Since 2005 CleanStart has been working to build the Greater Sacramento region as a clean tech hub. Because of this work and the growing community Sacramento is well positioned to capitalize on the energy transition. Becoming a self sustaining beehive of activity cleantech hub with $5 billion in revenue and 10,000 jobs is just around the corner. With everyone from private industry to government to individuals our regional energy transition could mean an increased quality of life, equitable economic development and sustainable living for all.

Clean Tech has been hot. There have been high valuations and public successes. While the market may eb and flow, the demand for clean energy and innovative solutions will still grow with people seeking solutions to reduce the impact of climate change and demanding energy independence from authoritative regimes. With this demand, receptive policy makers, and innovation expect the growth and returns to continue. 

Recently our region has had some very positive trends with new companies launching regularly and investment coming to the region.  Regional investment in Clean Tech Companies that began as startups here hit a new record $1.95 Billion since 2019.  For the first time, 5 regional companies have attracted attention from national and international investors and corporate partners. This is a result of support provided to companies, getting their technologies investment ready.

Over the past year I’ve been documenting and cataloging and connecting with every company I could identify in the Sacramento region to find out what they are working on, how many are working on it, and how much revenue they are bringing to the region. This part of CleanStart’s progress report, we do these every couple years to gauge our progress towards turning the region into a clean tech hub. The result has been in over 9900 jobs in the Sacramento region and over 100 clean tech companies these clean tech companies are producing defendable IP in batteries, zero emissions fuels, home efficiency and more.

I previewed the Progress Report in my “State of Clean Tech” talk at the 2022 Clean Tech Showcase. We are nearly to our goal and the beehive of activity is activating the virtuous cycle supporting companies’ growth. Now we need to harvest the ecosystem to serve as a catalyst for the energy transition in the Greater Sacramento region.