Grid Catalyst

The following blog is a guest post by Nina Axelson, founder of Grid Catalyst. “Our partnership with CEEM has been an integral part of our launch and initial success as an accelerator program. Through our work together, we have envisioned and activated the beginning of something truly transformative for our region. I am truly excited for this next chapter for our partnership and for the energy innovation ecosystem in Minnesota.”

The new Twin Cities-based accelerator Grid Catalyst recently chose five clean energy startups to partner with Minnesota businesses on demonstrating new technology that could play a role in creating a greener environment.

Grid Catalyst, a program of CEEM, announced its first demonstration cohort for 2022. Five clean energy startups have been paired with Minnesota businesses to demonstrate their emerging technology in our Northern climate. These projects are a crucial step for startups to prove their technology can work on a larger scale.

Since its first greenhouse gas inventory in 2008, Carleton College in Northfield, MN has reduced its carbon footprint by 68%. In 2021, the College completed its Utility Master Plan, a plan that focuses on upgrading campus facilities to reduce operating costs and emissions, with the goal of making the college carbon neutral by 2050.

We spoke with Nina Axelson, Founder of Grid Catalyst, about her history with Minnesota clean energy, how the idea for Grid Catalyst came about and the need to demonstrate emerging technology for northern climates.