WRITER: Alejandro Najera Acosta, 575-646-2025, a_najera@nmsu.edu
The New Mexico Clean Energy Resilience and Growth, or NM CERG, cluster, funded in part by the United States Department of Energy and housed at New Mexico State University´s Arrowhead Center, successfully completed its EnergySprint 2023 cohort. The program, designed to foster innovation and drive growth in the clean technology sector, has achieved significant milestones and empowered promising startups to make a positive impact on the environment.
EnergySprint is one of several modules under NM CERG, an initiative that catalyzes growth of a regional energy innovation ecosystem, providing access to programs and resources that support and grow clean energy tech businesses with broad impacts on New Mexico. After an extensive selection process, the 13 clean-tech startups comprising the 2023 cohort embarked on an intensive journey of mentorship, education, and networking.
Over six weeks, the startups received invaluable guidance from a diverse group of mentors and industry experts. These experienced professionals provided hands-on assistance, sharing their knowledge and insights to help the startups refine their business models and pitch decks, and to navigate the challenges specific to the clean technology sector.
The program also fostered collaboration among the startups, who learned from each other's experiences and forged partnerships with ecosystem players and faculty members at NMSU, enhancing their growth opportunities.
“We are thrilled to see the impressive strides made by the startups in our 2023 cohort,” said Carlos Murguia, EnergySprint program manager. “We have witnessed remarkable progress as the participating startups drive innovation and sustainability forward. These visionary entrepreneurs are transforming the landscape of clean technology, blazing a trail toward a brighter and greener future.”
The cohort of startups represented a wide range of sectors within clean technology, including renewable energy, waste management, batteries, water conservation and electric vehicles. Their innovative ideas and technologies have the potential to revolutionize the way we address climate change and promote environmental stewardship.
“Our accelerator program is proud to have played a role in nurturing these startups and helping them bring their ideas to fruition. We are immensely grateful to our mentors, partners and sponsors who generously supported us throughout this journey,” said Dana Catron, deputy director of Arrowhead Center and director of NM CERG. “Their commitment to fostering innovation and sustainability has been instrumental in the success of EnergySprint.”
EnergySprint facilitated a dynamic environment where participants engaged with scientists, connected with advisers and fostered relationships with potential investors, empowering them to accelerate their journey toward success in the cleantech sector.
“Our company participated this year in both the CERG accelerator program and the EnergySprint. Both programs were well-run and provided a lot of information for us as a start-up with little experience pursuing federal funding. We have submitted two Small Business Innovation Research grants, and have already been encouraged on a DOE concept paper submission for a $5 million demonstration project award. I highly recommend the program,” said John Langhus, chief commercial officer at Photon Vault Inc.
“It was great to have participated and we are very grateful that this program is offered in New Mexico, and although fast-paced, it was very informative and gave great perspective,” said Matt Higgins, founder at Hawk Spider Energy Corp.
For more information about EnergySprint, and to sign up for future updates, contact Murguia at cmurguia@nmsu.edu or visit https://arrowheadcenter.nmsu.edu/program/sprints/energysprint/.
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PHOTO CAPTION The New Mexico Clean Energy Resilience and Growth cluster, funded in part by the United States Department of Energy and housed at New Mexico State University´s Arrowhead Center, recently announced the successful completion of its EnergySprint 2023 cohort. Cohort members included John Langhus (top) from Photo Vault, a thermal energy storage startup, and Matt Higgin (bottom) from Hawk Spider Energy Corp., a long-duration energy storage system startup. (Courtesy photo)
IMAGE DESCRIPTION: Dual photo collage of two men