The Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund (VSJF) announces the selection of the Energy 2026 cohort of the Vermont-based DeltaClimeVT business accelerator (https://deltaclimevt.com/).
Early-stage energy companies will work directly with Vermont utilities to contribute to Vermont’s and Burlington’s energy goals over four months of intensive work sessions, including two online and two in-person intensive sessions (each 2-4 days in duration), weekly assignments and bi-weekly webinars as well as frequent 1:1 engagement. The first in-person sprint starts March 30 in Burlington, VT at Burlington Electric Department and will wrap up with an awards ceremony in Burlington June 11.
This is the tenth cohort for the accelerator program managed by VSJF. While working through the world-class ecosVC™ curriculum, the goal for the Energy 2026 program will be to enhance grid resilience and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By bringing entrepreneurs to Vermont from across the U.S., DeltaClimeVT helps Vermont discover new technologies that can be deployed in Vermont to help lower electricity costs for Vermont ratepayers.
In addition to connecting the accelerator participants to the larger ecosystem of business support and capital in Vermont, Energy 2026 participants will compete for a $25,000 award to be given to the top company, as determined by their peers, and provides all participants the chance to work with Vermont utilities to help reduce emissions in the residential and commercial arenas. The program features pilot project opportunities to field test their technologies in a real-world environment; extensive peer feedback; connections with potential customers, partners, and mentors; and exposure to investors.
DeltaClimeVT Energy 2026 Cohort Companies:
- Biospheric AI provides cold-climate electric utilities with building-level, hourly heating and electricity demand forecasts and heat pump adoption rates – all without using customer level data. This geospatial modeling enhances non-wires alternatives analysis while guiding improved grid electrification planning and policy. Massachusetts
- Magnefy provides an AI‑driven, non‑invasive magnetic sensing system that helps utilities monitor aging transformers, detect failures months in advance with high accuracy, reducing outages, and extending asset life at significantly lower cost. California
- Popper Power provides grid‑connected EV fast charging through streetlight‑integrated hubs with storage and energy management software, enabling rapid, lower‑cost deployment without major grid upgrades or long interconnection timelines. California
- PWRJOULE provides long‑duration energy storage using safe, abundant iron chemistry and a pump‑free design that delivers 20‑plus‑year life, near‑zero unplanned downtime, and significantly lower maintenance costs for utilities. Arizona
Partners and sponsors of DeltaClimeVT Energy 2026 include Jane’s Trust Foundation, Burlington Electric Department, Vermont Public Power Supply Authority, Efficiency Vermont, Green Mountain Power, EastRise Credit Union, Vermont Electric Coop, VGS, Vermont Economic Development Authority, M&T Bank, and the U.S. Small Business Administration.
To learn more about DeltaClimeVT Energy 2026, visit deltaclimevt.com.
About DeltaClimeVT Business Accelerator
The DeltaClimeVT 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 the sustainable development of Vermont’s economy. VSJF provides business assistance, network development, strategic planning, and supply chain coordination in agriculture and food, forest product, waste management, renewable energy, and environmental technology sectors. VSJF was created by the Vermont Legislature in 1995 to partner with state government, private sector businesses, and nonprofits to build a thriving economic, social, and ecological future for Vermont.