PGW and Temple University Announce Second Round Energy Innovation Lab Cohort
Posted on:Mar 07, 2023Energy entrepreneurs are encouraged to join the incubator to cultivate their products or services that advance clean energy and affordability.
PHILADELPHIA (March 7, 2023) – At Philadelphia Gas Works’ (PGW) recent Energy Innovation Symposium, PGW and Temple University’s Small Business Development Center (TU SBDC) announced the second cohort of The Energy Innovation Lab. The lab serves as a small business incubator that hosts entrepreneurs whose ground-breaking products or services have the potential to reimagine the energy sector.
Established in 2021, the Energy Innovation Lab provides entrepreneurs with comprehensive TU SBDC entrepreneurship support and PGW mentors to advance their sustainable energy concepts that can help meet Philadelphia’s growing energy needs, promote energy efficiency and affordability, as well as help the City meet its 2050 goal of carbon neutrality. The chosen entrepreneur(s) will receive hands-on training, mentoring, and real-time feedback from PGW energy industry experts and TU SBDC business development consultants.
Applicants for the two-year program must have solutions that are beyond the proof-of-concept stage and moving to product development. Selected energy entrepreneur(s) will receive comprehensive business support services for the duration of the two-year program and a stipend of up to $30,000. Applications are being accepted through April 25, 2023.
A knowledgeable panel of volunteer judges from Philadelphia’s leading energy, innovation, and start-up development organizations will oversee a two-round evaluation process. Applicants’ proposals will be evaluated and ranked based on viability and alignment with PGW’s mission of enhancing the quality of life for all by delivering safe, reliable, affordable energy in an environmentally responsible way.
The lab currently supports two companies: ATP-PA, which is developing an economical method of capturing carbon dioxide; and Metal Light, which is developing a portable power generator fueled by metal and air with zero emissions.
“Having large groups like PGW and TU SBDC work with early-stage startups in this way is really important for growing the startup ecosystem, especially here in Philadelphia where there’s a lot of potential for that ecosystem,” said Ryan Geothals, Metal Light’s Chief Technology Officer.
Joe James, President of ATP-PA, added: “PGW is very committed to the quality of life and the health of the City. We’re honored to help them make Philadelphia an even better place.”
“We are excited to welcome a new cohort to the Energy Innovation Lab and to discover how their concepts can drive both our local economy and clean energy future,” said Elliott Gold, Vice President of Corporate Planning at PGW. “PGW sees tremendous potential from the entrepreneurs in the lab’s first cohort and we are honored to work with them. We appreciate our partnership with Temple University’s Small Business Development Center, the business community, and the volunteer judges for their vision and dedication in making the Energy Innovation Lab possible.”
To learn more about the program, application process, judges, and timelines please visit incubator.pgworks.com.
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