Founder Note
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6
min read
James Dice

Big News: Nexus Labs Supports NREL & Wells Fargo with the Innovation Incubator (IN²)

July 31, 2024

DENVER July 31, 2024 The Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator (IN²), a technology incubator and platform funded by the Wells Fargo Foundation and co-administered by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), announced a partnership with Nexus Labs to accelerate cleantech adoption. The initiative will allow real estate developers and owners to work with technology vendors to digitize and decarbonize the built environment.

As part of its 10th-anniversary program expansion, IN² sought partners from large corporations, mid-size real estate companies, nonprofits, government entities, and communities to participate in the inaugural cohort of this new program, beginning summer of 2024. IN²’s role will match the best technology to each organization's needs while providing up to $250,000 in grant funding for adopters to pilot and de-risk startup technologies via extensive implementation strategies.

IN² is now accepting applications from cleantech startups ready for large-scale pilots with at least one year of post-revenue traction. Startups will receive customized guidance to develop storytelling and strategy for pitching pilot programs, an opportunity to pitch to large corporates in a final showcase, matchmaking with customers, and collaboration with adopters who receive training to maximize technology adoption.

“One of the most difficult steps for a startup is scaling up and deploying its technology. Much of this is because adopters need support choosing and implementing the right technologies that meet specific needs,” said Sarah Derdowski, IN² program manager. “We look forward to working with Nexus Labs because of their expertise in delivering educational content on smart buildings and decarbonization technology. The Nexus Labs community sits at the nexus of adopters and technology vendors, so their contribution is vital in our goal of accelerating adoption.”

In partnership with IN2, Nexus Labs and Overlay Build, the digital transformation consulting arm of Overlay Capital, will design the curriculum in partnership with IN² for corporate adopters. The program will prioritize pain points, identify innovation areas, and form peer groups for implementation strategies.

Additionally, Nexus Labs will create a marketplace software application to help program participants shortlist and connect with vendors who meet their decarbonization needs. The Nexus Marketplace is designed to reduce the time and confusion inherent in sifting through hundreds of vendors in the decarbonization marketplace. 

“Nexus Labs’ mission is to accelerate the adoption of smart buildings technology to digitize and decarbonize the built environment,” said James Dice, founder and CEO of Nexus Labs. “With buildings accounting for 42% of carbon emissions globally, our partnership with IN² and the creation of the marketplace is vital to changing how technology is vetted and deployed for the built environment.”

About the Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator (IN²)

The Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator (IN²) is a $50 million clean technology program funded by the Wells Fargo Foundation and co-administered by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory. IN² advances clean technologies from ideation to commercialization—validating emerging startups in the built environment and infrastructure sectors while facilitating connections with end users who receive practical implementation guidance that supports their sustainability goals. IN²’s mission is to foster innovation and accelerate the pace of market adoption of clean technologies to address urgent climate challenges. For more information, visit in2ecosystem.com.

About Nexus Labs

Nexus Labs connects buyers and sellers of smart buildings technology. Nexus Labs produces educational content, courses, online community events, and an annual conference focused on accelerating the transition to digital and carbon-free buildings. For more information, visit nexuslabs.online.  

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DENVER July 31, 2024 The Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator (IN²), a technology incubator and platform funded by the Wells Fargo Foundation and co-administered by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), announced a partnership with Nexus Labs to accelerate cleantech adoption. The initiative will allow real estate developers and owners to work with technology vendors to digitize and decarbonize the built environment.

As part of its 10th-anniversary program expansion, IN² sought partners from large corporations, mid-size real estate companies, nonprofits, government entities, and communities to participate in the inaugural cohort of this new program, beginning summer of 2024. IN²’s role will match the best technology to each organization's needs while providing up to $250,000 in grant funding for adopters to pilot and de-risk startup technologies via extensive implementation strategies.

IN² is now accepting applications from cleantech startups ready for large-scale pilots with at least one year of post-revenue traction. Startups will receive customized guidance to develop storytelling and strategy for pitching pilot programs, an opportunity to pitch to large corporates in a final showcase, matchmaking with customers, and collaboration with adopters who receive training to maximize technology adoption.

“One of the most difficult steps for a startup is scaling up and deploying its technology. Much of this is because adopters need support choosing and implementing the right technologies that meet specific needs,” said Sarah Derdowski, IN² program manager. “We look forward to working with Nexus Labs because of their expertise in delivering educational content on smart buildings and decarbonization technology. The Nexus Labs community sits at the nexus of adopters and technology vendors, so their contribution is vital in our goal of accelerating adoption.”

In partnership with IN2, Nexus Labs and Overlay Build, the digital transformation consulting arm of Overlay Capital, will design the curriculum in partnership with IN² for corporate adopters. The program will prioritize pain points, identify innovation areas, and form peer groups for implementation strategies.

Additionally, Nexus Labs will create a marketplace software application to help program participants shortlist and connect with vendors who meet their decarbonization needs. The Nexus Marketplace is designed to reduce the time and confusion inherent in sifting through hundreds of vendors in the decarbonization marketplace. 

“Nexus Labs’ mission is to accelerate the adoption of smart buildings technology to digitize and decarbonize the built environment,” said James Dice, founder and CEO of Nexus Labs. “With buildings accounting for 42% of carbon emissions globally, our partnership with IN² and the creation of the marketplace is vital to changing how technology is vetted and deployed for the built environment.”

About the Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator (IN²)

The Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator (IN²) is a $50 million clean technology program funded by the Wells Fargo Foundation and co-administered by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory. IN² advances clean technologies from ideation to commercialization—validating emerging startups in the built environment and infrastructure sectors while facilitating connections with end users who receive practical implementation guidance that supports their sustainability goals. IN²’s mission is to foster innovation and accelerate the pace of market adoption of clean technologies to address urgent climate challenges. For more information, visit in2ecosystem.com.

About Nexus Labs

Nexus Labs connects buyers and sellers of smart buildings technology. Nexus Labs produces educational content, courses, online community events, and an annual conference focused on accelerating the transition to digital and carbon-free buildings. For more information, visit nexuslabs.online.  

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