Energy2022

The Results

After three months of intense focus, camaraderie and, both virtual and in-person learning, we are excited to announce Halitra as the Energy 2022 winner. The company, which works with financial institutions, utilities, government and building owners to uncover energy saving financing opportunities that can be profitably serviced by stakeholders, received a $25,000 cash award and a joint pilot project awarded by Burlington Electric Department (BED) and Vermont Gas Systems (VGS). BED also awarded a pilot project to MicroEra Power, which is developing THERMAplus, an on-site thermal energy storage solution to provide commercial buildings with resilient, low-cost, low-carbon heating and cooling. Additional Vermont companies and utilities are in talks with cohort companies to implement further pilot projects. DeltaClimeVT Energy 2023 is now accepting applications!

Click here to learn how you can be a part of the next cohort.

The challenge

To be part of a competitively-selected, diverse cohort of startup ventures that reduce greenhouse gas emissions by enabling the acceleration of electrification. The program will focus on energy-related products or services that reduce the need for costly infrastructure or electrical panel upgrades. Selection will focus on companies that are currently at a pilot or demonstration stage and planning for scale.

The sixth DeltaClimeVT Energy2022 business accelerator program is designed to accelerate the drive to a zero-carbon future for Vermont by helping Vermont’s utilities increase adoption of clean energy, smart building and electric vehicle technologies that enable accelerated integration of distributed energy resources without the need for costly infrastructure upgrades. Entrepreneurs will be working directly with Vermont utilities to contribute to Vermont’s 90/50 and Burlington’s Net Zero by 2030 goals.

We were particularly interested in services and technologies that have wide potential applicability with rural populations and that enable small businesses, low and moderate-income Vermonters, disadvantaged populations and multi-family building residents to participate in the low-carbon economy.

Examples of technologies or services could include but are not limited to:

  • Products or services that enable installation and adoption of low carbon, energy efficient or demand management technologies without the need for electric panel upgrades;
  • Data gathering and energy analytics software that enables greater adoption of energy efficient technologies and services;
  • Smart building technologies such as smart electric panel devices, building controls, smart thermostats, EV charging supply equipment and other devices that could align with utility demand response signals and reduce the need for infrastructure upgrades;
  • Localized or micro energy management and storage technologies and related services that enable increased electrification while reducing the need for grid infrastructure upgrades;
  • Financing models for energy technologies and services (e.g. innovative loans, on-bill financing, heating as a service);
  • Low-carbon transportation solutions that meet rural and LMI population needs to include EVs, micro-mobility, bio-fuels and hydrogen;
  • Any other technology or service that enables the reduction of carbon intensive energy use and greenhouse gas emissions in transportation, industrial processes and buildings or supports demand management.

About the Program

The DeltaClimeVT business accelerator program is managed by the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund and facilitated by ecosVC. The program is centered around the ecosVC Lens of the Market® ACCELERATED curriculum, designed to ensure participating startups produce a well grounded case for their business and are able to articulate a compelling plan for success to investors.

The program features an extensive online curriculum plus one-on-ones facilitated by ecosVC principals, active engagement with sponsoring Vermont utilities, business mentors, investors and successful venture leaders. Startups must have at least two senior members of their team actively participate in all aspects of the program. The program includes three intensive sprints (each 2-4 days in duration), weekly assignments and bi-weekly webinars as well as frequent 1:1 engagement with program leaders and mentors. Active engagement and peer-mentoring by participants is an essential part of the program and a final award of $25,000 will be awarded to a peer-selected company. The DeltaClimeVT program managers work to ensure that startups in the cohort are non-competitive.

DeltaClimeVT Energy 2025

Energy 2025 is now underway! Learn more here.

About DeltaClimeVT

The DeltaClimeVT business accelerator sparks accelerated business growth in order to support the expanding cluster of entrepreneurs committed to climate economy innovation.

DeltaClimeVT is managed by the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund (VSJF), a nonprofit organization committed to nurturing the sustainable development of Vermont’s economy.

DeltaClimeVT Energy 2024

The Energy 2024 winner, selected through a peer-review process, is Rock Rabbit receiving a $25,000 non-equity award. BED also awarded a pilot project Moduly. Additional Vermont companies and utilities are in talks with cohort companies to implement further pilot projects. Read the recap here.

The companies

AirStat is an AI platform that collects data from sensors and people’s comfort profiles. Our gateway sends the data to our cloud that allows thru algorithms to control HVAC systems, reducing human errors, optimizing energy consumption and generates Energy Savings and Lower CO2 Emissions, as well as enhancing people’s efficiency and wellness, and reducing tenant complaints. Massachusetts

The SmartWatt Boiler system is designed to transform the existing heating infrastructure into an energy platform that satisfies the heating requirements of buildings while generating onsite electricity at nearly zero-cost. This energy can be used to provide a continuous backup power supply and is able to support the grid-operator by following power-loads in buildings and at the grid levels. Through cogeneration, this combined heating and power system works to power your home or business while providing heat. Connecticut

Farm to Flame Energy develops distributed biomass generation and home heating systems. New Jersey

 

GenH is a next-generation hydropower technology company that electrifies unpowered dams. GenH pushes the potential of advanced energy systems. GenH’s technologies are highly productive and achieve economic parity with existing fossil fuel systems without subsidies. Boston, Massachusetts

Halitra

Commercial buildings waste an average of 30% of the energy they consume. Energy efficiency is the easiest way to eliminate this waste without replacing any equipment. Unfortunately, too often energy efficiency financing fails to reach most commercial buildings because most buildings are small with diverse ownership that are not owned in institutional portfolios. Halitra works with financial institutions, utilities, government and building owners to uncover energy saving financing opportunities that can be profitably serviced by stakeholders. Vancouver and Calgary

In the face of the climate change crisis, MicroEra Power is developing THERMAplus, an on-site thermal energy storage solution to provide commercial buildings with resilient, low-cost, low-carbon Heating and Cooling. THERMAplus will integrate with existing HVAC systems or with heat pumps (air source or geothermal) to save Building owners up to 50% on heating and cooling costs! Thermal Energy Storage is essential for the transition to a renewable-intensive grid and provides Utilities a non-pipes and non-wires solution. Rochester, New York

Qilo personalizes electricity usage data making demand side management programs easier for utilities to deploy. Qilo generates personalized, actionable usage recommendations utilizing artificial intelligence for households to increase control over their bill at home. This reduces utility peak demand expenses, creating a more reliable, cost-effective grid. Chicago and Seattle

Coming out of DeltaClimeVT Energy2020, we feel confident in our investor pitch and have a clear value proposition for our target market. The team has deep expertise, great industry connections, and true passion for helping every company in the cohort succeed.

Adam StuddardCamberline Technologies Co-Founder, Energy 2020 Cohort Company

“We have participated in a few similar programs, but so far, DeltaClimeVT facilitators have shown a whole new level of sophistication! Thank you so much for all the work you are putting in this program. We are truly enjoying it.”

Arshan SinghTechnical Business Developer, Enersion, Energy 2020 Participant

“We plan to use the $25,000 prize money to continue to develop our software product and serve clients in Vermont and greater New England. Onboard provides analytics software to uncover hidden energy, maintenance and comfort problems in commercial buildings. These problems are a significant reason commercial buildings emit more harmful emissions than transportation or industry. We’re thankful to Vermont, the program managers and sponsors of DeltaClimeVT, and the cohort of entrepreneurs that supported us this summer. We absolutely enjoyed our time in Burlington. We’ll be here frequently to serve clients and, if possible, establish a remote presence in this great city!”

Ryan HolyCEO, Onboard Data, Energy 2019 Winner

Advisors

At DeltaClimeVT, we tap an innovative group of leaders who are subject matter experts and/or have deep entrepreneurial and investment experience, based on the needs of each cohort selected.

Ken Nolan, General Manager at Vermont Public Power Supply Authority

Ken Nolan

General Manager, Vermont Public Power Supply Authority

Bio
SaLisa Berrien Headshot

SaLisa Berrien

Founder and Chief Executive Officer, COI Energy

Bio
Darren Springer Accel-VT Advisor

Darren Springer

General Manager, Burlington Electric Department

Bio
Simeon Chapin Headshot

Simeon Chapin

EastRise Credit Union

Bio
Morgan Hood Headshot

Morgan Hood

New Product Development Manager, VGS

Bio
Graham Turk of Green Mountain Power an advisor for Accel-VT Energy 2019

Graham Turk

Innovation Strategist, Green Mountain Power

Bio

Joseph Steig

Principal,
ecosVC

Bio
Geoff Robertson

Geoff Robertson

DeltaClimeVT Managing Director, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund

Bio

TJ Poor

Director of Regulated Utility Planning, Vermont Department of Public Service

Bio
Lara Bonn Headshot DeltaClimeVT Energy 2022 Advisor

Lara Bonn

Director of Emerging Technology & Engineering, Efficiency Vermont

Bio

DID YOU KNOW?

DeltaClimeVT offers cohort members more than 35 hours of time with mentors, investors and potential customers?

Mentors

DeltaClimeVT coordinates with mentors comprised of industry experts, successful entrepreneurs, business advisors and investors throughout the program. Cohort members work directly with mentors during the three sprints in addition to socializing with them at extracurricular social events as well as other business events.

Lara Bonn

Director of Emerging Technology and Engineering, Efficiency Vermont

Dave Bradbury

President,
Vermont Center for Emerging Technologies

Sarah Braese

Manager of Government and Member Relations, Vermont Public Power Supply Authority

Cyril Brunner

Engineering Manager,
Vermont Electric Cooperative

Simeon Chapen

EastRise Credit Union

Jeff Clark

Senior Marketing Consultant,
Flagship Networks & Rockstar CMO

Andrea Cohen

Manager of Government Affairs and Member Relations,
Vermont Electric Coop

Sam Crum

Membership Growth Coordinator,
Greentown Labs

Shawn Enterline

Senior Power Analyst, Vermont Public Power Supply Authority

John Fabel

Partner,
Meristem Partners

James Gibbons

Director of Policy & Planning,
Burlington Electric Department

Freddy Hall

Resource Planner,
Burlington Electric Department

Morgan Hood

Energy Innovation Lead,
VGS

Hugh James

CEO,
PCG Inc.

Justin Johnson

Head of Global Strategic Markets,
MMR, LLC

Marcus Jones

Founder, Living Buildings, LLC

Tim Kelley

Vice President of Finance and Development, RER Energy Group

Casey Lamont

Burlington Electric Department

Julia Leopold

Director of Public Affairs, Vermont Public Power Supply Authority

Ken Nolan

General Manager,
Vermont Public Power Supply Authority

Rick Plaut

Co-founder & Venture Advisor,
Launch413

TJ Poor

Director, Efficiency & Energy Resources,
Vermont Public Service Department

Ken Pulido

Director Energy Finance, VT Housing Finance Agency

Steph Ross

Grid Strategist, Green Mountain Power

Janice St. Onge

President,
Flexible Capital Fund

Emily Stebbins-Wheelock

Manager of Strategy & Innovation,
Burlington Electric Department

Graham Turk

Innovation Strategist,
Green Mountain Power

John Tuttle

Chief Strategy Officer,
Emrgy

Mark Vreeke

Co-Founder,
Chemical Angel Network

Sponsors

DeltaClimeVT relies on sponsorships to execute successful cohorts. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor please contact Geoff@vsjf.org.

Jane’s Trust Foundation

Vermont Community Foundation Logo
Vermont Department of Public Service
VGS-Logo-Vermont