FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Ryan Jeffery
Senior Manager Director, Sustainability, gener8tor
ryan@gener8tor.com
Evan Haddad
Public Information Officer, GOED
ehaddad@goed.nv.gov
August 13, 2025
RENO & LAS VEGAS, NV – gener8tor, a global venture firm and startup accelerator network, announces the successful conclusion of the inaugural Electrify Nevada Accelerator cohorts and the opening of applications for its second accelerator phase. The Electrify Nevada Accelerator supports innovative entrepreneurs with groundbreaking technologies in renewable energy, battery technology, and critical mineral solutions.
The Electrify Nevada Accelerator was created through an initiative and strategic guidance by the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED). The accelerator operates in collaboration with the U.S. Economic Development Administration, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, the University of Nevada, Reno, and the Nevada Small Business Development Center (SBDC) with the objective to propel forward Nevada’s position in new energy technologies and next-generation battery production.
“The Electrify Nevada Accelerator was very intentionally designed in collaboration with our partners to represent an important element in executing the objectives of GOED’s comprehensive economic development strategy, CEDS, which calls for an innovative, electric and connected Nevada,” said Karsten Heise senior director of strategic programs and innovation at GOED. “The Accelerator is tying in with major GOED supported initiatives such as the NSF Futures Engine, TechHub, Recharge Nevada, as well as being part of the GOED administered State Small Business Credit Initiative, SSBCI.”
The inaugural cohorts successfully concluded in early June, marking a significant milestone for energy innovation in Nevada. Following a competitive selection process that attracted applications from startups worldwide, ten companies were chosen to participate across two strategic locations: five startups in the Reno cohort and five in the Las Vegas cohort.
The seven-week program of this non-equity accelerator component is designed to advance early-stage companies, provided participating companies with comprehensive support, including personalized coaching, mentorship from seasoned industry leaders, and targeted assistance in critical business areas such as go-to-market strategy, customer acquisition, and fundraising.
The program’s extensive network proved invaluable to participants, with each startup gaining access to more than 55 mentors and investors. These connections included local industry experts and corporate decision-makers, and providing founders with direct access to Nevada’s growing advanced energy ecosystem. A standout feature of the program was the exclusive in-person facility tours and interactive Q&A sessions with leading corporations in battery technology and material circularity, offering participants unique insights into industry trends and partnership opportunities.
This investment in Nevada’s new energy technology sector signifies a collective effort toward building a more prosperous economic future for the state, where the creation and scaling of innovative companies and startups will lead to sustainable economic growth while their founders are being equipped with the tools and resources needed to drive Nevada’s energy transition forward.
“Through the Electrify Nevada Accelerator, we are committed to fostering innovation that addresses the urgent energy challenges facing our communities. By providing resources, mentorship, and a platform for collaboration, we aim to empower startups to develop solutions that not only benefit Nevada but also contribute to broader efforts in sustainable energy and circular economy solutions,” said Ryan Jeffery, Senior Managing Director of Sustainability at gener8tor.
The program operates across both Reno and Las Vegas in a hybrid format, combining virtual and in-person components. The chosen startups receive one-on-one coaching with the gener8tor team and access to seasoned mentors, industry experts, corporate partners, and potential investors.
Applications are currently being accepted for the next accelerator program. Startup companies in the renewable and new energy-tech sector, battery technology, and critical mineral solutions are encouraged to apply by August 17, 2025. Four programs are held annually. Founders interested in participating can submit an application here and find more information at https://www.gener8tor.com/nevada.
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About gener8tor
gener8tor fosters innovation ecosystems through its accelerator programs, venture funds, and skills-based workforce initiatives. With a strong track record of supporting high-growth companies, gener8tor has expanded across the U.S. and internationally, building partnerships with governments, corporations, and economic development organizations to drive entrepreneurship and economic impact.
About the Governor’s Office of Economic Development
Created during the 2011 session of the Nevada Legislature, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development is the result of a collaborative effort between the Nevada Legislature and the Governor’s Office to restructure economic development in the state. GOED’s role is to promote a robust, diversified and prosperous economy in Nevada, to stimulate business expansion and retention, encourage entrepreneurial enterprise, attract new businesses and facilitate community development.
About the University of Nevada, Las Vegas
UNLV is a public, urban research institution that holds the nation’s highest recognition for both research and community engagement from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching – R1, the gold standard for research institutions. These distinctions underscore UNLV’s vision to become one of the nation’s premier public universities for research, education, and community impact.
About the University of Nevada, Reno
Founded nearly 150 years ago, the University was established as Nevada’s land-grant institution under the Morrill Act of 1862, signed into law by President Abraham Lincoln. Today, the University is recognized as a Carnegie® Engaged University, a top research institutions by the Carnegie® Classification, and a top National University by U.S. News & World Report.
About the U.S. Economic Development Administration
The U.S. Economic Development Administration’s investment policy is designed to establish a foundation for sustainable job growth and the building of durable regional economies throughout the United States. This foundation builds upon two key economic drivers – innovation and regional collaboration. Innovation is key to global competitiveness, new and better jobs, a resilient economy, and the attainment of national economic goals. Regional collaboration is essential for economic recovery because regions are the centers of competition in the new global economy and those that work together to leverage resources and use their strengths to overcome weaknesses will fare better than those that do not. EDA encourages its partners around the country to develop initiatives that advance new ideas and creative approaches to address rapidly evolving economic conditions.