In January, we welcomed 8 Minnesota-based cleantech and sustainability startups and entrepreneurs to the 2025 PowerNorth Virtual Incubator.
Over 10 weeks of programming, participants will receive tailored mentorship and business development support before presenting their innovations to potential partners and investors at the culminating pitch event on April 22.
From grid resilience to wasted energy capture, sustainable construction to precision agriculture — each of these startups brings unique solutions to some of our most pressing energy and sustainability challenges:
- Grid Citizens (Laura Hannah) – Creating a software application that informs and incentivizes consumers to reduce energy usage during periods of peak demand
- BudScout (Quinton Krueger) – Revolutionizing indoor Controlled Environment Agriculture with AI-driven monitoring and sustainable energy solutions
- TimberCore EWP (John MacGillivray) – Manufacturing sustainable mass timber products for the construction industry
- Energy ReLeaf (Maria Reese) – Pioneering an innovative solar PV roofing system that can be installed in half the time of traditional systems, using 100% recyclable materials
- Sustainable Developer Collaborative (Sandra Rieger, Jay Rajaratnam, Adam Bradley Jonas) – Building an ecosystem for the “missing middle” of real estate development (2-40 unit buildings) focused on best practices for carbon-zero design for community resiliency
- Aartech Solonics (Amit Raje) – Developing innovative energy storage specialized for automotive, transportation, and grid systems
- SustainaPower (Effiong Akpan) – Converting oil/gas flare and agricultural waste into clean energy for underserved communities
- enVerde (Dave Goebel) – Transforming organic waste into high-purity syngas using patented catalyst technology
We’re thrilled for the opportunity to support each of these entrepreneurs as they build and grow their businesses in Minnesota.
About the PowerNorth Virtual Incubator
The PowerNorth Virtual Incubator is a 10-week program tailored for early-stage energy and cleantech entrepreneurs based in Minnestoa.
Selected participants meet once per week to receive support and mentorship from business leaders and industry experts in the following areas:
- Refining your value proposition
- Defining your market and ideal customer
- Preparing for investor engagement and fundraising
- Growing your business
- Prototyping
By the end of the program, participants will have refined their business strategies and built valuable industry connections.
The program concludes with a pitch event where participants will showcase their venture to a curated audience of investors, entrepreneurial support organizations, and key partners, unlocking new opportunities for collaboration and investment.
Interested in applying to future cohorts? Subscribe for program updates
A Special Thank You to Our Program Sponsors
The PowerNorth Incubator is made possible through the partnership and generous support of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), Launch MN , the Wells Fargo Foundation, and the McKnight Foundation.
We are grateful to their support of our programming and efforts to provide more equitable pathways for innovators to solve northern climate challenges. Together we are growing a thriving ecosystem for cleantech startups in Minnesota.
About DEED
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is the state’s principal economic development agency. DEED programs promote business recruitment; expansion and retention; international trade; workforce development; and community development.
DEED’s Mission: To empower the growth of the Minnesota economy, for everyone.
