InnerPlant’s seed technology enables crops to emit optical signals in response to stress, helping farmers take corrective actions to protect crops.
IN2’s mission is to foster innovation and accelerate market adoption of energy technologies to build a resilient, adaptable future.
From Concept
to Commercialization
to Commercialization
Funded by Wells Fargo & Company and coadministered by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
By bridging the gap between cutting-edge startups and market adopters, IN2 accelerates real-world implementation and scaling of transformative technologies in the built environment and infrastructure sectors.
Our Impact
121:1
Leverage Rate
Portfolio companies raise more than $121 in external follow-on funding for every $1 awarded.
$2.6 Billion
Follow-On Funding
Portfolio companies have collectively raised $2.6 billion from external sources.
16
Successful Exits
16 of 77 portfolio companies have seen successful exits in the form of mergers or acquisitions.
5
Awarded Pilots
5 pilot projects awarded and implemented through the Scalable Tech track.
Join Our Program
Support Startups and Scale Solutions with IN2
Explore opportunities to collaborate with IN2 and drive impactful innovation, from startup development to large-scale implementation.
February 25, 2025 - Funded by the Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator (IN2), Yotta Energy installed its PV-coupled decentralized battery storage on the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Café roof. These efforts showcase NREL's campus as a living lab to evaluate promising technology before full-scale deployment. (Left to right) NREL Solar Performance in the Field (SPF) technician Joshua Parker making final connections to the instillation. (Photo by Gregory Cooper / NREL)
June 26, 2025 - Funded by the Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator (IN2), Transaera began work with NREL to validate its advanced dehumidification system that addresses the energy-intensive nature of air conditioning in humid climates. (Photo by Josh Bauer / NREL)Latest News
stories
November 19, 2025
In January 2025, the Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator (IN2) chose seven winners for its ninth Channel Partner Strategic Awards cycle. The funding provided from this award addresses commercialization gaps for energy startups through action-oriented initiatives, regional collaboration, and knowledge-sharing. Many awardees focused on creating partnerships and pilot opportunities by connecting Read More
stories
September 24, 2025
Before AeroShield was turning transparent nanomaterials into energy savings, it was looking for the right partners to prove its potential. That search led them to the Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator (IN2). “When you’re a startup, especially one with a new technology, there’s a top tier of incubator programs, and IN2 Read More
news
September 18, 2025
BUSINESS WIRE—The Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator (IN2), a $55 million energy technology program funded by Wells Fargo & Company and coadministered by NREL, a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory, today announced the selection of three startups for its next cohort in the Emerging Tech track. This cohort focuses on Read More
Portfolio Companies
A leading sustainable energy company that is continuing to build a culture of innovation and scouting new technologies.
Adept Materials is developing a multifunctional building material that automatically regulates the flows of heat and water vapor through surfaces.
buildee is a cloud-based energy auditing software that helps users evaluate and prioritize retrofit projects through data, tools, and streamlined planning.
IN2 Annual Report 2024
In its tenth year, IN2 did not pause to celebrate—it expanded its impact. The program launched a new adoption-focused track while continuing to support startups developing cutting-edge energy technologies.
Read the 2024 annual report to learn about the IN2 program and the successes of its portfolio companies and Channel Partners.
Stay In Touch
The quarterly newsletter from NREL’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (IEC) offers timely updates on program information, news from portfolio companies, and upcoming events.
For startup-specific funding opportunities and resources, subscribe to IEC’s startup bulletin.