About
Since 2012, Joules Accelerator has had one mission: Identify, Advise, Connect, and Deploy the technologies that will power the future energy economy.
Powering the Future of Energy Innovation
Joules Accelerator is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that supports early-stage startups by bringing together utilities, industry, universities, and capital partners to find deployment and commercial opportunities.
Since its founding, Joules has supported over 110 startups across 15 cohorts, helping them navigate commercialization challenges and bring new technologies to market. We have seen first-hand that successful adoption takes more than just a good idea — it takes collaboration, mentorship, and shared commitment from the entire ecosystem.
Building the Grid of Tomorrow, Together
In 2025, we launched the Future Grid Network. The Network is built on a simple but powerful idea: when our partners work together in a trusted environment, we accelerate the pace of innovation and adoption. By aligning around shared priorities, we can reduce barriers that slow technology deployment, improve outcomes for all stakeholders, and ultimately build a grid that is more reliable, resilient, and efficient.
Our vision is a future where the Network becomes the convening hub for grid innovation — the place where new ideas meet the right partners, pilots move quickly from design to deployment, and lessons learned are shared widely. To get there, we need active participation from each of you. Share your innovation needs, lend your expertise, host pilots, and engage with our students and startups.
Together, we can build the grid of tomorrow — faster, smarter, and stronger than ever before.
$2.62 Billion
Joules Accelerator startups have raised more than two and a half billion in venture funding.
250+ Local
Local and regional cohort companies have created more than 250 jobs for the Carolinas.
3,500 Jobs
Portfolio companies have created thousands of high-paying, cleantech and energy jobs.
17 Startups
Since 2016, seventeen North Carolina startups have been supported by Joules Accelerator.
18 Exits
Nearly one in five portfolio startups have achieved an exit ($61.5M average deal size).
500+ Advisors
More than five hundred industry experts support Joules through mentorship and advising.
