The next application window will open 28 February 2020!
Register for Information Sessions
Applications Open
Applications Close
Eligibility Screening Begins
Eligible Applicants Invited to Submit Additional Information
Deadline for Submission of Additional Information from Eligible Applicants
Read the Application Manual for the 2020 Concept Award Applications!
Watch this video about the importance of impact and social equity for the CalSEED program.
Review the CalSEED Award Application Questions.
Concept Award Application webinar coming 15 February.
Link for application website coming soon.
Complete your online application.
The primary purpose of CalSEED is to address a critical funding gap in the early stages of the energy technology development pipeline. Most entrepreneurs and researchers require multiple rounds of funding over several years to successfully commercialize their new energy invention. To obtain this sustained, long-term funding – either through private capital or large government grants—entrepreneurs and researchers must first demonstrate that their concept is feasible.
CalSEED provides small funding awards to help California entrepreneurs, researchers and businesses prove out the feasibility of new scientific concepts for energy applications. These small funding awards, along with support services, provide a launch pad to help entrepreneurs be successful in their clean energy ventures.
CalSEED is open to applicants working on early stage innovations — from concept to basic prototype:
Applications are being accepted specifically for the following technology areas:

Applications are accepted for hardware, software, and integrated solutions:

As California continues to promote clean energy and sustainable innovations, we must ensure that clean energy solutions address the interests and needs of underrepresented populations (including renters, low-income populations, rural communities and disadvantaged communities), and that these communities can fully participate in the benefits and opportunities of a clean energy economy.
To this end, CalSEED is committed to increasing access to clean energy, energy efficiency, and energy storage technologies, reducing pollution burdens, providing economic opportunities, and reducing the need for Public Safety Power Shutoffs, particularly in vulnerable populations that face barriers accessing and affording technologies to cope with the power shutoffs. Social equity is a key component of this program. This includes job development, training, contracting, supplier diversity and economic development.
You will be asked to identify how, when scaled, the proposed technology could:
Where does the funding for CalSEED come from?
CalSEED is funded by California Energy Commission’s Electric Program Investment Charge (EPIC). The purpose of EPIC is to accelerate the development and adoption of new low-carbon technology solutions for California’s electricity sector. To find out more about EPIC and other Energy Commission activities and funding opportunities for research and development, please visit:http://www.energy.ca.gov/research.
How is CalSEED distinct from other funding opportunities through EPIC?
CalSEED awards address a critical gap in the early technology development phase where small amounts of funding can have a significant impact in bringing new energy inventions to market. By contrast, other EPIC funding opportunities focus on later stages of technology development, demonstration and adoption. To find out more about other EPIC funding opportunities, visit: http://www.energy.ca.gov/contracts/epic.html.
How much do you invest?
CalSEED provides Concept Award grants of $150,000 each to 20 – 25 projects each year. Additionally, the CalSEED program holds an annual Business Plan Competition for Concept Award winners. Winners of this Prototype Award competition receive an additional $450,000 in funding.
How often do you accept applications?
There is one call for Concept Award applications annually.
How can I make sure I am notified about important upcoming dates and deadlines?
Make sure to join the CalSEED mailing list found at calseed.fund. This will ensure you receive all emails regarding application openings, information sessions, and deadlines.
Should I reach out to a Regional Energy Innovation Cluster?
You are encouraged to take advantage of our regional cluster partners, but you are not required to do so for the CalSEED application and your relationship with clusters will not affect the scoring of your application.
Where can I find a map of the four regions?
Click here for a list of counties in each region
Does CalSEED have an office?
CalSEED offices are in Oakland, CA. In-person delivery of applications or in- person meetings or information sessions are not possible.
Coming soon