We work with some of the most forward-thinking partners across business, philanthropy, and government to help our companies grow and build for the future.
Corporates and Investors
We strategically partner with corporations and corporate venture capital groups committed to decarbonization and innovation. Our partners are focused on investing in and deploying solutions that can enhance their core operations or help launch new business lines.
- We provide curated dealflow, customized scouting, access to our deep pipeline, invite-only investor events, and proprietary insights on the latest climate tech trends that will move markets.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company is one of the largest combined natural gas and electric energy companies in the United States.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
HomeServe USA is an independent provider of home repair service solutions since 2003. HomeServe serves more than 4 million homeowners in the U.S. and Canada and offers services with more than 700 municipal, utility and association partners in the US. And Canada.
HomeServe USA is an independent provider of home repair service solutions since 2003. HomeServe serves more than 4 million homeowners in the U.S. and Canada and offers services with more than 700 municipal, utility and association partners in the US. And Canada.
HomeServe is looking for unique partnerships to assist in building innovative energy efficiency plans to fulfill a complete home package for residential and commercial customers. Elemental Excelerator has been a pioneer in discovering start-up utility centric companies that could bring unique experiences to our target market through energy-related technologies and devices.
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.
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.
GS is comprised of GS Holdings and various subsidiaries and affiliates including GS Energy, GS Caltex, GS Retail, GS SHOP, GS EPS, GS Global, GS E&R, GS Sports and GS E&C. GS is the 7th largest business group in Korea in terms of assets.
As a Group with a large reach in the traditional sector, GS is looking to expand and improve beyond their core business. GS is searching for ways to invest in sustainability, and hope to expedite these goals through a partnership with Elemental Excelerator.
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.
Partners and Collaborators
We also partner deeply with diverse leaders from business, community-based organizations, non-profits, government, investors and philanthropy to unlock opportunities and demonstrate what’s possible in the sectors that matter most for climate change.
- We co-create strategies that include climate technology innovation and local community knowledge, provide access to our portfolio and pipeline for investment or partnership, develop tools and uplift practices to build more equity, diversity, and on-ramps to education and workforce opportunities in technology, and more.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Connecticut Center for Applied Separations Technologies (CCAST) is not for profit organization at the University of Connecticut who is dedicated to supporting the development, demonstration, and deployment of advanced and innovative separation technologies.
The Connecticut Center for Applied Separations Technologies (CCAST) is not for profit organization at the University of Connecticut who is dedicated to supporting the development, demonstration, and deployment of advanced and innovative separation technologies through contract applied R&D, feasibility / benchmarking studies, and pilot testing across a myriad of industrial sectors. The center works closely with start-ups as well as with well-established industry players for various separation challenges across both gas and liquid applications. More information can be found https://ccast.uconn.edu/.
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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