LAS VEGAS– The Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and global venture firm and startup accelerator gener8tor today announced the launch of the Electrify Nevada Accelerator Powered by gener8tor. This initiative will support early-stage startups developing innovative energy solutions, with a particular focus on advanced battery technology and sustainable energy systems, leveraging Nevada’s unique position in the global energy market.
The Electrify Nevada Accelerator will run multiple cohorts annually, offering investment and comprehensive support to selected startups. Participating companies will receive tailored coaching; mentorship from industry leaders; and support in product development, customer acquisition and fundraising.
“Nevada is uniquely positioned to lead the next generation of clean energy innovation,” said Karsten Heise, senior director of strategic programs and innovation at the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development. “Our state has made tremendous headway in this technology field as demonstrated by UNLV and DRI being part of the first-ever awarded NSF Engine, the Southwest Sustainability Innovation Engine, SWSIE, and the UNR-led Recharge Nevada Initiative recently selected to advance to the next stage of the second-ever NSF Engines competition. The launch of this accelerator will strengthen not only NSF Engines initiatives, but also our state’s position as a hub for sustainable energy innovation, development, and technology-based startup growth and attraction, which will drive significant economic impact in our region.”
Ryan Jeffery, senior managing director at gener8tor, said, “Our newest sustainability program aims to cultivate a platform that connects innovative founders with the capital, expertise, and resources needed to address our most pressing climate challenges. Nevada’s unique energy landscape makes it the ideal location to build tomorrow’s breakthrough clean technologies.”
The accelerator will focus on startups developing solutions across the spectrum of advanced energy and industry efficiency technologies, next-generation battery development, closed-loop lithium systems, sustainable energy solutions, and clean technology supply chain innovations. These areas represent critical opportunities for technological advancement and economic growth in Nevada’s expanding clean energy ecosystem.
“UNLV is proud to partner in this initiative that aligns perfectly with our research expertise in energy technology and our commitment to sustainability,” said Zach Miles, senior associate vice president for economic development at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. “This collaboration will create new opportunities for innovation and economic growth in our state.”
The program builds on Nevada’s strategic advantages, including its abundant mineral resources, growing tech sector, and commitment to renewable energy development. Through this accelerator, Nevada aims to establish itself as the premier destination for energy technology innovation.
Applications for the Electrify Nevada Accelerator are open until Jan. 12, 2025, with the first cohort set to commence in February 2025. Founders developing solutions in sustainable energy and related fields are encouraged to apply. For more information or to submit an application, visit www.gener8tor.com/nevada.
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About gener8tor
gener8tor is a global venture firm and accelerator network that supports startups, workers, employers, artists and musicians across race, place and gender. gener8tor partners with companies, governments, universities and nonprofits to operate accelerator programs and conferences in more than 46 communities across 25 states and three countries. Fast Company named gener8tor one of the Best Workplaces for Innovators in 2021 and 2022. The International Trade Council recognized gener8tor as the Global Venture Capital Firm of the Year in 2022.
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 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.