The Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator
The Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator (IN²) is a clean technology program funded by the Wells Fargo Foundation and co-administered by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
Advancing Clean Technologies from Ideation to Commercialization
IN² validates emerging startups while facilitating connections with end users who receive practical implementation guidance in support of their sustainability goals. This integrated approach not only directly commercializes high-impact, low-carbon technologies in the built environment and infrastructure sectors, but also educates corporations and communities on adopting scalable solutions.
Emerging Tech Track
IN2 provides early- and mid-stage portfolio companies with the opportunity to work with the best scientists and engineers in the world at NREL and the Danforth Center. Selected companies receive up to $250,000 in technical assistance using our multi-million dollar, state-of-the-art facilities.
How to Apply
Companies are referred to the Emerging Tech Track by our network of Channel Partners and go through selection rounds with NREL researchers, the Wells Fargo Advisory Board, and the IN2 External Advisory Boards – our industry experts.
If you are interested in applying to future cohorts, contact us at IN2@nrel.gov and we can introduce you to local Channel Partners or answer your questions.
Scalable Tech Track
IN2 supports end users, from the private and public sectors, by offering a comprehensive approach that involves identifying technology adoption pain points, providing third-party validation from NREL, fostering collaborative peer working groups, and building clearer pathways for implementation.
How to Apply
If you are an end user partner, investor, or deployment-ready startup interested in learning more about our Scalable Tech Track and how you can be part of an exclusive group of forward-thinking and innovative organizations leading this movement, contact us at IN2@nrel.gov.
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
As a national laboratory, NREL is a global leader in advancing the science and engineering of energy efficiency, sustainable transportation, and renewable power technologies and provides the knowledge to integrate and optimize energy systems. Our companies not only receive expert guidance from researchers at the lab, but also the benefit of multimillion dollar user facilities.
The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center
The Danforth Center is the world’s largest independent plant science institute. The nonprofit research institute was founded in 1998 to improve the human condition through plant science.
The Danforth Center has 26 scientific teams; $248 million in competitive research funding from government agencies, industry, and foundations; state of the art labs and equipment; and a greenhouse complex that provide 54,130 square feet of active growing space.