CU Joins Federal Program to Accelerate Clean Technology Adoption

The University of Colorado (CU) Boulder, along with representatives from the CU System office in Denver, has been selected to participate in a groundbreaking federal program aimed at advancing clean energy solutions. This initiative, known as the Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator (In²), is funded by the Wells Fargo Foundation and co-administered by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The program’s primary objective is to help organizations achieve their climate goals more rapidly by providing them with the necessary resources, education, and support to adopt scalable clean energy technologies.

The In² program, valued at $50 million, represents a significant investment in the future of clean technology. It was established in 2014 with an initial focus on commercializing solutions that reduce the energy impact of commercial buildings. Over time, the program has expanded its scope to include sustainable agriculture and housing affordability. The latest addition to the program, the Scalable Tech Track, aims to address market barriers and accelerate the adoption of clean technology solutions across various sectors and industries.

One of the key reasons for CU’s selection is its ambitious sustainability goals. CU Boulder has committed to reducing its carbon emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. This commitment aligns perfectly with the objectives of the Scalable Tech Track, which seeks to help organizations like CU Boulder implement new technologies and strategies to decarbonize their operations. The program will run from August to December 2024, during which participants will engage in both virtual and in-person workshops focused on implementing new technologies in the built environment through digitization and change management.

CU Boulder’s participation in the In² program is a testament to its dedication to sustainability and innovation. Chancellor Justin Schwartz emphasized the importance of clean energy in CU Boulder’s approach to sustainability, stating that the program provides an opportunity to identify new possibilities for campus decarbonization. Vice Chancellor for Infrastructure and Sustainability Chris Ewing echoed this sentiment, expressing excitement about representing CU Boulder in the cohort and the potential for new technologies to accelerate the clean energy transition.

The In² program is not just about providing financial support; it also offers practical implementation guidance and access to validated technologies. NREL will play a crucial role in educating participants on scalable solutions and providing the necessary support to help organizations implement these technologies effectively. By the end of the program, participants will have a comprehensive strategy for adopting new innovations and may receive up to $250,000 in funding to conduct pilot projects with In² startups or other organizations based on their specific needs.

Collaboration is a key aspect of the In² program. The cohort consists of 10 organizations from various sectors and industries, all united by the common goal of decarbonizing the built environment. This collaborative approach encourages participants to work together to address urgent climate challenges and share best practices. The program also prioritizes equity and environmental justice, ensuring that the benefits of clean technology adoption are accessible to all communities.

The selection of CU Boulder as the only university in the cohort highlights the institution’s leadership in sustainability and clean energy innovation. The CU Sustainability Steering Committee has already yielded positive results in collaboration efforts, and participation in the In² program will further enhance these efforts. CU President Todd Saliman emphasized the importance of sustainability at the university, noting that the program aligns with CU Boulder’s recent announcement to hire a Vice Chancellor for Sustainability and its partnership for an off-site solar agreement with Pivot Energy.

The Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator is designed to address the urgent need for organizations to decarbonize. As Sarah Derdowski, the Innovation Incubator Program Manager at NREL, pointed out, organizations are under increasing pressure to decarbonize, and failing to do so can result in significant costs and reputational risks. Despite this pressure, many organizations are not adopting clean technologies quickly enough. The Scalable Tech Track aims to bridge this gap by providing the necessary resources and support to accelerate clean tech adoption.

By participating in the In² program, CU Boulder will gain valuable insights and tools to implement clean technologies and contribute to a more sustainable future. The program offers a unique opportunity for CU Boulder to accelerate the clean energy transition on campus and in the community. Participants will pitch ideas for grant funding for clean technology transition, with the grant recipients to be announced in January 2025. This funding will enable CU Boulder to conduct pilot projects and further its sustainability goals.

The In² program’s focus on practical implementation and collaboration sets it apart from other initiatives. NREL will assist participants with a comprehensive approach to clean tech adoption, including identifying pain points, providing validation, fostering collaboration, and building pathways for implementation. This holistic approach ensures that participants are well-equipped to address the challenges of decarbonization and make a positive impact on the environment.

The inaugural cohort of the Scalable Tech Track includes organizations from across the globe, each bringing unique perspectives and expertise to the program. This diversity enhances the collaborative nature of the program and allows participants to learn from each other’s experiences. The program runs from August to December 2024 and includes both virtual and in-person workshops on implementing new technologies in the built environment. By the end of the program, participants will have a clear strategy for adopting new innovations and may receive up to $250,000 to conduct pilot projects with In² startups or others.

CU Boulder’s participation in the Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator is a significant step towards achieving its climate action goals. The program provides an opportunity for CU Boulder to accelerate the clean energy transition on campus and in the community. With the support of NREL and the collaborative efforts of the cohort, CU Boulder is well-positioned to make substantial progress towards its sustainability objectives. The In² program reflects CU Boulder’s dedication to sustainability within their campus and community, and its participation underscores the university’s commitment to a more sustainable future.