The Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator (IN2) accelerates the deployment of de-risked scalable technologies by bridging the gap between market adopters and cutting-edge startups. Through its Scalable Tech track, IN2 helps corporations and municipalities adopt validated technologies that deliver operational efficiency and measurable business impact.
IN2 provides funding from Wells Fargo & Company to pilot high-potential startup technologies in the built environment and infrastructure sectors. Each technology is vetted by NREL and curated to align with adopter needs, simplifying decision-making, reducing risk, and easing the burden of early-stage technology selection and implementation.
Benefits of Participation
NREL provides independent evaluation and technical leadership for each IN2 project. Program participants benefit from:
- Access to experts in technology selection, implementation, and evaluation
- Third-party performance testing, modeling, and impact assessments
- Advanced facilities, simulation tools, and data systems
- Systems-level analysis for cost-effective integration and scalability.
October 22, 2024 - (right) Shanti Pless, NREL, is tour guide to the Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator (IN²) cohort 14. The IN² cohort 14 toured the Energy Systems Integration Facility (ESIF) at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
IN², a $50 million clean technology program funded by Wells Fargo and co-administered by NREL, validates and de-risks promising cleantech startups. Cohort 14 focuses on decarbonization solutions for the built environment. (Photo by Gregory Cooper / NREL)Program Details
IN2 uses a collaborative framework that connects startups, technical experts at NREL, and technology adopters to streamline pilot deployment, reduce adoption risks, and accelerate time to market.
Make An Impact in Just 1 Year
Learn
Two participants from each organization participate in six months of hybrid programming, consisting of monthly 1- or 2-day sessions held virtually or at NREL’s Colorado campus. The structured curriculum empowers adopters with insights to analyze market trends, develop tailored adoption playbooks, and address key barriers such as:
- Limited technology confidence and siloed ecosystems
- Complex procurement hurdles and organizational dynamics.
By the end, each adopter is paired with a curated, derisked startup technology that meets their needs.
Do
After the educational program, participants present detailed implementation strategies during a reverse pitch competition. Judges award Wells Fargo funding to the most compelling proposals, enabling selected organizations to pilot energy technologies aligned with their goals.
Over a 6-month period, participants launch short-term pilot projects with their chosen startup, supported by NREL experts. Throughout implementation, adopters receive hands-on technical assistance and third-party evaluation to ensure the technology meets performance expectations and business goals.
Connect
During the program, peer working groups foster cross-industry collaboration and knowledge sharing, enabling a strong network of adopters to scale emerging solutions faster and more effectively.
After graduation, IN2 stewards an “adoption-ready” network of Energy Champions by building trusted relationships that support long-term impact and shared success.
Participants also gain access to more than 2,000 startups in advanced energy through NREL’s robust database.