Are you an innovator? Do you have an emerging business or solution related to energy, climate, sustainability, or cleantech? Are you ready to take your innovation or business to the next level?
The PowerNorth Virtual Incubator is a 10-week program tailored for early-stage energy and cleantech entrepreneurs based in Minnestoa.
Selected participants will 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.
Applications for the 2025 PowerNorth cohort are closed. Subscribe for updates on future programming:
Eligibility
Residency: At least one member of the founding team must be based in Minnesota or the business/concept must be based in Minnesota.
Readiness: This program is designed to support entrepreneurs across a spectrum from well-developed concepts and business frameworks to early in their market entry. You do not need to be incorporated to participate. Unfortunately, we cannot support innovators in the brainstorming and ideation phase, but our team can recommend alternative programming.
Sector requirement: This program is for innovators, entrepreneurs, and startups working in energy, cleantech, climate, or sustainability. We are not in a position to support businesses in consumer packaged goods. (Please refer to the non-exhaustive list below for sector guidance)
- Connecting communities to renewable energy or sustainable solutions (improving access).
- Funding of sustainability, renewable energy, or cleantech (improving access and affordability).
- Renewable Energy (e.g., solar, wind, hydro, geothermal)
- Energy Storage (e.g., batteries, grid storage, energy management systems)
- Energy Efficiency (e.g., smart grids, energy-saving technologies, building efficiency)
- Transportation (e.g., electric vehicles, alternative fuels, public transit innovation)
- Circular Economy (e.g., recycling, waste management, resource recovery)
- Decarbonization of Systems (including agriculture, water, or buildings)
- Carbon Capture and Sequestration (e.g., direct air capture, carbon credits)
- Sustainable Materials (e.g., biodegradable materials, sustainable packaging, green construction)
- Environmental Monitoring and Compliance (e.g., air and water quality monitoring, emissions tracking)
Schedule
Once finalized, this schedule will remain consistent throughout the program. We ask participants to maintain availability between the week of January 21 and the week of March 24th, 2025, to gain the most from the program’s offerings.
- October 21 – Applications open
- October 28 – Info session
- November 7 – Info session – Register
- December 6 – Applications close
- December 20 – Decision made/applicants notified
- January 22 – March 28 – Weekly Incubator Sessions
- April – Demo Day!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the time commitment?
- Weekly sessions will be 90 minutes, starting the week of January 20 and ending the week of March 25. There may be small homework assignments each week to incorporate lessons into your business plan, pitch decks, or other development of your innovation.
- Applicants will note their availability during the application process, and the option that best accommodates the selected participants will be chosen.
- Attendance at the hybrid Demo Day is also expected, where participants will pitch their business in front of potential investors, customers, partners, and for a chance to win a cash prize. Please note that missing more than two sessions will result in ineligibility for the cash prize.
- Additionally, participants are encouraged to schedule office hours with the program team for personalized support.
Is there a cost?
- Thanks to our sponsors at the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, Launch Minnesota, Wells Fargo Foundation, and the Mcknight Foundation, the PowerNorth Virtual Incubator is free to eligible participants.
- Participants referred through our partners (Ramsey County Workforce Innovation Board, Native Sun Community Power Development, and Itasca Economic Development Corporation) are eligible for a stipend to support participation in the program.
How do I know if I’m a good fit for this program?
- Not sure you meet all the program criteria? Let us decide!
- Research shows that women and members of underrepresented groups often hesitate to apply to job and entrepreneurship programs unless they feel they meet every requirement, even though they frequently have the potential to succeed. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive entrepreneurial environment and strongly encourage you to apply, regardless of whether you meet every qualification. If your business or concept is considered too early or advanced for this program, we may recommend alternative programming better suited to support your business’s development.
What do I need to have before I apply?
- Applying is simple! All you need is a brief description of your concept, the opportunity you’re addressing, your plan, and where you are in your progress. It should only take approximately 20-30 minutes to complete. You’ll also have the option to include additional materials like your website or social media channels to give reviewers more insight into your business, but these are completely optional and not required.
I’m worried about protecting the intellectual property of my concept. Will I need to submit technical information, and who will see this?
- The application does not require sharing proprietary information; it simply requests a summary of your business and innovation. During the program, you will have the opportunity to pitch your idea publicly. You can again assess how much information you feel comfortable sharing at that time.
Applications for the 2025 PowerNorth cohort are closed. Subscribe for updates on future programming:
Thank You 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.
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