CalSEED

CalSEED (California Sustainable Energy Entrepreneur Development Initiative) is a grant program established in 2016 to support early-stage clean energy startups in California. Funded by the California Energy Commission through the Electric Program Investment Charge (EPIC), CalSEED aims to advance innovation by providing non-dilutive funding to clean energy entrepreneurs. Startups can receive up to $150,000 for proof-of-concept activities, with an additional $450,000 available for prototype development through a competitive business plan process​. The program is administered by New Energy Nexus, a global network that supports clean energy entrepreneurs through funding and development resources. CalSEED plays a critical role in California's efforts to achieve its clean energy goals by helping startups de-risk their technologies and move from lab prototypes to marketable products. The initiative has funded over 90 companies since its inception, fostering job creation and clean energy solutions. CalSEED also emphasizes diversity, encouraging applications from underrepresented communities, including women-owned, minority-owned businesses, and entrepreneurs developing solutions that benefit low-income or disadvantaged areas​.