We partner with some of the biggest names in the business to help our companies grow through investments, projects, and acquisitions.
Global Partners
Our Global Partners are leaders who are committed to transforming their organizations, demonstrating clean technologies in their home and regional markets, and collaborating as peers. We support them in several key ways, including working together to fund and deploy demonstration projects, insight into the newest technologies, connections into Silicon Valley and other markets, and fully-vetted partnership and investment opportunities.
Elemental Excelerator is created in collaboration with Emerson Collective's Elemental platform, which is focused on balancing the needs of humanity and nature by supporting scalable, equitable, and innovative solutions.
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.
In 2013, the U.S. Navy made a $30 million commitment to our program.
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.
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.
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.
Vector is New Zealand’s largest distributor of electricity and gas. They challenge and reinvent the way communities and businesses are powered and connected.
Vector owns and manages a unique portfolio of businesses, which consists of electricity distribution, data and communications provider, gas transmission and distribution, smart metering and data management, natural gas and LPG, fiber-optic networks, and solar and energy storage solutions. Vector sees Hawaii as the Silicon Valley of energy and is most interested in technologies that bring different types of innovation together into one platform and technologies that increase engagement with their end clients.
Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc. (TEPCO) is the largest public utility in Japan, and the 4th largest utility in the world.
After the market was deregulated in Japan, TEPCO faced a rapidly changing market and significant disruption to their business model. In response, TEPCO formed an Innovation Task Force to evaluate technology solutions for their grid and explore new business ventures. They are collaborating with Elemental Excelerator and its portfolio companies to assist them in their transformation, learn more about energy innovation in Hawaii, and build a pipeline of promising startups.
SK Gas is looking for technologies that bring innovation to the energy sector and has high interest in service solutions that are built around enhancing engagement with end customers.
SK Gas is part of SK Group, the third largest conglomerate in Korea. SK Gas also owns and manages a portfolio of businesses, including power generation, renewable energy development, and property development. SK Gas is looking for technologies that bring innovation to the energy sector and has high interest in service solutions (e.g., energy storage systems, energy efficiency, etc.) that are built around enhancing engagement with end customers.
Elemental Excelerator is partnering with HCF in looking at innovative ways to increase water efficiency, transparency, and supply.
The Hawaii Community Foundation (HCF) partners with and convenes experts, donors, and nonprofits to raise the level and effectiveness of philanthropy in Hawaii. HCF creates partnerships by bringing funders together with nonprofit, community, and government leaders, and shares knowledge gained through its work investments. Fresh water has always been a concern for an island in the middle of the Pacific with finite water resources.
PTT, a Fortune 500 and a member of World DJSI, is a fully integrated energy and petrochemical company in Thailand, with global footprints.
PTT, a Fortune 500 and a member of World DJSI, is a fully integrated energy and petrochemical company in Thailand. Aside from traditional energy, petrochemical, and trading businesses, PTT invests in New S-Curve businesses under the ‘Design Now’ strategy. PTT’s Innovation Team and Corporate Venture Capital identifies, partners, and invests globally in technologies for energy and sustainability, which can solve developing countries’ challenges.
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.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company is one of the largest combined natural gas and electric energy companies in the United States.
Innovation Partners
Our Innovation Partners are committed to transforming infrastructure systems through the deployment of clean technology and injection of capital into ecosystems as a whole. They see the strategic value in our portfolio and pipeline, as we provide direct access to dealflow, investor events, and insights into the front lines of innovation.
EDF is a global, integrated energy company, one of the world's largest electricity producers, with 90% of its electricity carbon free.
EDF (Électricité de France) is a global, integrated energy company, one of the world’s largest electricity producers, with 90% of its electricity carbon free. EDF is the largest renewable energy producer in Europe and amongst the largest in North America. With 140 GW of generation capacity across more than 30 countries, EDF generates, transports, distributes and sells electricity to 38 million customers worldwide.
ENGIE is a global energy player operating in 70 countries and employing 150,000+ people worldwide. ENGIE New Ventures is the corporate venture arm of the ENGIE Group and is one part of ENGIE’s multi-pronged approach to globally lead the 3D transformation of energy: Decarbonization, Decentralization and Digitization.
ENGIE is a global energy player operating in 70 countries and employing 150,000+ people worldwide. ENGIE New Ventures is the corporate venture arm of the ENGIE Group and is one part of ENGIE’s multi-pronged approach to globally lead the 3D transformation of energy: Decarbonization, Decentralization and Digitization.
Acario is the Silicon Valley based Corporate Venture and Open Innovation arm of Tokyo Gas, the largest gas utility in Japan. Upon the deregulation of the electricity and gas markets in Japan, Acario was created to explore and invest in emerging technologies in the new energy and sustainability sectors. Their current investment focus areas include mobility solutions, renewables and energy storage, next-generation grid infrastructure and services, and sustainability.
Acario is the Silicon Valley based Corporate Venture and Open Innovation arm of Tokyo Gas, the largest gas utility in Japan. Upon the deregulation of the electricity and gas markets in Japan, Acario was created to explore and invest in emerging technologies in the new energy and sustainability sectors. Their current investment focus areas include mobility solutions, renewables and energy storage, next-generation grid infrastructure and services, and sustainability.
NextEra Energy, Inc. is a Fortune 200 energy company with about 45,900 megawatts of generating capacity throughout the United States and Canada. It is the largest electric utility holding company by market capitalization, and together with its affiliated entities, it is the world's largest generator of renewable energy from the wind and sun.
NextEra Energy, Inc. is a Fortune 200 energy company with about 45,900 megawatts of generating capacity throughout the United States and Canada. It is the largest electric utility holding company by market capitalization, and together with its affiliated entities, it is the world’s largest generator of renewable energy from the wind and sun.
Portland General Electric, is a public utility based in Portland, Oregon. For more than 130 years, PGE has been powering customers’ lives, delivering energy that is safe, reliable and affordable. Today, customers expect more. They also want their energy to be clean and secure. PGE is committed to helping customers and the communities they serve achieve a clean energy future.
Portland General Electric, is a public utility based in Portland, Oregon. For more than 130 years, PGE has been powering customers’ lives, delivering energy that is safe, reliable and affordable. Today, customers expect more. They also want their energy to be clean and secure. PGE is committed to helping customers and the communities they serve achieve a clean energy future.
Chubu Electric Power is the third largest electric power utility in Japan.
Chubu Electric Power has been establishing new revenue growth areas as global markets undergo rapid change. The company strives to solve societal issues that local communities are facing by combining its strength cultivated in its energy business and the latest technologies that can meet customer demand.
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.
Centrica is an international energy and services company headquartered in the United Kingdom. Their purpose is to satisfy the changing needs of their customers in a rapidly evolving energy world.
Centrica is an international energy and services company headquartered in the United Kingdom. Their purpose is to satisfy the changing needs of their customers in a rapidly evolving energy world.
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.
Community Partners
Our Community Partners are coalitions of thought leaders, business leaders, and investors grounded in Hawaii and California who believe in the power of innovation to transform a place. We provide them with capacity building and funding resources that will help create a 100% renewable future in Hawaii that is inclusive, equitable, and resilient.
HTDC aims to accelerate the growth of Hawaii's technology industry by providing capital, building infrastructure and developing talent to foster innovation.
HTDC aims to accelerate the growth of Hawaii’s technology industry by providing capital, building infrastructure and developing talent to foster innovation. HTDC is attached to the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT).
Servco Pacific Inc. is Hawaii's largest privately held company.
Founded in 1919, Servco is the Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru distributor for Hawaii, and has Toyota, Lexus and Subaru automotive dealerships spanning Hawaii and Australia. It also has specialty insurance brokerage and benefits consulting offices in Hawaii and the Pacific Northwest, and home appliance operations that distribute General Electric, Thermador, Bosch, and Gaggenau products throughout Hawaii and other Pacific islands. In addition, Servco has a private equity portfolio, which includes co-majority ownership of Fender Musical Instruments Corporation. Servco is one of the Top 30 largest automotive dealer groups based in the U.S.
Since our roots in the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative, we have worked closely with the State Energy Office to support innovation-friendly policies.
The Hawaii State Energy Office (HSEO) is a division of the State’s Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. HSEO is committed to developing and deploying high-impact solutions that will maximize Hawaii’s renewable energy resources, and improve efficiency and transportation standards. In partnership with Elemental Excelerator, HSEO has brought one of the most exciting conferences, VERGE Hawaii, to the islands, showcasing Hawaii’s energy leadership and convening some of the most important voices in clean energy.
Elemental Excelerator is partnering with HCF in looking at innovative ways to increase water efficiency, transparency, and supply.
The Hawaii Community Foundation (HCF) partners with and convenes experts, donors, and nonprofits to raise the level and effectiveness of philanthropy in Hawaii. HCF creates partnerships by bringing funders together with nonprofit, community, and government leaders, and shares knowledge gained through its work investments. Fresh water has always been a concern for an island in the middle of the Pacific with finite water resources.
Ulupono is a Hawaii-focused impact investing firm.
Ulupono is a Hawaii-focused impact investing firm working to improve the quality of life for island residents in four key areas: locally produced food; clean, renewable energy; and better management of water and waste.
Hawai'i Energy empowers island families and businesses to make smarter energy choices.
Hawai’i Energy educates island families and businesses about the many, lasting benefits of clean energy. They encourage and reward practical energy-saving decisions and believe that together, we can save money, grow our economy and reduce the demand for electricity imports.
American Savings Bank is Hawaii's third-largest financial institution and is a subsidiary of Hawaiian Electric Industries.
For more than 90 years, American Savings Bank has championed the dreams of generations of island residents and businesses. Their strength comes from helping customers succeed and supporting the communities they live in.
PICHTR's vision is to facilitate the adoption and implementation of sustainable development practices throughout Hawaii.
Pacific International Center for High Technology Research incubated Elemental Excelerator for seven years, and supports administration and operations.
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How Are Our Companies & PartnersWorking Together?
We drive toward four outcomes: investments, pilot projects, commercial-scale roll outs, and acquisitions.
VIA Partners with Hawaiian Electric and Vector on Substation Transformer Fleet Management
VIA (cohort 6) and Hawaiian Electric are pleased to share that Hawaiian Electric has joined Global Data Asset Collaborative (GDAC™) alongside Vector. The Collaborative's goal is to reduce unexpected issues or failures, determine the right spare equipment inventory levels, and reduce the frequency of corrective maintenance.
Read MoreVector and Chargetrip partner to ease ‘range and charge anxiety’ among EV users
Auckland energy company Vector and Dutch start-up Chargetrip (cohort 7) have teamed up to ease ‘range and charge anxiety’ among New Zealand’s rapidly growing number of electric vehicle (EV) users. To help fund the app’s adaptation to the New Zealand market, Vector and Chargetrip have been awarded a grant from Elemental Excelerator.
Read MoreUlupono Initiative Invests In Carbon Lighthouse
Carbon Lighthouse (cohort 4), which has been working with Alexander & Baldwin on increasing energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions at four of its buildings, has raised $27 million in growth round funding, including a $3 million investment by Ulupono Initiative, the Hawaii-based impact investing firm founded by eBay founder Pierre Omidyar and his wife, Pam.
Read MoreNational Grid and TEPCO invest in Opus One
National Grid and Tokyo Electric Power jointly invested in Opus One (cohort 6) through Energy Impact Partners. Opus One is building a dynamic software platform that gives utilities, owners of distributed energy resources (DERs), and other market participants real-time insight into the DNA of the electricity distribution grid.
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