We are on a mission to redesign systems at the root of our climate crisis.
How we work
In 2009 we launched a new non-profit model for funding climate tech deployment. Breaking down barriers to innovation alongside entrepreneurs provides us unique insight into the policy, market, and technology innovation needed to build systems to uplift people and communities around the world.
117
Portfolio companies
71
Demonstration projects
$43M
Awarded to companies
The Latest
What we’re looking to fund in Cohort 10
While we are not targeting specific technologies, we do have themes that shape our investments in each sector, and that evolve in relationship to the market, our growing portfolio, and the pressing needs of the communities in which we work.
How corporates can scale their climate impact
Announcing our partnerships with Schneider Electric, Kilroy Realty Corporation, and Kurita Water Industries
Welcoming 3 new board members
Cheryl Martin, David Crane, and Maxine Burkett joins our Board of Directors
Meet Danielle J. Harris our Director of Mobility Innovation
"Mobility is also undeniably linked to our freedom. Our transportation systems are among the most democratic public service our nation offers."
We need more investment, more innovation, more diversity
As we search for new ways to bring more funds into climate tech and open up avenues for new dealflow, we are excited to announce the launch of Elemental Connect!
Elemental was truly impactful for us as a business; it helped us land our first utility customer and bring in new interested investors.
Our Work
Elemental Portfolio
We have invested in over 100 growth-stage companies and celebrated more than a dozen exits.
Elemental Projects
In 2009, we launched a new non-profit model for funding climate tech deployment. We have funded more than 70 projects across systems at the root of climate change.
Elemental Connect
A new AI-enabled engine for investments into startups tackling climate change, that connects our pipeline and investor community, and can serve as a soft landing for investors new to the climate tech sector.
Career Pathways
Each summer, we host a cohort of interns — college students and recent graduates interested in climate tech — at Elemental and our portfolio companies.
In 2013, the U.S. Navy made a $30 million commitment to our program, and in 2017, they doubled down and made another $30M+ commitment.
The Department of Defense Office of Naval Research (ONR) recognizes the paramount importance of scientific research to future naval power and the preservation of national security. ONR is interested in the rapid commercialization of clean energy technologies that the Navy can procure to improve reliability and resiliency.
Hawaiian Electric Industries was our first Global Partner. Together we have partnered on nearly a dozen demonstration projects.
Hawaiian Electric Industries (HEI) is the parent of the three largest utilities in the Hawaiian Islands – Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc., Hawaii Electric Light Company, Inc. and Maui Electric Company, Ltd. – and one of Hawaii’s largest financial institutions, American Savings Bank.
National Grid Partners is the venture investment and innovation arm of National Grid plc.
National Grid Partners (NPG) makes and manages strategically and financially attractive investments and leads company-wide innovation efforts. The organization focuses on innovation, incubation, corporate venture capital and business development providing a multi-functional approach to change the status quo. NGP is based in Silicon Valley with offices and team members in Los Gatos, San Francisco, Boston, London, and New York.
Emerson Collective is a social change organization that is working to renew some of society’s most calcified systems.
Emerson Collective is an organization established and led by Laurene Powell Jobs dedicated to removing barriers to opportunity so people can live to their full potential. Elemental is Emerson Collective’s platform for applying systems level, design thinking to the multifaceted environmental challenges of our time, using every tool and talent we can avail.
Schneider Electric provides energy and automation digital solutions for efficiency and sustainability.
Schneider Electric’s at the Edge program invests in new ideas, emerging technologies and business models that both challenge and complement the Schneider Electric of today. From partnerships, seeding and accelerating startups, incubations, and joint ventures with established firms, Schneider Electric is covering the globe and working with entrepreneurs to turn bold ideas into reality.
Kilroy owns and manages innovative, sustainable properties located in vibrant business epicenters.
Kilroy is focused on meeting the changing needs of the most dynamic companies in the world. Innovation in building efficiency is a core driver of Kilroy’s globally recognized sustainability programs.
Conservation International is working to build a healthier, more prosperous, and more productive planet through science, policy, and partnerships with countries, communities, and companies. Over the years, they have helped support 1,200 protected areas and interventions across 77 countries, protecting more than 601 million hectares of land, marine, and coastal areas.
Conservation International is working to build a healthier, more prosperous, and more productive planet through science, policy, and partnerships with countries, communities, and companies. Over the years, they have helped support 1,200 protected areas and interventions across 77 countries, protecting more than 601 million hectares of land, marine, and coastal areas. More.
Severn Trent is a UK-based water and wastewater company in the FTSE 100 (100 largest companies in the UK). The Severn Trent Water Authority was created as one of 10 state-run regional water utilities in 1973, and became a private company when the UK privatized its water sector in 1989. Today, the company serves 4.3 million homes and businesses in the Midland region.
Severn Trent is a UK-based water and wastewater company in the FTSE 100 (100 largest companies in the UK). The Severn Trent Water Authority was created as one of 10 state-run regional water utilities in 1973, and became a private company when the UK privatized its water sector in 1989. Today, the company serves 4.3 million homes and businesses in the Midland region. More.
Coming out of the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative, a model for states pursuing an aggressive transition to renewable energy, the U.S. Department of Energy set aside funding for innovation. This became the seed funding for Elemental Excelerator.
The Department of Energy (DOE) is dedicated to ensuring America’s security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions. The DOE’s goals include transforming the nation’s energy system, securing U.S. leadership in clean energy technologies, maintaining science and engineering as a cornerstone of our economic prosperity, and enhancing nuclear security. DOE sponsors more research in the physical sciences that any other U.S. federal agency.
In 2018, Elemental Excelerator was a selected as one of DOE’s Power Connectors for its American Made Solar Prize.
Partners
We work with some of the most forward-thinking partners across business, philanthropy, nonprofit, and government to help our companies grow and build for the future.