Powering Innovation Across California

Watch how California’s Regional Energy Innovation Clusters are turning breakthrough ideas into real-world clean energy solutions.

California isn’t just setting ambitious clean energy goals, it’s laying the groundwork to achieve them. The state is expanding renewable energy, increasing energy storage, improving grid reliability, and working to lower energy costs for millions of ratepayers. Achieving those goals will require more than policy alone. It will require innovation, entrepreneurship, and a network designed to help breakthrough technologies succeed.

That is exactly the role of California’s Regional Energy Innovation Clusters (REICs).

Located throughout the state, the REICs serve as regional hubs that help early stage clean energy and climate technology companies transform promising ideas into market-ready solutions. Through funding opportunities, business mentorship, pilot and demonstration support, market intelligence, and strategic partnerships, these organizations provide entrepreneurs with the resources needed to navigate one of the most difficult stages of commercialization.

Bridging the Gap Between Research and Real World Impact

Every year, groundbreaking technologies emerge from universities, research laboratories, startups, and industry professionals. Yet many never make it beyond the laboratory.

 Yet many never make it beyond the laboratory.

The Regional Energy Innovation Clusters were created to change that.

Their mission is to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and commercial deployment by helping founders develop their businesses alongside their technologies. Entrepreneurs gain access to experienced mentors, industry connections, demonstration opportunities, and guidance that prepares them for market adoption.

This support extends well beyond technical development. Many founders are building their first companies. The REIC network helps them understand customers, navigate regulations, attract investment, and position their innovations for long-term success.

Innovation That Benefits Californians

The technologies supported through the REIC network span nearly every corner of the clean energy economy. From advanced batteries and energy storage to new construction materials, biotechnology, cooling technologies, water innovation, and agricultural energy solutions, the diversity of innovation reflects the complexity of California’s energy transition.

Each technology addresses a unique challenge, but they all share a common goal: delivering cleaner, more reliable, and more affordable energy solutions for California communities.

As renewable energy continues to expand, these innovations help improve efficiency, strengthen resilience, and reduce costs for ratepayers across the state.

One of the greatest strengths of the REIC network is its regional approach.

Each innovation cluster focuses on the industries and opportunities that define its local economy. Agricultural regions support technologies for food production, water management, and energy efficiency. Urban innovation centers focus on advanced manufacturing, electrification, and climate resilience. Together, they create a statewide ecosystem where entrepreneurs can access specialized expertise while remaining connected to California’s broader clean energy community.

This localized model ensures that startups receive guidance from experts who understand both the technology and the markets they are working to serve.

Building an Inclusive Green Economy

The clean energy transition is about more than technology. It is also about people.

The REIC network places a strong emphasis on creating opportunities for entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds and ensuring that every community benefits from the transition to clean energy.

Support extends beyond startup formation. The organizations also focus on workforce development, identifying emerging occupations, and helping prepare the skilled workforce needed to deploy tomorrow’s clean energy technologies.

By investing in both innovation and people, the REIC network is helping build a clean energy economy that is more inclusive, resilient, and equitable.

Investing in Tomorrow’s Solutions

The benefits of clean energy innovation often begin long before consumers notice them.

Solar technology provides a perfect example. Twenty years ago, solar panels were expensive and relatively uncommon. Continued investment in research, innovation, and commercialization dramatically reduced costs, making solar one of the fastest-growing energy technologies in the world.

The Regional Energy Innovation Clusters are helping create the next generation of success stories.

Today’s early stage startups could become tomorrow’s industry leaders, delivering technologies that improve reliability, strengthen the grid, reduce emissions, and lower utility costs for millions of Californians.

California’s clean energy future depends on turning promising ideas into practical solutions.

The Regional Energy Innovation Clusters are helping make that future possible.