2022 NREL Industry Growth Forum Honors Cleantech Innovators

The US Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) gave awards to five top cleantech innovators at the 2022 NREL Industry Growth Forum (IGF) on April 13–14, 2022.

The winners rose to the top from a field of 40 companies that participated in a pitch competition in front of a panel of judges made up of investors. Earlier in 2022, the IGF selected these innovators from a field of 157 applicants.

“Bringing economically viable cleantech solutions to market is a contact sport,” said Trish Cozart, NREL Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center director. “Watching all the investors and startup companies make those needed connections again in person was incredible. Our theme of ‘Better Together’ was really realized in this event. We need each other to foster business success and push the boundaries of technology.”

“This year was all we hoped it would be and more,” said Sheila Ebbitt, IGF project manager. “We had nearly 550 attendees from all over the world. These folks are tackling the dangers created by climate change head-on, and the solutions they come up with will help the entire planet.”

This year’s award winners are:
• Outstanding Venture – Early Stage: Helicoid Industries, Indio, CA

Founded in 2019, Helicoid works to commercialize their biomimetic fiber-reinforced composite technology. The Helicoid technology emulates the structure found in the mantis shrimp, which is one of the toughest structures in the world, providing impact resistance and weight savings.

• Outstanding Venture – Commercialization Stage: Syzygy Plasmonics, Houston, TX

Syzygy Plasmonics is developing a first-of-its-kind photocatalytic reactor to electrify chemical production. When powered with renewable electricity, this platform technology enables cost-effective emissions reduction for “hard-to-abate” industrial sectors.

• Outstanding Venture – Growth Stage: Biosynthetic Technologies, Indianapolis, IN

Biosynthetic Technologies supplies a family of bio-based (oleo) fluids as suit-able replacements to petroleum. These are currently being used in industrial lubrication, metal working, cosmetics, hair care, medical research, and several other applications.

• Outstanding Venture – Emerging Markets: UCAP Power, San Diego, CA

UCAP Power is a global provider of ultracapacitor-based power solutions across a wide range of markets. Ultracapacitor systems use sustainability-based products offering a long-lasting source of reliable high-power energy storage that can help eliminate lead-acid and other hazardous materials in batteries.

• Best Venture Award: UCAP Power, San Diego, CA

• People’s Choice Award: South 8 Technologies, San Diego, CA

South 8 Technologies Inc. has developed a novel chemistry for next-generation lithium batteries and electrochemical capacitors. The technology enables a wider operating temperature range of minus 80° to 60°C, providing increased energy and improved safety while maintaining compatibility with standard materials and manufacturing.