Off the Wall Energy Wins Regional Pitch Competition

Off the Wall Energy Wins Regional Pitch Competition

Congratulations to Bob Guimarin, CEO of Off the Wall Energy, on winning the Sacramento Regional Competition for the StartUp World Cup with his portable smart energy storage device designed to help renters save money. He was one of four competition participants that came from our cleantech cluster here. The others were SOAR Optics, Purpuratus, and Solir (formerly Thermeshade).  

Since 2017, Pegasus Tech Ventures has hosted the annual “Startup World Cup” in San Francisco, bringing together nearly a hundred of the world’s most promising startups to compete for a grand prize of a one million dollar (minimum) investment. This high-stakes event provides incredible exposure and opportunity for entrepreneurs on a global stage. To select the finalists, regional pitching contests are held around the world, where the best startups in each area vie for the chance to represent their region at the grand event.

For the past three years, the Sacramento Regional has been hosted by our partner organization, Humanbulb, led by Charlotte Danielsson and Henry Chang. Last year the winner was Chuck Hansen, CEO of ElectroScan, another cluster member. Humanbulb has already started its next cohort of potential winners. This year’s judging panel included previous winners, and important faces from Sacramento’s entrepreneurial sector.
Here is a list of the judges;

  • Brooke Borseth – Moneta Ventures
  • Chuck Hansen – Electro Scan Inc. (2023 Sacramento Regional Winner)
  • Gary Simon – CleanStart
  • Mathew Magno – JAPA (2022 Sacramento Regional Winner)
  • Shera Mui – California Department of Technology

Here is the list of all ten companies who competed;

  • GibiPay: A fintech company optimizing credit card points and rates.
  • Humolyte: A drink that makes chemotherapy more tolerable.
  • LearnHaus AI: An edtech platform using AI to transform human learning.
  • Off The Wall Energy: A personal energy platform empowering renters to control their energy usage.
  • Powertechs: Workforce development technology using AI and XR for the clean energy transition.
  • Purpuratus: A company turning invasive sea urchins into products to incentivize kelp forest restoration.
  • Soar Optics: A scanning technology that detects microplastics in the environment quickly and inexpensively
  • Solir: Developing advanced materials for the passive cooling of buildings.
  • Stuart Energy: Offering an EV charging station diagnostic tool to reduce downtime.
  • Thirty One and Bounty: An urban gardening startup focused on making gardening accessible for all.
Tzvi Weber

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tzvi Weber is the Data Manager at CleanStart, a nonprofit cleantech hub focused on supporting small businesses, entrepreneurs, and innovators in the clean technology sector. With a background in data management, Tzvi plays a crucial role in organizing and analyzing data to help CleanStart achieve its mission of promoting sustainability and clean technology. His expertise contributes to the organization's efforts to foster growth and innovation in the clean energy industry.

Sponsors

SMUD
ChicoSTART
RiverCity Bank

California Mobility Center, Revrnt, HumanBulb, Witanlaw, Eco-Alpha, Momentum

Record-Breaking Growth Factory Expo

Record-Breaking Growth Factory Expo

A significantly expanded Growth Factory Expo and Venture Summit took place on October 9 and 10, with CleanStart establishing a major presence at the event. This year’s summit set a new attendance record with 1,050 registered attendees—an impressive 31% increase over last year. A special showcase for startups dedicated to clean energy, sustainable transportation, and climate solutions highlighted the region’s commitment to environmental innovation.

The expo kicked off on October 9 with a Clean Transportation showcase at the California Mobility Center, attracting approximately 300 attendees and featuring more than three dozen vehicles, including heavy-duty trucks rarely seen by the public. The main event on October 10 filled the Roebbelen Center in Roseville, where companies in the CleanStart ecosystem, including Sierra Northern RailRoad with its hydrogen locomotives, LiCAP Technology, Volextra, SOAR Optics, Wind Harvest, and Fuse joined 23 other companies and organizations in the Clean Tech Neighborhood. See our highlights video.

CleanStart also hosted a breakout session with Rick Wylie, CEO of Villara Energy Systems, and Dr. Dennis Schuetzle, CTO of Infinium Holdings Inc. Schuetzle provided insights into his career-long efforts to reduce emissions, while Wylie discussed the evolution of Villara’s energy systems, leading to innovations in home heat pumps. The session was followed by graduates of Momentum’s ASCEND program pitching their startups for grant funding, with CleanStart CEO Crash Course alumnus Tony Jones, founder of Intake Water Works, taking home the ASCEND prize.

Among the day’s recognitions, Clean Tech Cluster member Onsight Technology, led by CEO Derek Chase, was named Early Stage Innovator of the Year for their development of a robot designed to detect panel issues in large-scale solar farm installations. This award highlighted Onsight’s contributions to advancing AI-driven solar technology.

Other notable awards included the Golden Gear Award, presented to Cameron Law of the Carlsen Center for his dedication to supporting regional entrepreneurs. With an atmosphere that embraced the “Backyard Advantage,” GFX24 provided a collaborative space for cleantech innovation and investment. CleanStart’s engagement underscored its role in Sacramento’s growing ecosystem, laying the foundations for future progress in clean energy and sustainable solutions across the region.

Gary Simon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Gary Simon chairs the CleanStart Board, bringing with him a wealth of experience from over 45 years in business, government, and non-profit sectors. Gary applies his deep understanding and experience to support the growth of clean energy initiatives and startups. His work is instrumental in guiding the organization towards achieving its goals of promoting sustainable energy solutions.

Sponsors

SMUD
ChicoSTART
RiverCity Bank

California Mobility Center, Revrnt, HumanBulb, Witanlaw, Eco-Alpha, Momentum

BERC Boosting Business Success Through Sustainability

BERC Boosting Business Success Through Sustainability

In today’s world, balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability is not just a possibility—it’s a necessity. At the forefront of this mission is the Business Environmental Resource Center (BERC) in Sacramento County, a key player in facilitating businesses to achieve success while enhancing environmental quality. Thomas Hall, Executive Director of CleanStart, and Chase Stremsterfer Stremsterfer, Senior Environmental Consultant at BERC delved into the multiple ways BERC supports local enterprises in becoming both economically and environmentally viable.

Introduction to BERC

BERC, established in 1993, emerged from the business community’s demand for a streamlined process in navigating regulatory compliance. Serving as a one-stop shop under the Sacramento County Office of Economic Development, BERC’s primary aim is to ease the burden on businesses facing multiple agency regulations. This approach allows businesses to focus on growth and innovation without being hindered by red tape.

Chase Stremsterfer

Understanding the Dual Focus

BERC operates under the premise that economic and environmental goals are not mutually exclusive. As Chase Stremsterfer explains, Sacramento County’s unique landscape provides ample opportunities to harmonize these objectives. BERC serves as a liaison for businesses, facilitating smoother interactions with regulatory bodies and aiding in compliance tasks. This support is crucial for businesses planning to expand or entrepreneurs eager to transform nascent ideas into thriving operations.

Site Selection and the Role of BERC

A major aspect of BERC’s assistance is guiding businesses through the complexities of site selection and regulatory requirements. Chase Stremsterfer shares an example of a restaurant entrepreneur who faced zoning challenges. By involving BERC early in the planning stages, the entrepreneur could avoid costly surprises and secure necessary permits efficiently.

Sustainability Initiatives and Recognitions

BERC also administers the Sacramento Sustainable Business Program, which recognizes businesses that exceed compliance standards in six categories of sustainability. From water conservation to pollution prevention, BERC encourages enterprises to implement practices that conserve resources and reduce environmental impact.

Each year, BERC hosts a Sustainable Business Awards ceremony to spotlight standout efforts. Chase Stremsterfer highlighted innovative ventures like Aquaborn, a company turning fish waste from the caviar industry into valuable leather products, exemplifying how waste can be repurposed for new economic opportunities.

Offering Resources and Support

For businesses keen on aligning with sustainable practices, BERC offers myriad resources. Their website, sackburke.org, and social media platforms serve as hubs for updated regulations and opportunities. Partnerships with agencies like SMUD and the Department of Waste Management extend BERC’s reach, ensuring that businesses have access to the latest innovations and financial incentives.

Collaboration Opportunities

Thomas Hall and Chase Stremsterfer advocate for more collaboration between entities like BERC and CleanStart to innovate in sustainability and economic growth. As businesses and startups consider engaging with BERC, Chase Stremsterfer assures them of a welcoming environment eager to support new ideas.

Final Thoughts

Navigating regulations and achieving sustainability can seem daunting, but BERC is there to assist. As businesses face new climate goals and regulations, BERC remains a resource ensuring that enterprises in Sacramento County comply and flourish.

To all business owners out there, whether small or large, Chase Stremsterfer emphasizes the importance of reaching out. BERC’s services are at no cost, relieving businesses of additional financial burdens and empowering them to focus on what they do best. With BERC, economic growth and environmental stewardship go hand in hand, paving the way for a sustainable future.

For more information and resources, visit https://economic.saccounty.gov/sacberc/Pages/default.aspx 

Thomas Hall

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Thomas is the Executive Director of CleanStart. Thomas has a strong background in supporting small businesses, leadership, financial management and is proficient in working with nonprofits. He has a BS in Finance and a BA in Economics from California State University, Chico. Thomas has a passion for sustainability and a commitment to supporting non-profits in the region.

Sponsors

SMUD
ChicoSTART
RiverCity Bank

California Mobility Center, Revrnt, HumanBulb, Witanlaw, Eco-Alpha, Momentum

Infinium Joins Billion-Dollar Cleantech Club with $1.1B Boost

Infinium Joins Billion-Dollar Cleantech Club with $1.1B Boost

We now have a second clean tech company here reach the billion-dollar club.  Producer of clean fuels from captured waste gas and clean hydrogen, Infinium has received a $1.1 billion investment from Brookfield Asset Management to accelerate development of its eFuels.  Infinium joins Origin Materials in this exclusive club.  Origin, a producer of sustainable chemicals for plastic bottles and caps, raised a billion dollars through going public in 2021, resulting in a company valuation of $1.8 billion.  Hitting these kinds of numbers brings a lot of investor attention to the area.

Under the investment agreement, Brookfield will put more than $200 million into Infinium and its Project Roadrunner, which is currently under development in West Texas. An additional $850 million has been committed for the expansion of other eFuels projects globally.

Infinium has so far committed to producing three products:  eSAF or Sustainable Aviation Fuel, eDiesel for trucking, and eNaptha for plastics production.  All are “drop-in” products that can replace their conventional counterparts without any changes to engines or chemical production processes.  American Airlines has committed to purchase fuel from Infinium’s RoadRunner project in Texas starting in 2026.  Bill Gates’ Breakthrough Energy Catalyst invested $75 million in this Project recently as well, giving it momentum.  Infinium has announced other projects in Norway and France.  

Dennis Schuetzle, CTO of Infinium, will be speaking at a 1 pm BreakOut Session at the GFX Venture Summit and Tech Expo on October 10 at the Roebellen Center on the future for alternative fuels.  Tickets are still available.  Please join us there at our Climate Tech, Sustainability, and Mobility cluster of dozens of exhibitors.

Gary Simon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Gary Simon chairs the CleanStart Board, bringing with him a wealth of experience from over 45 years in business, government, and non-profit sectors. Gary applies his deep understanding and experience to support the growth of clean energy initiatives and startups. His work is instrumental in guiding the organization towards achieving its goals of promoting sustainable energy solutions.

Sponsors

SMUD
ChicoSTART
RiverCity Bank

California Mobility Center, Revrnt, HumanBulb, Witanlaw, Eco-Alpha, Momentum

New Boost for the Circular Economy

New Boost for the Circular Economy

New legislation is providing big new business opportunities for innovation in reducing waste streams in California, and the ideas may spread nationally.  On September 26, we had a MeetUp featuring two speakers:  Heidi Sanborn and Shira Lane.  Heidi has been a strong advocate of minimizing waste streams for nearly three decades, wearing many hats.  The most recent one is being the Executive Director of the National Stewardship Action Council.  Shira is the founder and CEO of Atrium 916, a non-profit promoting creative ways to achieve sustainability and minimize waste.  

Heidi SanbornOne of Heidi’s big achievements is the passage of SB54 in 2022 mandating that producers pay fees to deal with the costs of handling their waste, with the money going not only to waste handling but also to innovations that can reduce waste.  It is similar to the carbon dioxide cap-and-trade law which penalizes emitters and routes the money to companies and projects that offset or eliminate those emissions.  In both cases, they create strong incentives for producers to adopt technologies and practices that reduce the penalties they are charged.  In contrast, Heidi is not a fan of having consumers pay a fee like those on bottles and cans to give them an incentive to recycle.  In her view, that approach makes the consumer responsible for reducing waste and municipal governments to set up elaborate collection infrastructure, rather than putting the responsibility on the producers to do the collection of recyclables and to modify the goods to make them more recyclable.  This bill and other initiatives Heidi is pursuing create opportunities for startups to get grant funding from Cal Recycle, CalEPA, and the US EPA to underwrite the development of new ideas for minimizing waste.  The pace of getting that money available is tied to getting the rules set up to implement SB54, a task that will likely be done in 2025.  Heidi joined the discussion via a recorded interview and you can learn more by viewing her entire presentation here.

Shira LaneShira talked about upcycling waste into new products as well as working with innovators to create products with less waste.  She was particularly passionate about eliminating plastic waste.  She pointed out the harm microplastics are creating, the tiny particles that are now accumulating inside us all.  Evidence is growing that these microplastics are more harmful than we recognize.  In her view, recycling or even plastic waste conversion to new products will turn out to be adequate to deal with these microparticles.  There will always be unrecovered plastic waste that ends up in streams and the sea, slowly degrading to microscopic shreds that are hard to detect and impossible to avoid.  She has a website that sells sustainable products as alternatives to conventional counterparts. 

If you are an entrepreneur looking for new horizons, this new attention on making the economy more circular looks like it will be a rich source of funding for those with good ideas.

Gary Simon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Gary Simon chairs the CleanStart Board, bringing with him a wealth of experience from over 45 years in business, government, and non-profit sectors. Gary applies his deep understanding and experience to support the growth of clean energy initiatives and startups. His work is instrumental in guiding the organization towards achieving its goals of promoting sustainable energy solutions.

Sponsors

SMUD
ChicoSTART
RiverCity Bank

California Mobility Center, Revrnt, HumanBulb, Witanlaw, Eco-Alpha, Momentum