A Colorado State University-led accelerator has received a $500,000 prize to continue its work supporting innovative startups commercializing technology at the nexus of food, energy and water. 

This was part of the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Technology Transitions Energy Program for Innovation Clusters (EPIC) Prize, which incentivizes incubators that implement high-impact ideas to support startups. CSU’s accelerator was one of four winners from across the country. 

“CSU has an impressive track record of driving innovation in energy, sustainability and climate through partnerships regionally and globally,” said Scott Shrake, CSU’s assistant vice president for strategy and executive director of the Institute of Entrepreneurship. “We’re excited to have the support of the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Technology Transitions as we continue to advance solutions at the heart of the food, energy and water space – all areas that CSU and the broader region excel at.”  

The Rockies/Plains Food, Energy and Water Accelerator is powered by CSU STRATA and the Spur Innovation Network. The network helps support early stage CSU-affiliated startups through a community of 40 subject matter experts who are affiliated with the university. These experts offer their insights about a range of topics that include everything from carbon sequestration to climate change to wastewater treatment and reuse.

The accelerator also embeds seasoned entrepreneurs-in-residence and student entrepreneurs-in-training into the companies to provide additional support. 

Ultimately, the Rockies/Plains Food, Energy and Water Accelerator aims to help client companies raise capital, achieve profitability and create high-wage jobs. 

“Food, energy and water systems are usually interconnected, so startups working at the nexus of these three sectors need access to subject-matter experts and talent to help them develop and scale products and services,” said Jeff Muhs, the managing director of the accelerator. “ In our experience, founders navigating in this space understand their beachhead market really well but lack the time, resources, and network to address circular economy issues and explore co-product opportunities.  That’s where we step in and provide startups with a curated network of expertise and talent to help accelerate and scale their businesses.”

Another goal of the accelerator is to provide opportunities and support to a diverse group of entrepreneurs, including women, underrepresented minorities and those from rural communities. 

“True innovation thrives on diversity – not just in ideas, but in the voices behind them,” said Zeinab Rezaie, the climate accelerator program manager at CSU. “That’s why we’re committed to cultivating an ecosystem that embraces participants from all walks of life, as well as subject matter experts and investors. Our mission extends beyond city limits. We’re dedicated to bridging that last mile, from rural to semi-urban and bustling urban centers. With our program, we’re accelerating a future that leaves no one behind.”