Category: N-News
Fred Walti in Los Angeles Business Journal
Fred Walti, the founding chief executive of the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator, is stepping down after six years at the helm, Los Mayor Eric Garcetti announced Thursday.
dezeen – January 13, 2017 – JFAK Converts Brick Warehouse in LA Into “Cleantech” Hub
Sculptural light chutes and a vibrant living wall are among the features at this adaptive reuse project by American firm JFAK Architects, for environment-focused companies in Los Angeles.
LACI Launches 2017 Sustainability & Technology Cluster Group Meetings for Energy – Transportation – Water – Waste & Sustainable Materials Built Environment – Agriculture & Food Science
A Full-House Gathering of Government, Industry and Research Participants for the Transportation Tech Cluster Included On-Demand Transit Plan through FASTLinkDTLA
Plans to Put LA’s Clean Energy Industry on the Map Announced at First Quarterly Meeting for Energy Generation & Storage Cluster
LOS ANGELES, CA – January 12, 2017 – The Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI), a non-profit organization helping promising cleantech companies deliver market-ready solutions and further economic development for the LA region, kicked off the first of its 2017 quarterly cluster meetings this week with the Energy Generation & Storage and Transportation Cluster Groups. Plans for LA energy industry asset mapping and a global event on energy in Spring 2017 were announced, in addition to clearly-defined goals addressing transportation issues in downtown Los Angeles.
Founded as a cluster-driven organization, LACI is working to identify regional problems and find cleantech sustainability solutions by connecting key stakeholders in each sector. Quarterly meetings are held at the La Kretz Innovation Campus for each of the following groups: Water, Energy Generation & Storage, Built Environment, Transportation, Waste & Sustainable Materials and Agriculture & Food Science. The goal is to decrease fragmentation and increase collaboration between all stakeholders involved by building a platform for government organizations, non-profits, academic institutions, technology startups, and corporations to work together and forge innovative partnerships with an emphasis on the value that technology can bring to each industry sector.
“This week’s Energy Generation & Storage and Transportation Cluster meetings are a great example of the critical work being done in each sector of our sustainability groups,” stated Ben Stapleton, LACI VP Facilities & Operations. “We had leaders from municipalities, corporations, start-ups and research institutions gathered together to make an impact on the intersection of innovation, sustainability and technology.”
The Transportation Technology Cluster alone includes one-hundred registered members, six vehicle OEMs, two vehicle component suppliers, five alternative fueling companies, five non-profit advocacy groups, five state or municipal transportation-related agencies, four design/engineering firms, two higher education institutions, three ridesharing/pooling startups, and ten other transportation industry organizations. Among the projects discussed at the group meeting was the upcoming Advanced Transportation Showcase at the La Kretz Innovation Campus featuring new technologies and service models such as mobile charging, energy storage, integration with carsharing and pooling, electric vehicles, autonomous vehicle testing and other innovations.
Additional upcoming Cluster Group quarterly meetings for January 2017 include:
1/18/17: Water
1/19/17: Waste & Sustainable Materials
1/25/17: Agriculture & Food Science
1/26/17: Built Environment
LACI’s six Sustainability & Technology Cluster Groups were formed in 2016 and will convene throughout the year with regularly scheduled events, workshops and quarterly meetings supporting cleantech companies throughout the Los Angeles region. The organization hopes to create a vital space where local industry, policymaking, and research institutions can collaborate to jointly develop innovative solutions to the challenges facing each industry.
About LACI
The Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) is a private non-profit organization helping to accelerate the commercialization of clean technologies by offering flexible office space, CEO coaching, mentoring, and access to a robust network of partnerships and capital. LACI was founded in 2011 as a cluster-driven economic development initiative supported by the City of Los Angeles, LADWP and the Community Redevelopment Agency of Los Angeles. Recognized as one of the most innovative business incubators in the world by UBI, LACI identifies local entrepreneurs across multiple cleantech business sectors and guides them to market, creating jobs that advance LA’s green economy. In just five years, LACI has helped 64 companies raise $118M in funding, created 1,200 jobs, and delivered more than $270M in long term economic value for the City of Los Angeles. LACI operates out of the La Kretz Innovation Campus with satellite offices in Northridge, CA and Silicon Valley and is the organizer of GloSho and founder of the Network for Global Innovation NGIN. For additional information, please visit: newlaci.staging.wpengine.com
La Kretz Innovation Campus and Advanced Prototyping Center
The La Kretz Innovation Campus, Los Angeles’ new cleantech innovation hub, is a place where entrepreneurs, engineers, environmental organizations, and policymakers can collaborate, promote and support the development of clean technologies and LA’s green economy. In addition to being home to the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) and an ecosystem of thought leaders, the Campus features 30,000 sq.ft. of office and event space along with the region’s highest caliber Advanced Prototyping Center where members can design, build, test, certify and manufacture products all under one roof. Features include an electronics lab, chemistry lab, cell lab, CNC center, water jet center, welding shop, 3D printing shop, use of premium CAD software, laser cutters, woodworking, an assembly bay, training centers and more.
Designed by John Friedman Alice Kimm Architects (JFAK) and managed by LACI, the fully renovated 60,000 square foot facility is located in the dynamic Arts & Innovation District of Downtown Los Angeles. The Campus comprises 3.2 acres owned by the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power (LADWP) and is approved for LEED Platinum rating utilizing state-of-the-art green technology including a 175 kilowatt photovoltaic solar canopy, fast charger EV stations, bioswales, and LA’s first public greywater filtration and microgrid systems.
Media Contact:
Laurie Peters, lpeters@laci.org
LACI Communications Director
(818) 635-4101
Bi-Monthly Gathering Featured Keynote Address from LA City Controller Ron Galperin, Open Data Initiatives in the City of LA, LA Metro on Measure M and the Japan External Trade Org
LOS ANGELES, CA – January 24, 2017 – The Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) hosted its January Leadership Council Meeting at the La Kretz Innovation Campus last week featuring keynote speaker Ron Galperin, LA City Controller, and an impressive list of speakers including Trevor Houser, Rhodium Group; Pauletta Tonilas, LA Metro on Measure M; Lilian Coral, Chief Data Officer, City of Los Angeles; Hisashi Kanazashi, Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO); and Steve Churm, discussing the Net Zero Newhall initiative from FivePoint.
Net Zero Newhall, a plan to build Newhall Ranch in the Santa Clarita Valley with net zero greenhouse gas emissions from construction or operation, was among the highlights at the event. Developer FivePoint has proposed Net Zero Newhall to win reapproval for Newhall Ranch, one of the largest, mixed-use master-planned developments in California. It is a $12.7 billion project with plans to build 21,500 units of net zero housing and create 60,000 permanent jobs along the way. Located 30 miles north of downtown Los Angeles, Newhall Ranch is the first of its kind to feature sustainability solutions for an entire community, including 25,000 EV chargers, solar panels on all homes, mobility and transit solutions for first and last mile, and a recycled water system enabling irrigation with no additional water requirements. The project is currently in its public comment period and letters of support for Newhall Ranch are welcome through the Newhall Net Zero website.
“A recent McKinsey Report said California may be short 3.5 million housing units by 2025. We can help close this gap and provide sorely needed jobs in the process—it is our responsibility,” stated Steve Churm, FivePoint Chief Communications Officer, developer of the project. “We plan to change the game when it comes to development, keeping California’s three highest priorities in mind—jobs, housing and the environment.”
Robert Fortunato, LACI Executive-in-Residence (EIR) and owner/builder of a net zero energy case study house, commented on the project, stating “We’ve proven that net zero emission buildings can be more affordable, comfortable, and clearly better for our health and the environment. Building at this scale with these goals will set a new standard, spur innovation, new jobs – and make a make a significant impact on climate change. LACI’s network of portfolio companies and partners are perfectly positioned to accelerate this kind of innovative project.”
Fortunato is the newest addition to LACI’s team of highly-experienced EIR advisors, providing guidance and counsel to LACI’s cleantech portfolio companies. Fortunato’s focus is on built environment, with an emphasis on net zero commercial and residential innovations. He will be formally introduced at LACI’s quarterly Built Environment cluster group meeting this Thursday, January 26, at 4 p.m.
About LACI
The Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) is a private non-profit organization helping to accelerate the commercialization of clean technologies by offering flexible office space, CEO coaching, mentoring, and access to a robust network of partnerships and capital. LACI was founded in 2011 as a cluster-driven economic development initiative supported by the City of Los Angeles, LADWP and the Community Redevelopment Agency of Los Angeles. Recognized as one of the most innovative business incubators in the world by UBI, LACI identifies local entrepreneurs across multiple cleantech business sectors and guides them to market, creating jobs that advance LA’s green economy. In just five years, LACI has helped 64 companies raise $118M in funding, created 1,200 jobs, and delivered more than $270M in long term economic value for the City of Los Angeles. LACI operates out of the La Kretz Innovation Campus with satellite offices in Northridge, CA and Silicon Valley and is the organizer of GloSho and founder of the Network for Global Innovation NGIN. For additional information, please visit: newlaci.staging.wpengine.com
Media Contact:
Laurie Peters, lpeters@laci.org
LACI Communications Director
(818) 635-4101
SYS.COM Media – January 12, 2017 – VR Pioneer Announces Groundbreaking AI and Entertainment Collaboration Today at AI ShowBiz Event at LACI Center in Downtown LA
“Brett Leonard and Ryan Sheffer embody the spirit of mentorship that we are excited to have on display today at the world’s first conference dedicated 100% toward exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence and the entertainment industry,” added Molly Lavik who is also the creator of today’s Lionbridge #AIShowBiz Event.
The Mercury News – January 7, 2017 – Snap’s IPO May Make Silicon Beach a Worthy Silicon Valley Rival
Snaps IPO May Make Silicon Beach Worth Silicon Valley Rival – The Mercury News
In October the city held the grand opening of its La Kretz Innovation Campus, a 60,000-square-foot, $47 million accelerator for cleantech startups in the Arts District of downtown Los Angeles.
KCRW Design & Architecture – January 3, 2017 – CES Preview, Designing the Golden Arches
Los Angeles: A Look Back at 2016 – LA Mayor Eric Garcetti
This was an incredible year for Los Angeles. Here are our highlights of everything we accomplished together in 2016.
Wells Fargo Adds 10 Clean-Tech Startups to Innovation Incubator
Program helps advance energy efficiency for commercial buildings by providing startups with cash grants and in-kind resources to accelerate innovative clean technologies
SAN FRANCISCO, January 11, 2017
Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) today announced it has selected the third round of clean technology startup companies to join the Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator (IN2), a five-year, $10 million program which helps advance energy efficiency by accelerating sustainable commercial-building technologies. The 10 early-stage companies in Round 3 will each receive up to $250,000 in cash and in-kind technical assistance to advance their technologies and an opportunity to beta test within Wells Fargo’s real estate footprint. Launched in 2014, IN2 is funded by the Wells Fargo Foundation and co-administered by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
The 10 early-stage companies include a diverse mix of technologies designed to advance energy and water efficiency through HVAC system innovation, building management and controls software, advanced lighting, water-data technologies and more. They join 10 other companies selected for IN2 in prior rounds, bringing the total to 20 early stage companies now participating in the highly selective program.
In addition to receiving non-dilutive funding from the Wells Fargo Foundation, IN2 participants receive financial and technical consultation from a network of experts, as well as research and testing support at NREL’s world-class facility in Golden, Colo. Clean-tech startups participating in IN2 will have their technologies validated at NREL’s facilities, and many will follow the lab validation with beta testing at select Wells Fargo locations. The real-world beta testing is a signature component of the IN2 program and an important validation exercise for startups to learn how their technologies will perform and integrate with other systems.
“As an organization managing nearly 100 million square feet of real estate, we know that efficiency matters, and we are pleased that our efforts to build and foster an ecosystem that accelerates the commercialization of clean technologies for commercial buildings is bearing fruit,” said Ashley Grosh, vice president and IN2 co-lead for Wells Fargo. “Companies from rounds one and two have achieved significant milestones on their way to the commercial marketplace. We are pleased to add this third round of innovators to IN2 and expect the momentum we’ve seen to date continue across the program.”
The 10 clean technology startups joining Round 3 of the IN2 program are:
- Transformative Wave: (Kent, Wash/Boulder, Colo.) HVAC, light, and battery storage retrofit kit for commercial buildings
- Software Motor Corporation: (Sunnyvale, Calif.) Super high-efficiency Internet-enabled motor for HVAC applications
- PowerFlex Systems: (Los Altos, Calif.) Adaptive EV charging network for demand response and renewable integration
- simuwatt®: (Boulder, Colo.) Rapid energy auditing software and platform.
- Maalka: (New York, N.Y.) Open modeling platform for managing large scale building sustainability initiatives
- Geli: (San Francisco, Calif.) Software platform to design, automate, and manage energy storage systems
- APANA: (Bellingham, Wash.) C&II smart water management systems using IoT and prescriptive analytics
- EdgePower: (Aspen, Colo.) Cloud-hosted energy simulation application for analyzing and enhancing building performance
- Ibis Networks: (Honolulu, Hawaii) Plug load management for the enterprise.
- J2 Innovations: (Chino, Calif.) Building automation and operating system for connecting and controlling devices
“IN2 continues to attract high quality applicants and companies, and is proving out the model that we had envisioned; participating companies have been acquired by successful clean-technology corporations, received follow-on funding, and beta demonstrations are underway within the program,” said Richard Adams, Director of NREL’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center. “We are enthusiastic about the opportunity to advance these early stage technologies as well as to offer real-world test conditions in order to optimize their potential for success in the market.”
The IN2 program is part of Wells Fargo’s 2020 Corporate Social Responsibility Commitments, which include commitments to accelerate the transition to a lower carbon economy and provide $65 million to environmentally-focused nonprofits and innovative projects that are delivering social, economic and environmental impact. IN2 would not be possible without the collaboration and partnership of its 44 Channel Partners across the U.S., which include universities, business plan competitions and other clean technology accelerators. These Channel Partners provide a pipeline of early stage, high quality startup company referrals to IN2.
Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator Channel Partners include:
- ACRE |Urban Future Lab / Powerbridge NYU Tandon School of Engineering | Brooklyn, N.Y.
- Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E) | Washington, D.C.
- Cal-Tech, Flow Program | Los Angeles, Calif.
- Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, Penn.
- Case Western Reserve University | Cleveland
- Clean Energy Trust | Chicago, Ill.
- Cleantech Group | San Francisco. Calif.
- Cleantech Open | Redwood City, Calif.
- Coachella Valley Economic Partnership | Indio, Calif.
- Colorado State University Energy Institute | Fort Collins, Colo.
- Energy Excelerator | Honolulu, Hawaii
- Fraunhofer CSE TechBridge Program | Boston, Mass.
- Green Town Labs | Boston, Mass.
- Imagine H20, Inc. | San Francisco, Calif.
- Innosphere | Denver, Colo.
- Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator | Los Angeles, Calif.
- Mass Challenge | Boston, Mass.
- MIT Energy Club | Cambridge, Mass.
- Northeast Clean Energy Council (NECEC) Institute | Boston, Mass.
- NextEnergy Center | Detroit, Mich.
- Northwestern University | Evanston, Ill.
- Oregon BEST | Portland, Ore.
- Portland State University | Portland, Ore.
- Prospect SV | San Jose, Calif.
- Purdue University | West Lafayette, Ind.
- Rice University Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship | Houston, Texas
- Stanford, TomKat Center for Sustainable Energy | Stanford, Calif.
- Sustainable Startups | Salt Lake City, Utah
- Telluride Venture Accelerator | Telluride, Colo.
- Texas A&M University, Research Valley Partnership | College Station, Texas
- Texas State University | San Marcos, Texas
- The Water Council | Milwaukee, Wis.
- UC Berkeley, Cleantech 2 Market (C2M)| Berkeley, Calif.
- UC Davis Energy Efficiency Center (EEC) | Davis, Calif.
- UC Irvine | Irvine, Calif.
- UC San Diego | San Diego, Calif.
- University of Colorado | Boulder, Colo.
- University of Denver | Denver, Colo.
- University of Michigan | Ann Arbor, Mich.
- UNC Charlotte | Charlotte, N.C.
- UT Austin, Austin Technology Incubator (ATI) l Austin, Texas
- UT Austin, McCombs Business School Texas Venture Labs| Austin, Texas
- University of Washington Foster School of Business | Seattle, Wash.
- University of Wisconsin – Madison | Madison, Wis.
About Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a diversified, community-based financial services company with $1.9 trillion in assets. Founded in 1852 and headquartered in San Francisco, Wells Fargo provides banking, insurance, investments, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance through more than 8,600 locations, 13,000 ATMs, the internet (wellsfargo.com) and mobile banking, and has offices in 42 countries and territories to support customers who conduct business in the global economy. With approximately 269,000 team members, Wells Fargo serves one in three households in the United States. Wells Fargo & Company was ranked No. 27 on Fortune’s 2016 rankings of America’s largest corporations. Wells Fargo’s vision is to satisfy our customers’ financial needs and help them succeed financially. In 2015, Wells Fargo donated $281.3 million to 16,300 nonprofits, ranking No. 3 on the Chronicle of Philanthropy’s rankings of the top corporate cash philanthropists. Wells Fargo team members volunteered 1.86 million hours in2015, serving more than 40,000 nonprofits. Wells Fargo’s corporate social responsibility efforts are focused on three priorities: economic empowerment in underserved communities, environmental sustainability, and advancing diversity and social inclusion. News, insights and perspectives from Wells Fargo are also available at Wells Fargo Stories.
Media
E.J. Bernacki
415-222-1940
ejbernacki@wellsfargo.com
