We are thrilled to announce the six pioneering energy startups selected as finalists for our 2026 Demonstration Cohort. Chosen from the most competitive applicant pool in the program’s history, these energy innovators are vying for a chance to pilot their emerging technologies with partners in our Minnesota-based Innovators Network.

These startups are developing the innovative solutions we need for an abundant energy future, but they need bold partners willing to be among the first to try something new. That’s where the Demonstration Cohort program comes in:

• Matched startups come away with the real-world proof-of-concept they need to attract new customers and investors and scale their solutions.
• Our Minnesota-based pilot partners get early access to cutting-edge technologies that drive operational excellence, improve efficiency, lower energy costs, and open the door for new strategic partnerships.
• Minnesota attracts new companies and technologies to the state, growing our reputation as a world-class hub for energy innovation.

These emerging energy technologies represent an opportunity to address our state’s specific energy challenges while positioning Minnesota to lead in energy innovation and drive economic growth in this vital sector.

Accelerate Wind – Rooftop wind for commercial buildings

Accelerate Wind is helping commercial building owners lower their energy costs and increase their resiliency with an affordable wind turbine that installs on the edges of building rooftops and is designed to complement solar.

Their technology enables an average commercial building to produce 25% additional energy from renewables and has a less than 4-6 years payback time by capturing wind that is naturally accelerated as it flows over the roof’s edge. This patented technology is able to produce three times more power than competitive systems, creating a payback time that is less than half that of competitive systems. While rooftop wind traditionally struggles to pay itself back within its lifetime, Accelerate’s solution has the same payback time that has enabled rooftop solar to expand across the market.

Their turbine has been developed alongside wind energy experts at Argonne National Lab (ANL) and the National Renewable Energy Lab.

Aris Hydronics – Air-to-water heat pumps for integrated heating, cooling, and hot water

Aris Hydronics has developed the Thermal Plant Pod (TPP), a first-of-its-kind modular air-to-water system that delivers heating, cooling, and hot water in one integrated package for the unique needs of multi-space/family buildings. The system is installed at cost parity with conventional HVAC and outperforms conventional heat pumps by 25% in energy savings.

Aris’s system can lower household energy use by up to 70%, simplifies multifamily retrofits by avoiding in-unit electric panel upgrades, and contributes to greater grid reliability with built-in thermal storage and demand flexibility.

Energy ReLeaf – 100% recycled solar shingles for residential roofs

Energy ReLeaf makes getting a beautiful solar roof simple and affordable for the average homeowner. Made with 100% recycled materials, their roof-integrated PV solar shingle system can be installed by a single roofing team in half the time and for half the cost of current market alternatives.

By closely examining the core functions of the roof and point-of-use energy production, their team has simplified their system down to just four key components, eliminating dozens of inventory items that their competition needs three different trades and countless hours to manage.

GeoKiln Energy Innovation – Manufactured Subsurface Hydrogen

GeoKiln offers a way to accelerate decarbonization of heavy industries by delivering a reliable, affordable, and globally deployable hydrogen supply, without subsidies. The company is pioneering a new pathway for hydrogen production, known as Manufactured Subsurface Hydrogen (MSSH™). Instead of searching for rare natural hydrogen accumulations or relying on costly electrolysis, they stimulate abundant iron-rich rocks underground using proven oil & gas thermal technologies.

This process produces hydrogen directly in place, at costs projected to be below $1.50/kg, with no need for mass water injection. Each modular “production pattern” can yield ~30,000 tonnes of hydrogen annually, creating a scalable, repeatable model similar to the shale revolution.

HyWatts – Solar energy + hydrogen storage microgrids

HyWatts’ flagship product, the Power-Plant-in-a-Box™, is designed to revolutionize the way renewable energy is generated, stored, and utilized. This system integrates advanced hydrogen technology with solar power to deliver a continuous, reliable, and zero-emission electricity supply. The system utilizes a small lithium ion buffer battery for short duration and peak response, and hydrogen for multi-day steady state backup.

The Power-Plant-in-a-Box™ operates by using solar energy as a primary power source, with excess energy converted into hydrogen during peak production times or when load demand is reduced. The hydrogen is stored and later used to generate electricity when solar energy is insufficient – ensuring a steady and reliable power supply with five days or more of backup at a fraction of the cost of a solar + li-ion system.

Kelvin – Smart insulated, thermostatic radiator covers for legacy, multi-unit buildings

Kelvin helps building owners modernize their heating systems with smart energy management and adaptive electrification solutions. At the center of the Kelvin System is the Cozy — an insulated, thermostatic radiator cover that connects directly to central boiler controls. With Cozy, residents can finally adjust the temperature in their own apartments, improving comfort and satisfaction.

Buildings equipped with Kelvin save up to 45% on heating costs while reducing maintenance issues. Kelvin’s Adaptive Electrification pathway makes it possible to electrify up to 60% of heating demand at a fraction of the cost of full electrification — lowering emissions and improving efficiency without costly overhauls.

This Demonstration Cohort is funded by the Minnesota Energy Alley initiative, a public-private partnership between Grid Catalyst, the Minnesota Department of Commerce and Clean Energy Economy Minnesota (CEEM).

We are proud to work alongside such committed partners to attract new startups and technologies to our state and grow Minnesota’s reputation as a world-class hub for energy innovation.