News Coverage – Five Clean-Tech Startups Added to Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator
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News Coverage – Metro Africa Express Wins L.A. New Mobility Challenge at LA CoMotion 2018
News Coverage – Governor Schwarzenegger, Akon, and Mayor Faulconer discuss Climate Change Investments
Press Release – LACI and California Clean Energy Fund Announce the Winner of the California Climate Cup
Solstice Energy Solutions takes the top prize, while Wheeli and EVmatch win technology categories in the first-ever California Climate Cup, the global competition showcasing the most promising and innovative megacity climate solutions. CalCEF Managing Director, Danny Kennedy (left) and LACI CEO Matt Petersen (right) present Ugwem Eneyo of Solstice Energy Solutions (center) the Grand Prize Check for the California Climate Cup on the Main Stage at The Global Climate Action Summit. Photo Credit: Mike Swords
LOS ANGELES, CA – On September 14, The Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) and California Clean Energy Fund announced the winner of the California Climate Cup on the Main Stage of the Global Climate Action Summit in San Francisco, CA. The California Climate Cup is a startup competition seeking the world’s most promising climate solutions for megacities and region.
Ten competitors made it to the California Climate Cup finals held on September 10th from the US, Australia and France, and pitched their companies before a panel of judges representing Itron Idea Labs, Edison International, BMW i Ventures, Emerson Elemental, GreenBiz and Innovate UK. The top ten finalists were selected from over 100 applications in the areas of zero emissions mobility and goods movement, energy/transportation nexus, and digital solutions for sustainable cities.
Find out more information about the 10 California Climate Cup Finalists here.
Following the finals in Los Angeles, the three category winners, Wheeli, EVmatch and Solstice Energy Solutions, attended several events in San Francisco pitching in front of key customers, investors, global leaders and policymakers, culminating the Grand Prize presentation at the Moscone Center on Friday, September 14th.
Solstice Energy Solutions was awarded $25,000US and the two category finalists were awarded $5,000US.
“The California Climate Cup demonstrated that there is no lack of innovative, motivated minds tackling the climate crisis. These companies will enable a future with cleaner air for our cities and citizens, access to renewable energy and zero emission mobility, and reduce carbon emissions on a significant scale,” said Matt Petersen, President and CEO of the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator. “Business innovation along with strong climate policy will help cities, states, and countries across the globe achieve the goals set with the Paris Agreement and Global Climate Action Summit. Congratulations to the finalists and winners and we look forward to seeing their continued success.”
The competition was supported by major sponsors Edison International and Itron Idea Labs. Additional sponsorship was offered by PG&E and LADWP and affiliate partner support was provided by C40 and GreenBiz / VERGE.
Meet the California Climate Cup Winners
Grand Prize and Winner of the Digital Solutions for Sustainable Cities Category, Sponsored by Itron Idea Labs – Solstice Energy Solutions
Solstice Energy Solutions emerged as the first event California Climate Cup grand prize winner. The San Francisco-based company develops IoT and software to intelligently manage distributed energy resources. Its initial focus is on cities in emerging markets where unreliable grids have resulted in distributed energy landscapes, primarily diesel generators. Increasing integration of distributed solar and battery technology ultimately requires intelligence, flexibility and control.
Zero Emissions Mobility and Goods Movement
Wheeli is a new York-based shared mobility company. Wheeli is the carpooling app for college students working to build a national transportation network starting with college campuses. Wheeli is the Airbnb for the empty car seats on the road.
Energy/Transportation Nexus Sponsored by Edison International
EVmatch from Santa Barbara, California provides people a network of electric vehicle charging stations. EVmatch is a peer-to-peer network for electric vehicle (EV) charging that harnesses the power of sharing to immediately create more reliable charging options. Through EVmatch, individuals and business owners rent out their private charging stations, earning money and supporting EV drivers with reservable charging. EV drivers leverage the sharing economy to easily find, reserve, and pay for charging with a few quick clicks using the company’s web or mobile applications.
About LACI
Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) is a private non-profit organization helping to accelerate the commercialization of clean technologies and ensuring an inclusive green economy by unlocking innovation, transforming markets and enhancing community. Founded as a cluster-driven economic development initiative by the City of Los Angeles and its Department of Water & Power (LADWP), LACI is recognized as one of the most innovative business incubators in the world by UBI. In the past six years, LACI has helped 72 portfolio companies raise $159M in funding, $220M in revenue, create 1,695 jobs, and deliver more than $379M in long-term economic value.
LACI is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and committed to building a more inclusive ecosystem that integrates women, people of color, and other underrepresented groups into the cleantech sector and the overall tech industry. We strongly encourage applications from qualified applicants and members of underrepresented groups. The information collected from the application helps us ensure that we are meeting our goal of an equitable and diverse campus and community.
About California Clean Energy Fund
The California Clean Energy Fund (CalCEF) connects capital to catalytic clean energy investments and ideas. They work across the entire lifecycle of clean energy development, commercialization and deployment. Since 2004, California Clean Energy Fund has leveraged $1.5 billion in investment, invested in over 100 clean energy enterprises, and launched industry leading centers for solution collaboration. Today, they are planning for rapid clean energy adoption, to build equity into the energy economy and to create new jobs in California, the United States and around the world. California Clean Energy Fund operates offices in Oakland, CA and Shanghai, China. Learn more at calcef.org.
Media Contact:
Clare Le
213-358-6500
clare@laci.org
Press Release – LACI Welcomes President of the Government of Spain and First Lady María Begoña Gómez Fernández for a Clean Energy and Latino Leadership Discussion
Photo Credit: Laura Rudich
LOS ANGELES – LACI welcomed the President of the Government of Spain and First Lady María Begoña Gómez Fernández on September 29th for a tour of the facility, and a discussion on the importance of climate action and Latino leadership.
Senate President pro Tempore Emeritus Kevin de León invited the President to LACI and the La Kretz Innovation Campus, which are in de León’s district area. LACI CEO Matt Petersen provided the President and First Lady a tour of the LKIC campus, including the Prototyping Center. Following the tour, Petersen welcomed the President and First Lady in front of a full audience to discuss climate action, and related issues facing society and how business, government, and entrepreneurs are leading the way.
“Very few places in the world are so ambitious as California in their attempts to face this issue,” said Prime Minister Sánchez in his prepared remarks on climate policy. “We are going to work together, because I am sure that together, civil society, business, and the public sector can make it happen.”
“It was an honor to host President Pedro Sánchez, and have the opportunity to share LACI’s work with entrepreneurs, government leaders, and corporate partners to create a green, inclusive economy for the Los Angeles region,” said Matt Petersen, CEO of LACI. “We are grateful to Senator De León for his climate leadership, support for our organization’s work, and inviting President Sánchez to the campus.”
Photo Credit: Laura Rudich
After speaking briefly to press, President Sánchez led a roundtable discussion about Latino leadership. Participants from Los Angeles included Senator de Leon, Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-CA), State Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo (D-Los Angeles), State Assemblymember Miguel Santiago (D-Los Angeles), Vice Mayor of San Jose Magdalena Carrasco, Mr. David Ayon, Alejandro González Iñárritu, Dr. Cynthia Telles, Dr. Francisco Rodriguez, Mr. Walter Ulloa, and Mr. Moctesuma Esparza.
An Unprecedented Roadmap to Accelerate Zero Emissions Transportation by Time of 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games
Partners Call for Additional 25 Percent Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions Beyond Current Commitments Through Acceleration of Transportation Electrification in the L.A. Region by 2028
LOS ANGELES (Sept. 11, 2018) The unprecedented Transportation Electrification Partnership—convened by the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) —today released the 1.0 version of their Zero Emissions 2028 Roadmap, setting the goal to move toward an additional 25 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution beyond current commitments—through accelerating transportation electrification—by the time the world arrives in Los Angeles for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The Partnership’s Leadership Group—comprised of the California Air Resources Board (CARB), Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, County of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro), Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), Southern California Edison (SCE), & LACI—have already made ambitious commitments to transportation electrification for the region that are aligned with California’s climate change and air quality goals, as well as the Paris Agreement’s 2 degrees Celsius goal. The additional 25 percent goal to reduce GHGs and air pollution reflects the Partnership’s ambitious commitment to help the region go further, faster together, including through the Roadmap’s principles and targets for key sectors.
With its release on the eve of California Governor Brown’s Global Climate Action Summit, the Roadmap’s targets include ensuring that 20 to 45 percent of all passenger cars are electric by 2028, and 10 to 40 percent of all heavy-duty drayage trucks on the road are zero emissions by 2028. LACI and the Partnership’s Leadership Group, Advisory Group, and other stakeholders will work together over the coming year to conduct further analyses in preparation for the release of the Roadmap 2.0 by Fall 2019.
“Climate change doesn’t respect any city lines or national borders, so our response to it requires strong partnerships, unified action, and the urgency demanded by the greatest threat to our planet’s health and our families’ futures,” said Mayor Garcetti. “This Zero Emissions Roadmap will help us set ambitious transportation targets in our Sustainable City pLAn, while strengthening L.A.’s economy, reinforcing our commitment to environmental justice, and accelerating the reduction of dangerous emissions between now and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
“Los Angeles County is proactively investing in zero-emissions transportation,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, whose district includes the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. “Communities along our freeways and in the Harbor Area have shouldered the air pollution burden of our car culture and goods movement system for too long. We have the technology we need to kick our reliance on fossil fuel and drive a zero-emissions future—and with this roadmap we can get started building that future today.”
“Using the deadline of the Olympics in 2028, we can use the LA region’s can do attitude along with California’s leadership to make things possible that were never before,” said Mary D. Nichols, Chair of CARB. “That’s why this partnership is so powerful and critically important to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, cleaning up our air, and leading the transition to a zero-emissions future.”
The Roadmap also includes targets for the deployment of charging infrastructure, electric buses and medium-duty electric delivery trucks, among other targets. The Roadmap will be a key tool that other cities and regions outside Greater Los Angeles can use to inform their own efforts to move towards zero-emissions, working to combat climate change in the manner inspired by the Paris Climate Accord.
“As the White House rolls back air quality and fuel efficiency standards, the Partnership and Roadmap reaffirm that the L.A. region and California are leading the way to cleaner air and a brighter future,” said Matt Petersen, president and CEO of LACI. “Thanks to the landmark Transportation Electrification Partnership, the Zero Emissions 2028 Roadmap will help keep the Los Angeles region focused on our important 25% additional reduction goal while unlocking innovation through startups.”
As part of the Partnership and Roadmap implementation, LACI will begin to identify catalytic pilots, demonstration showcases and testbeds for transportation electrification and shared mobility, and also host technology competitions and incubate start-ups, while helping develop the needed workforce for bringing the benefits of transportation electrification to disadvantaged communities. For example, LACI and the California Clean Energy Fund recently announced finalists for the first-ever California Climate Cup, a global startup competition with over 100 entries focused on promoting the next generation of technologies that will help megacities—as well as states and regions—accelerate reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and enhance resiliency in the face of climate change.
The Partnership’s Leadership and Advisory Groups are instrumental to achieving and fostering the necessary collaboration to realize the Roadmap’s ambitious goals. The Advisory Group is comprised of diverse partners including BMW Group, PCS Energy, Itron Idea Labs, Greenlots, South Coast Air Quality Management District, Tesla, Pacific Gas & Electric, BYD, Southern California IBEW-NECA, California State University, Northridge and the USC Schwarzenegger Institute for State and Global Policy.
“LADWP has made great strides in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution and we are making significant investments in supporting electrification because a cleaner and greener transportation system is key to continuing the progress we have made in the Los Angeles region, said LADWP General Manager David Wright. “We are excited to partner with other utilities, local, regional and state government and others in the Transportation Electrification Partnership.”
“Southern California Edison has been aggressively moving forward with a range of programs that will help to electrify transportation across many sectors,” said SCE President Ron Nichols. “These programs support California’s greenhouse gas and air pollution reduction goals to achieve cleaner air for our communities. SCE is pleased to be part of a regional Transportation Electrification Partnership that has come together to accelerate the L.A. Region’s role as a national leader in zero-emission vehicles by 2028.
“LA Metro has 105 electric buses on order and will deploy a fully electric bus fleet on the Orange Line by 2020 and the Silver Line soon thereafter,” said LA Metro CEO Phillip A. Washington. “Our goal is to convert the entire 2,200-plus Metro bus fleet to zero emission vehicles by 2030, and we will do everything possible to accelerate that date. We believe it’s important to lead in the effort to fight climate change and improve air quality in Southern California.”
“Transportation is a leading source of air pollution that causes negative public health outcomes in Southern California and drives global climate change,” added Stella Li, President of BYD Motors. “BYD’s North America operations, with nearly 900 employees in Los Angeles County alone, is working to tackle this problem head-on by providing a range of battery electric bus, truck, forklift and rail options that will help the region, state and nation meet its clean transportation goals. BYD is pleased to partner with LACI on this important Zero Emission Roadmap.”
“The BMW Group is excited to be part of the LACI Transportation Electrification Advisory Group helping to identify ways to reduce GHG emissions and air pollution by accelerating zero emission mobility,” said Lisa Errion Saums, Vice President Government and External Affairs Americas, BMW of LLC. “The targets elaborated in the ZEV roadmap are very ambitious and require a substantive investment in infrastructure, additional financial and non-monetary incentives and continuous customer education and outreach. In order to reach these ambitious objectives joint efforts from all stakeholders involved are needed. LACI is bringing together an unprecedented partnership of local government leaders, utilities, regulators, start-ups and carmakers to work collaboratively and achieve regional transportation electrification faster. The BMW Group is committed to help transform mobility in L.A. to meet air quality and climate goals.”
“Tesla’s mission is to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy because climate change is real and happening right now,” shared Rohan Patel, Director of Policy and Business Development for Tesla. It’s why we recently announced our decision to enter the heavy-duty market and why all our vehicles are 100 percent electric and zero-emissions. As both a California-based manufacturer and a provider of charging infrastructure with 20,000 employees throughout the state, we’re pleased to be part of the LACI Advisory group that is helping to shape and meet these goals.”
“The electrification of transportation is one of the biggest steps we can take to reduce carbon emissions and improve regional air quality,” Roberto Aiello, Director at Itron Idea Labs said. “We are proud to join this innovative group of stakeholders to create new opportunities for clean energy that can be readily adopted by cities around the world.”
“Although we operate in 13 countries across 3 continents, Greenlots is proud to call Los Angeles our home,” said Brett Hauser, CEO of Greenlots. “We share the city’s vision for a carbon-free future and believe that widespread and equitable access to electric vehicle charging infrastructure is key to achieving that vision. By embracing an ambitious sustainability agenda, Los Angeles is setting the standard for other large cities around the world. Greenlots is proud to work alongside LACI and other organizations to help the city shine ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games.”
Jennifer Kropke, Director of Workforce and Environmental Engagement for Southern California IBEW-NECA added, “The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local Union 11 and National Electrical Contractors Association Los Angeles Chapter are so proud to partner with LACI under the vision of Matt Petersen to usher in a new era of transportation electrification. The fruit of these efforts will be better air quality and good green jobs that pay family-sustaining wages. The future of transportation is electric and we are ready to make it happen.”
“Los Angeles will create the proof with its population of early adopters that electric vehicles cost less than half of traditional combustion engine vehicles so hence the future will be driven with EVs,” said Paul Jennings, Principal of PCS Energy.
About LACI
The Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) is a private non-profit organization creating an inclusive green economy by unlocking innovation (working with startups to accelerate the commercialization of clean technologies), transforming markets (through partnerships in transportation, energy and sustainable cities) and enhancing communities (through workforce development, pilots and other programs). Founded as an economic development initiative by the City of Los Angeles and its Department of Water & Power (LADWP), LACI is recognized as one of the most innovative business incubators in the world by UBI. In the past six years, LACI has helped 73 portfolio companies raise $184M in funding, $220M in revenue, create 1,700 jobs, and deliver more than $379M in long term economic value. Learn more at laci.org.
Media Contact:
Kristen Rockwell Caloca
Mercury for Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator
(424) 202-1671
KCaloca@mercuryllc.com
Press Release – LACI and California Clean Energy Fund Announce Ten Finalists for the California Climate Cup
Ten cleantech startup companies to pitch game-changing technologies in Los Angeles, and move a step closer to pitching in front of world leaders at the Governor’s Global Climate Action Summit
LOS ANGELES, CA –– The Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) and California Clean Energy Fund today announced ten finalists for the first-ever California Climate Cup, a global startup competition focused on seeking the next generation of technologies, business models, and platforms that will help megacities—as well as states and regions—accelerate reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and enhance resiliency in the face of climate change.
“We’re thrilled with the tremendous response of over 100 submissions for the California Climate Cup. We look forward to welcoming the 10 finalists to LA to highlight their innovative climate solutions for megacities. Thanks to all our sponsors for helping make the Cup possible,” said Matt Petersen, President and CEO of the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator. “The time to act on climate is now and these startups are leading the way to a smarter, more resilient, and cleaner future.”
“We’re excited to work with LACI to bring some of the world’s finest thinking and execution to address the electricity and mobility challenges facing megacities. May the games begin to see who is the best!” said Danny Kennedy, Managing Director of the California Clean Energy Fund.
The ten startups across three categories — Zero Emissions mobility and Goods Movement, Energy/ Transportation Nexus, Digital Solutions for Sustainable Cities — were narrowed down from more than 100 applicants from around the world. The finalists will pitch startups in Los Angeles on September 10th in front of a panel of high-level judges from the energy, transportation, and sustainable cities sectors including representatives from Itron Idea Labs, Edison International, BMW iVentures, and more.
Each startup will pitch its climate mitigation solution for a chance to win $25,000 and the opportunity to attend the Global Climate Action Summit and present before high-profile audiences in the days following the competition’s final round from September 11-14 in San Francisco.
The California Climate Cup also proudly announced support of its major sponsors including Edison International, Itron Idea Labs, PG&E, and LA Department of Water and Power (LADWP), as well as affiliate partners GreenBiz and C40.
Meet the California Climate Cup Finalists:
Zero Emissions Mobility and Goods Movement
Ampaire– Los Angeles, CA
Ampaire is designing and developing electric aircraft for the regional air travel market to meet demand for short-haul flights and solving two of the biggest problems in aviation – high operating costs and aviation’s impact on environment. By starting with retrofitting existing aircraft, Ampaire is taking a more efficient and effective approach than other companies in the space.
Evee– Sydney, Australia
Evee is a peer-to-peer electric vehicle (EV) sharing platform. It allows the offset of costs associated with owning an EV by offering it up for rent. Renters can hire those privately owned and conveniently located EVs at an affordable price wherever they travel.
Wheeli– New York, NY
Wheeli is the carpooling app for college students. They are building a national transportation network, and the initial nodes are college campuses. Wheeli considers itself the Airbnb for the empty car seats on the road.
Energy / Transportation Nexus Sponsored by Edison International
EnZinc Inc.– San Anselmo, CA
EnZinc is an engineering technology company focused on developing advanced high-performance green batteries based on zinc to power the twenty first century. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, the company applies aerospace and automotive engineering practices to energy storage development.
EP Tender– Paris, France
EP Tender is developing Batteries as a Service: a disruptive new paradigm with a modular approach and pay per use business model. A Tender is power bank, which is mounted on a small trailer, rented on demand and attached to EVs for long distance trips.
EVmatch– Santa Barbara, CA
EVmatch is a peer-to-peer network for electric vehicle (EV) charging that harnesses the power of sharing to immediately create more reliable charging options. Through EVmatch, individuals and business owners rent out their private charging stations, earning money and supporting EV drivers with reservable charging. EV drivers leverage the sharing economy to easily find, reserve, and pay for charging with a few quick clicks using the company’s web or mobile applications.
Digital Solutions for Sustainable Cities Sponsored by Itron Idea Labs
Aclima– San Francisco, CA
Aclima delivers hyperlocal air quality data and insights, at block-by-block resolution. They combine leading-edge sensor technology, climate science, enterprise software and machine learning to generate high-resolution maps of emissions across pollutants –– from CO2 and methane to particulate matter. Translating real-time data into environmental intelligence, Aclima transforms how we understand and manage our communities, cities, and industries to improve human and planetary health.
Ecomedes– Cape Coral, FL
Ecomedes is the software platform for the real estate, design, and construction industries for simplified product selection and purchasing. We connect buyers and suppliers by featuring the largest collection of curated, high-performance products that save money through reductions in energy, water and maintenance costs. Our platform helps create healthier more productive buildings for occupants and the planet.
LO3 Energy– Brooklyn, NY
LO3 Energy focuses on emerging decentralized business models and innovative technologies related to energy, cleantech. They build tools and develop projects that support and accelerate proliferation of the distributed energy, utilities and computation sharing economy of the future. LO3 has designed a scalable, multi-layered blockchain network to unlock this valuable data and enable these new markets – The Exergy System.
Solstice Energy Solutions– San Francisco, CA
Solstice Energy Solutions develops IoT and software to intelligently manage distributed energy resources. Its initial focus is on cities in emerging markets where unreliable grids have resulted in distributed energy landscapes, primarily diesel generators. Increasing integration of distributed solar and battery technology ultimately requires intelligence, flexibility and control.
About the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator
The Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) is a private non-profit organization creating an inclusive green economy by unlocking innovation (working with startups to accelerate the commercialization of clean technologies), transforming markets (through partnerships in transportation, energy and sustainable cities) and enhancing communities (through workforce development, pilots and other programs). Founded as an economic development initiative by the City of Los Angeles and its Department of Water & Power (LADWP), LACI is recognized as one of the most innovative business incubators in the world by UBI. In the past six years, LACI has helped 73 portfolio companies raise $184M in funding, $220M in revenue, create 1,700 jobs, and deliver more than $379M in long term economic value. Learn more at laci.org.
About California Clean Energy Fund
The California Clean Energy Fund (CalCEF) connects capital to catalytic clean energy investments and ideas. They work across the entire lifecycle of clean energy development, commercialization and deployment. Since 2004, California Clean Energy Fund has leveraged $1.5 billion in investment, invested in over 100 clean energy enterprises, and launched industry leading centers for solution collaboration. Today, they are planning for rapid clean energy adoption, to build equity into the energy economy and to create new jobs in California, the United States and around the world. California Clean Energy Fund operates offices in Oakland, CA and Shanghai, China. Learn more at calcef.org.
Media Contact:
Shawn Dhanak
517-449-0402
sdhanak@laci.org
Press Release – Los Angeles County Joins Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator Electrification Partnership to Accelerate Progress Toward Zero Emissions Transportation by Time of 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games
Diverse Coalition of Businesses Including Auto Manufacturers BMW, BYD and Tesla Along with Utilities, Los Angeles County and LA Metro Commit More Than $1 Million to Collaborate with LACI on LA’s First-Ever Electric Vehicle Roadmap
LOS ANGELES (July 31, 2018) The Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) today announced that the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has voted to join the organization’s unprecedented Transportation Electrification Partnership (TEP) of local government leaders, utilities, regulators, and businesses. The TEP will collaborate to reduce statewide greenhouse gas emissions and regional air pollution by accelerating progress toward regional transportation electrification and statewide zero emissions goods movement by the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The County will join the Leadership Group of LACI’s TEP, which includes California Air Resources Board (represented by Chair Mary Nichols), the Mayor of Los Angeles, LA Metro and utilities Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Southern California Edison, and Pacific Gas & Electric. Gary Gero, Los Angeles County’s first-ever Chief Sustainability Officer, will serve as the County’s liaison to LACI.
LACI’s Roadmap will identify gaps in infrastructure, policy, technology, and funding and harness the power of its partners to push for solutions to accelerate for deployment ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games. The first iteration of the Zero Emissions 2028 Roadmap will be released in September 2018.
Following the vote by the Board, Los Angeles County Supervisor and Board Chair Sheila Kuehl said, “Everybody knows LA is the car capital of the country. We have the freeways and the pollution to prove it. Now it’s time to turn Los Angeles County into the global leader for the new clean economy of the future. This motion jumpstarts the vision to bring cleaner air and good sustainable jobs to the region.”
“Communities in the Harbor Area and along the 710 freeway have shouldered the burden of our nation’s goods movement system and the polluted air that has come along with it,” continued Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn. “We know we need to invest in zero emissions technology and by joining the Transportation Electrification Partnership, Los Angeles County becomes part of an ambitious effort to drive our own future and make a zero-emissions transportation system a reality.”
Joining Los Angeles County, electric vehicle technology leaders BMW, PCS Energy, Itron Idea Labs, Tesla, BYD and Greenlots along with California State University, Northridge, and USC, Schwarzenegger Institute for State and Global Policy will also be founding or associate founding partners—each will also serve on the TEP Advisory Group.
“Not only do Olympic athletes need to breathe cleaner air and avoid the extreme heat the climate crisis is bringing to our region and state—the lungs and lives of future Angelenos demand it,” said LACI CEO Matt Petersen. “That’s why we are proud to announce our new partners at the County of Los Angeles along with the private sector to help accelerate zero emissions, transportation electrification by the time the world arrives here in 2028.”
Through unprecedented partnerships, LACI is positioned to be a powerful driver towards making Los Angeles a sustainable, smart city transitioning from its history as the car capital of the world to the zero-emission transportation capital of the world. In collaboration with LACI’s Leadership Group and its partners, LACI is developing a 2028 Zero Emission Roadmap, a detailed plan to accelerate shared goals for mobility and zero emissions transportation.
“The BMW Group is pleased to be part of the LACI Transportation leadership group alongside Los Angeles County and others,” said Simon Euringer, Vice President, BMW Group Technology Office USA. “As a longstanding leader in developing innovative solutions for urban mobility, the BMW Group recognizes the tremendous importance of collaboration as we work to transform mobility for the future. We look forward to working with Los Angeles County and our other partners in the Transportation Leadership group to bring the LACI Zero Emission 2028 Roadmap to life.”
“PCS Energy is excited to collaborate with LACI and other key stakeholders to accelerate the transition of our transportation system away from fossil fuels into the era of clean and affordable electric vehicles,” said Paul Jennings, Principal at PCS Energy, the largest commercial solar energy provider in Los Angeles County. “We see this sea change coming swiftly and our partnership with LACI in this effort will help support the integration of renewable energy early on with vehicle electrification to ensure a truly clean, zero emissions transportation system for Los Angeles.”
Roberto Aiello, Director of Itron Idea Labs, added, “The electrification of transportation is one of the biggest steps we can take to reduce carbon emissions and improve regional air quality—and if done right, it can also help add stability to an increasingly distributed electrical grid. Itron is proud to collaborate with other innovators to support healthier, cleaner cities as a founding member of the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator Transportation Electrification partnership. With this collaboration, we are one step closer to helping create a more resourceful world.”
For more information, visit laci.org/transportation.
About LACI
The Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) is a private non-profit organization creating an inclusive green economy by unlocking innovation (working with startups to accelerate the commercialization of clean technologies), transforming markets (through partnerships in transportation, energy and sustainable cities) and enhancing communities (through workforce development, pilots and other programs). Founded as an economic development initiative by the City of Los Angeles and its Department of Water & Power (LADWP), LACI is recognized as one of the most innovative business incubators in the world by UBI. In the past six years, LACI has helped 73 portfolio companies raise $184M in funding, $220M in revenue, create 1,700 jobs, and deliver more than $379M in long term economic value. Learn more at laci.org.
Media Contact:
Shawn Dhanak
517-449-0402
sdhanak@laci.org
Press Release – The Race to Zero is On: First-Ever California Climate Cup Launches to Identify Innovative Startups Combating Climate Change
Global competition will seek the best innovations for megacities for zero emission transportation and clean energy solutions
Winners to present during Governor Brown’s 2018 Global Climate Action Summit in September
LOS ANGELES (July 12, 2018) California continues its longstanding role as a global leader and innovator in driving progressive environmental initiatives forward.
The Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) and the California Clean Energy Fund (CalCEF) announced the California Climate Cup, a startup innovation competition seeking the next generation of technologies, business models, and platforms that will help megacities—as well as states and regions—accelerate reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and enhance resiliency in the face of climate change.
“To fight climate change, we need innovators with cutting-edge solutions that can be implemented in megacities, like Los Angeles,” said Matt Petersen, President and CEO of LACI. “From my former role as the first-ever Chief Sustainability Officer of Los Angeles and our work with local government leaders, utilities, regulators, and others in our Transportation Electrification Partnership, I know megacities need these types of solutions. This is an opportunity to pitch game-changing technologies on a worldwide stage, and connect with decision-makers across sectors.”
“Cities like Los Angeles, California and others around the world are experiencing the impacts of climate change,” said Danny Kennedy, Managing Director of California Clean Energy Fund. “They are also demonstrating solutions. The Climate Cup is a great platform for entrepreneurs to showcase their most innovative climate change solutions and technologies to the world’s leaders gathering at the Global Climate Action Summit in San Francisco in September. We will shine a light on the startups and entrepreneurs that will propel us towards a more sustainable and resilient future and speed them on their way to commercial success.”
Startups from around the globe in three areas of zero emissions mobility and goods movement, the energy and transportation nexus, and sustainable cities are encouraged to apply for the competition. Three finalists from each category of the California Climate Cup competition will be selected on August 10 and invited to travel to Los Angeles in September to pitch their startup at LACI’s La Kretz Innovation Campus to pitch their solution before a panel of expert judges.
Category winners will receive cash prizes and the opportunity to pitch their startup on stage in front of delegates, key climate policy decision makers, and local, state, and world leaders who will assemble at Governor Brown’s Global Climate Action Summit in San Francisco, September 12-14, where the grand prize winner will be released. Partners, including C40, will share the category finalists’ solutions with officials across the world.
In addition to significant exposure to public and private sector leaders, two of the category winners will receive a prize of at least $5,000 USD, and the grand prize winner will be awarded $25,000 USD.
The California Climate Cup application deadline is August 6, 2018.
To enter the California Climate Cup, apply at: laci.org/climatecup
For more information, contact climatecup@laci.org or visit laci.org/climatecup
California Climate Cup Competition Categories
To address the greatest climate resilience and carbon reduction needs in the world’s biggest communities, the California Climate Cup calls on startup companies to submit solutions in the following categories:
- Mobility and Goods Movement: Zero-emissions innovations are needed in the areas of goods movement and urban logistics, urban mobility and access, first and last mile solutions, and shared mobility.
- Energy/Transportation Nexus: Platforms and innovations that facilitate deployment of clean energy and electric vehicle infrastructure through EV charging and energy storage, demand response, smart charging, and other grid management needs for transportation infrastructure assets.
- Digital Solutions for Sustainable Cities: Platforms and innovations that enable sustainable city solutions that improve resiliency, resource efficiency and unlock new markets through solutions that utilize blockchain, fintech, IoT, smart sensor networks, and/or big data.
About LACI
The Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) is a private non-profit organization creating an inclusive green economy by unlocking innovation (working with startups to accelerate the commercialization of clean technologies), transforming markets (through partnerships in transportation, energy and sustainable cities) and enhancing communities (through workforce development, pilots and other programs). Founded as an economic development initiative by the City of Los Angeles and its Department of Water & Power (LADWP), LACI is recognized as one of the most innovative business incubators in the world by UBI. In the past six years, LACI has helped 73 portfolio companies raise $184M in funding, $220M in revenue, create 1,700 jobs, and deliver more than $379M in long term economic value. Learn more at laci.org
About California Clean Energy Fund
The California Clean Energy Fund (CalCEF) connects capital to catalytic clean energy investments and ideas. They work across the entire lifecycle of clean energy development, commercialization and deployment. Since 2004, California Clean Energy Fund has leveraged $1.5 billion in investment, invested in over 100 clean energy enterprises, and launched industry leading centers for solution collaboration. Today, they are planning for rapid clean energy adoption, to build equity into the energy economy and to create new jobs in California, the United States and around the world. California Clean Energy Fund operates offices in Oakland, CA and Shanghai, China. Learn more at calcef.org.
Media Contact:
Shawn Dhanak
517-449-0402
sdhanak@laci.org
Press Release – LACI Launches Landmark Partnership to Accelerate Regional Transportation Electrification and Statewide Zero Emissions Good Movement by 2028
Partners Commit to Develop Zero Emissions 2028 Roadmap to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Air Pollution
Los Angeles, CA—May 29, 2018— An unprecedented partnership of local government leaders, utilities, regulators, and others are joining forces to reduce statewide greenhouse gas emissions and regional air pollution by accelerating zero emissions transportation by the time the world arrives for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2028, the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) announced today. LACI sees the collaboration as a critical next step in its mission to build an inclusive green economy through cleantech innovation and market transformation.
The partnership will develop a 2028 Zero Emissions (ZE) Roadmap—with the first phase to be released in September 2018—which will set short-term and long-term goals for regional transportation electrification and statewide zero emissions goods movement. The process for developing the 2028 ZE Roadmap will identify needed infrastructure, market signals, and other priorities. The multi-year partnership will also include working with industry, LACI’s current portfolio companies, and disadvantaged communities on pilot projects and demonstrations as well was seeking new transportation startups, developing key markets, and helping develop a diverse workforce.
(L to R) Southern California Edison (SCE), President, Ron Nichols; Office of Mayor Eric Garcetti, City of Los Angeles, Chief Sustainability Officer, Lauren Faber O’Connor; Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), General Manager, David H. Wright; Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI), President and CEO, Matt Petersen; Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro), Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Stephanie Wiggins; California Air Resources Board (CARB), Chair, Mary D. Nichols
“Here in Los Angeles, we don’t wait for the future — we guide it,” said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. “LACI is a hub for innovations that could change the world — and it has helped Los Angeles grow into the green tech capital of America. I’m excited to work with this extraordinary group of partners who share our commitment to ease congestion and clean the air we breathe.”
“LACI is the right place to bring together all the parties we need to launch the transformation to zero emission transportation by 2028,” stated Mary D. Nichols, Chair of the California Air Resources Board (CARB). “We have ambitious goals and transportation is the linchpin of California’s climate action plan. We must focus on electrifying our cars, trucks and buses in the coming decade to be able to meet our air quality and climate goals. The Zero Emissions Roadmap will definitely help us get there.”
The initiative’s Leadership Group includes: California Air Resources Board (CARB) Chair, Mary D. Nichols; City of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti; Southern California Edison President, Ron Nichols; Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) General Manager, David H. Wright; Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) CEO, Phillip A. Washington; PG&E Senior Vice President, Steven Malnight; and chaired by LACI President and CEO, Matt Petersen.
“Transportation is the largest source of California’s GHGs and the region’s air pollution,” stated Matt Petersen, LACI President and CEO. “Through this unprecedented collaboration, we can grow our green economy by tapping into existing and emerging technologies, working with our dynamic startups at LACI, and identifying needed market signals. Together we will help combat climate change and protect the lungs of our children and seniors, especially in disadvantaged communities.”
LACI currently has 11 transportation portfolio companies providing transportation electrification, infrastructure and shared mobility solutions, including startups manufacturing electric shuttle buses, providing EV car sharing and vanpooling, developing electric aircraft, introducing traffic signal solutions, EV educational platforms and more. Along with recruiting rising stars of transportation and mobility-related startups, LACI is also committed to helping create a diverse workforce equipped with the skills to put transportation technology to work for the benefit of all our communities.
“California has some bold goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Accelerating these goals to 2028 through this group of key utility and transportation partners convened by LACI is even bolder,” said Ron Nichols, President of Southern California Edison (SCE). “To do that, we have to make a major effort on the biggest component of GHG pollution, which is transportation. What we are talking about here is innovation. This requires public, private, and government sectors to work together— bringing like-minds together to make this happen faster.”
“LACI has brought together a comprehensive multi-year partnership between LADWP, SCE and regional utilities and agencies,” said David H. Wright, LADWP General Manager. “The most exciting thing about this is it’s a win across the board. It’s a win globally, with reduced GHGs, it’s a win locally, to reduce air pollution, a win in environmental justice, a win for local jobs and green energy. Every aspect of this is a win, it’s exciting.”
“Given Metro’s commitment to electrifying our bus fleets to reduce emissions and enhance our riders’ experience, we are proud to be part of this partnership convened by LACI,” stated Metro CEO Phillip A. Washington. “Whether it is through transforming our region through career opportunities in the transit industry or introducing new and exciting electric transportation projects for the County, Metro is committed to our shared goals.”
For more information on the transportation electrification partnership, please visit: www.laci.org/transportation.
About LACI
The Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) is a private non-profit organization creating an inclusive green economy by unlocking innovation (working with startups to accelerate the commercialization of clean technologies), transforming markets (through partnerships in transportation, energy and sustainable cities) and enhancing communities (through workforce development, pilots and other programs). Founded as an economic development initiative by the City of Los Angeles and its Department of Water & Power (LADWP), LACI is recognized as one of the most innovative business incubators in the world by UBI. In the past six years, LACI has helped 73 portfolio companies raise $184M in funding, $220M in revenue, create 1,700 jobs, and deliver more than $379M in long term economic value. For more information, please visit https://laci.org and follow us on Facebook and Twitter @LACIncubator.
Media Contact:
Laurie Peters, LACI Communications Director
(818) 635-4101
lpeters@LACI.org
