Temple and PGW’s energy incubator is back. Here’s how startups can apply

A partnership between a Philadelphia energy supplier and the city’s public university is putting a call out for a second round of its energy-focused incubator for startups and entrepreneurs.

Two years ago, Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) partnered with Temple University’s Small Business Development Center for a new incubator called the Energy Innovation Lab. The pair set out looking for a product or service that reimagined the future of the energy industry, with a special focus on efficiency, affordability and underserved communities. They were also looking to help the City of Philadelphia meet its 2050 goal of carbon neutrality.

Since the launch in 2021, two companies have been developing their solutions through the program with a cash stipend of $30,000, business services, and dedicated office and meeting space at Temple’s SBDC. And now Temple and PGW are back for round two, as applications for a second round of the incubator open.

Applicants for the two-year program must have solutions that are beyond the proof-of-concept stage and now moving toward product development, per PGW. The selected entrepreneurs will receive the same business support services and a stipend of up to $30,000 received by the first round winners — Agri-Tech Producers (ATP-PA) and cleantech startup Metal Light.

Applications are being accepted through April 25.

Apply here

After opening the first round of the cohort for applications in July 2021, PGW and Temple chose two startups that December through a two-round selection process. Proposals were ranked on “viability; alignment with PGW’s mission of enhancing the quality life for all by delivering safe, reliable, affordable energy in an environmentally responsible way; and increasing energy access for low-income customers,” the utility company said at the time. The entrepreneurs also presented to a panel of energy industry judges.

Over the last year and a half, PGW and Temple’s SBDC have worked with ATP-PA, which created an economical method of capturing carbon dioxide, and Metal Light, which makes a portable power generator fueled by metal and air.

ATP-PA uses a combined remediation biomass and bio-product production process — a method of capturing carbon dioxide to combat climate change — and other environmental services to convert harvested material into bio-products. Joe James founded the five-year-old company after a career as an economic development professional.

Metal Light’s device, meant for urban households, creates backup power that is fueled by metal and air, and can operate safely and silently indoors. The device is also emissions free. The company was founded by Minhal Dhanjy, Ryan Goethals and James Pikul, who are all University of Pennsylvania grads or professors.

“Having large groups like PGW and TU SBDC work with early-stage startups in this way is really important for growing the startup ecosystem, especially here in Philadelphia where there’s a lot of potential for that ecosystem,” said Geothals, Metal Light’s CTO, in a statement.

This second cohort will host one or two companies, with selections made in July. Entrepreneurs who are developing new energy-related technologies, apps, business models, software, services, or energy access solutions are encouraged to apply. The categories of solutions judges will be looking for are energy efficiency, conversion, greenhouse gas emission reduction, and energy access and affordability.

“We are excited to welcome a new cohort to the Energy Innovation Lab and to discover how their concepts can drive both our local economy and clean energy future,” said Elliott Gold, PGW’s VP of corporate planning. “PGW sees tremendous potential from the entrepreneurs in the lab’s first cohort and we are honored to work with them. We appreciate our partnership with Temple University’s Small Business Development Center, the business community, and the volunteer judges for their vision and dedication in making the Energy Innovation Lab possible.”