future.

As Jeffrey Schub, head of sustainability at Wells Fargo, put it: “Our support of IN2 brings together the innovators and solutions seekers and can help move a proof-of-concept technology towards scalable market growth.” 

Looking ahead to a future powered by innovation

It is a new time of energy challenges. By supporting the development and deployment of new technologies, Wells Fargo can help those that are looking to meet rising energy demands, enhance reliability and build resilience in the face of evolving energy markets.

From startups in New York and California to pilot projects in Texas and Minnesota, the story of IN2 is one of growth and opportunity with measurable impact. It’s a story that’s unfolding across the country, one partnership and innovation at a time.

To learn more about the Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator and how it’s powering growth in cleantech, visit in2ecosystem.com.

The Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator (IN2) is unlocking new opportunities for cleantech startups and organizations nationwide by connecting innovative energy solutions with real-world challenges. Through its expansive network, Strategic Awards and hands-on pilot programs, IN2 empowers innovators to scale technologies that enhance resiliency, efficiency and sustainability.