IN2’s mission is to foster innovation and accelerate market adoption of energy technologies to build a resilient, adaptable future.

From Concept
to Commercialization

About the Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator (IN2)

Wells Fargo-NREL logo lockup

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.

Latest News

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

stories

April 28, 2025

Imagine a severe storm knocks out a neighborhood powerline; while most homes go dark, one homeowner seamlessly manages their backup energy, prioritizing critical appliances. This is not the future—it is happening now with SPAN’s smart electrical panel. SPAN is the only startup company to go through two of the National 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.

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.

Innovation at Scale Annual Report 2024