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The DeltaClime^VT energy business accelerator is seeking innovative start-up and seed stage ventures offering products and services that enhance grid resilience and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Companies ready to deploy solutions for decarbonizing buildings, transportation, heating, and industrial processes, especially through electrification, thermal energy networks, renewables, and flexible load management, are encouraged to apply. Solutions that help lower electricity costs for Vermont ratepayers are of particular interest.

The 10th DeltaClime^VT energy business accelerator supports an equitable, zero-carbon future by helping Vermont utilities adopt renewable energy, smart building, and EV technologies. Founders will collaborate directly with utilities to advance Vermont’s Comprehensive Energy Plan, which calls for 90% renewables by 2050, and Burlington’s Net Zero by 2030 goals.

During Energy 2026, entrepreneurs will participate in a three-month program featuring two online and two in-person sessions (each two to four days), weekly assignments, biweekly webinars and frequent one-on-one engagement with mentors.

“We are particularly interested in technologies and services with broad applicability in Vermont and potential to reduce rates for local ratepayers,” said Kurt Ericksen, DeltaClime^VT Program Manager at the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund (VSJF).

This accelerator, managed by VSJF, will bring together seven to 10 early-stage energy companies from across the U.S. Participants will work together to complete the world-class ecosVC Lens of the Market® ACCELERATED curriculum while competing for a $25,000 award for the top venture. The program also features the potential for paid pilot opportunities; extensive peer feedback; connections with potential customers, partners, and mentors; and exposure to investors.

Click to learn more about DeltaClime^VT Energy 2026. Application period closes Jan. 16, 2026.

About DeltaClime^VT Energy Business Accelerator

The DeltaClime^VT business accelerator is a Vermont-based program serving startup and seed-stage ventures focusing on energy innovation in the energy sector. The program provides an intense accelerated learning and business development process designed to test assumptions, expose and remediate business vulnerabilities, prepare for significant investment, and provide a platform for rapid scaling. As a proven leader in sustainability, Vermont offers participants access to entrepreneurial energy experts throughout the program. The program is managed by the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund (VSJF).

About Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund

The Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund (VSJF) is a nonprofit organization committed to nurturing sustainable economic development to benefit Vermont’s people, communities, and environment. Through business assistance, network development, strategic planning, and supply chain coordination, VSJF supports innovation and resilience in agriculture and food systems, forest and fiber products, renewable energy, environmental technology, and waste management. VSJF was created by the Vermont Legislature in 1995 to partner with state government, private sector businesses, and nonprofits to catalyze systems-level change and build a thriving, equitable, and ecologically sound future for Vermont.