On May 29, we heard from Edson Perez, Cofounder of PeraWatt, about their pioneering of a broad range of products (transformers, inductors, motors) with “soft” magnetics.  There are generally three classes of magnetics: “hard” or permanent magnets, electromagnets, and “soft” magnetics.  These have been well-known for quite some time, but recent discoveries in materials science have enabled significant advances.  The field was revolutionized with the discovery in 1984 of very powerful permanent magnets based on the rare-earth element neodymium in an alloy with iron and boron.  Now, most high-efficiency motors use them.  Soft magnetic materials are those materials that are easily magnetized and demagnetized and are used to channel magnetic fluxes, among other things.  PeraWatt was founded to take some new soft magnetic materials from the lab to the market, exploiting lower losses to achieve higher efficiencies.  Edson noted that the efficiency losses in transformers and inductors are considerable, and PeraWatt’s new products are intended to reduce those losses significantly.  Edson described the journey so far in moving these materials into commercial markets and the challenges his company faces.

You can view his presentation slides here and a video of the Perspectives webcast here.

$50K Non-Dilutive Grants for Clean Tech Startups Now Available Through SEGA and Accelerate CA

Looking for clean tech startup funding in California? Here’s your chance. Amid shrinking public support for clean technology, a new opportunity is gaining momentum through the Accelerate CA Hubs, a program from the Governor’s Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA). This initiative is designed to drive innovation in three critical sectors: Clean Technology (including Zero Emission Vehicles), Agriculture and Food Technology, and Health and Life Sciences.

One of the leading Accelerate CA Hubs—Sacramento Entrepreneurial Growth Alliance (SEGA)—has launched a competitive grant program to support early-stage companies. A total of $150,000 in non-dilutive funding is available, with $50,000 grants awarded in each sector. For clean tech startups, this is a high-impact opportunity to secure seed funding without giving up equity.

In a recent webinar held May 22, SEGA co-founder Cameron Law, also Executive Director of the Carlsen Center at Sacramento State, shared details about the application process for the clean tech funding track.

Key Details for Clean Tech Founders:

• Grant Amount: $50,000 (non-dilutive)

• Application Deadline: August 1

• Eligibility: Early-stage companies in Clean Tech, Zero Emission Vehicles, AgTech, or HealthTech

• Apply at: SEGA Accelerate CA portal

Program Timeline:

• Apply by August 1 via the SEGA portal.
• Up to 12 companies per sector will be selected to join a 10-week virtual investment readiness program (Wednesdays, Sept 3–Oct 4, 3–5 PM).
• Finalists will pitch at a competitive showcase event, followed by a due diligence process.
• One company per sector will receive the $50,000 grant in Fall 2025.

This initiative offers more than just funding. Participants gain access to expert mentorship, enhanced visibility, and a chance to refine their investor pitch in front of key stakeholders. In today’s tough funding landscape, programs like this are crucial for emerging clean tech companies seeking a path to scale.

If you’re building the future of clean energy, sustainable transportation, or climate tech, don’t miss this.

Submit your application by August 1 to be considered for SEGA’s $50,000 Clean Tech Grant.

Diving into the Heart of Climate Innovation

Last week, the CleanStart team dove headfirst into the vibrant ecosystem of Climate Week San Francisco, where groundbreaking ideas and passionate innovators converged to tackle our planet’s most pressing challenges. Executive Director Thomas Hall and entrepreneur-in-residence Tzvi Lev Weber represented our team, navigating through a whirlwind of events that left us inspired and energized.

Water Solutions: California’s Million-Acre Challenge

Perhaps the most thought-provoking session was the water discussion featuring the Pacific Institute and Water Resilience Coalition. Their ambitious goal? Reducing California’s water consumption by a staggering one million acre-feet (325 billion gallons). 

This conversation resonated deeply with our recent CleanStart initiatives, particularly our sessions on “The Future of Irrigation Efficiency” with Dr. Charles Hillyer and “Navigating California’s Water Regulations” with Laura Ramos.

While the presenters focused primarily on impressive urban and industrial conservation successes, Thomas seized the opportunity to broaden the conversation:

“What about agricultural water issues, which represent the largest water usage sector in California?”

Their response was surprisingly optimistic. Despite water being California’s most challenging resource issue, the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) is creating unprecedented opportunities for innovation and conservation in the agricultural sector.

Spotlight at “Greener Horizons – Innovations in CleanTech”

Another one of our trip highlights was being featured at the “Greener Horizons” event, where we connected with the dynamic network of Women in Cleantech & Sustainability and engaged with forward-thinking investors eager to fund the next generation of climate-conscious solutions.

The event delivered a powerful message that resonated with CleanStart’s mission: entrepreneurs need to step beyond their comfort zones to discover truly transformative opportunities. By changing the social dynamics around discussing clean-tech, we can create a strong community where boundary pushing is encouraged. Involving local communities in discussions on business development and climate action will inevitably lead to better product-market fits for entrepreneurs, and greener horizons for all of us.

Building Bridges at 9zero

Our team also visited 9zero, a cleantech innovation space with a mission remarkably similar to our own. This vibrant hub provided the perfect setting to connect with emerging businesses and investors focused on sustainability solutions.

Throughout these interactions, we maintained our focus on identifying opportunities that could benefit California’s Central Valley – a region with immense potential for cleantech innovation and implementation.

What’s Next?

As we return from Climate Week, we’re bringing back not just business cards and new connections, but fresh perspectives on how CleanStart can continue to foster cleantech innovation in our region. The insights gained from these conversations will shape our upcoming initiatives and help us better serve our entrepreneurial community.

Stay tuned for announcements about how we’ll be implementing these learnings in the coming months!

Did you attend Climate Week? We’d love to hear about your experiences and the innovations that caught your attention. Share your thoughts in the comments below or reach out to us directly.