Two more graduates from our accelerator program have landed major funding to scale their innovations. Both companies were awarded competitive grants from the California Office of Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) and the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (IBank).

While specific award amounts were not disclosed, we understand the funding is substantial and designed to support:

• Proof of concept validation

• Early-stage research and development (R&D)

• Prototype creation

• Initial product development

• Pre-commercialization activities

These grants help bridge the critical gap between innovation and market readiness — a big step for early-stage climate and sustainability startups in California.

Solir: Energy-Efficient Window Shades That Cut Heat Loss in Half

CEO: Diana Eastman

Rising temperatures and extreme weather are pushing HVAC systems to work overtime. While walls and roofs are typically insulated, windows remain one of the largest sources of energy loss in buildings.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, nearly 30% of heating and cooling energy — roughly $40 billion annually — escapes through windows.

Solir addresses this challenge with:

• Translucent, light-preserving window shades

• Easy installation

• Heat load reduction by up to 50%

• Improved indoor comfort without blocking natural views

Unlike traditional window coverings, Solir’s solution insulates and reflects heat without darkening rooms, giving building owners and homeowners a way to improve energy efficiency without sacrificing daylight or aesthetics.

Why it matters:

Reducing building energy loss directly lowers utility costs, cuts carbon emissions, and increases climate resilience.

Plumas Wood Fiber: A Sustainable Alternative to Peat Moss

Founder: Jeff Greef

The horticulture industry depends heavily on peat moss — a growing medium known for its performance but challenged by:

• Supply instability

• Price volatility

• High carbon footprint

Plumas Wood Fiber offers a renewable alternative by processing forest residues that are already being removed to reduce wildfire risk. Instead of treating this material as waste, the company transforms it into a high-quality, sustainable growing medium.

Key benefits include:

• Reliable domestic supply

• Lower environmental impact

• Productive use of wildfire mitigation byproducts

• Support for climate-smart forestry practices

Why it matters:
This solution strengthens agricultural supply chains while simultaneously supporting forest health and wildfire prevention efforts.

Supporting Innovation in California’s Clean Economy

These funding awards highlight the importance of early-stage capital in advancing energy efficiency and sustainable materials innovation. With support from CalOSBA and IBank, both Solir and Plumas Wood Fiber are positioned to accelerate product development, expand market reach, and deliver real-world climate solutions.