NLR Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center

The National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (IEC) helps turn economically viable energy innovations into competitive, real-world solutions. 

We connect innovators with the resources, expertise, and entrepreneurial network needed to transform early-stage ideas into market-ready products. By giving innovators direct access to NLR's world-class capabilities and a collaborative network of startups, investors, and industry leaders, we break down barriers, reduce risk, and accelerate the path from concept to commercialization. 

IEC Programs 

The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center develops technology incubation programs and customized solutions for public and private partners to bolster innovation, solve complex challenges, and de-risk solutions. 

Our proven, flexible model adapts to specific partner needs and objectives while leveraging the world-class facilities and expertise of NLR and our partners. 

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Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator 

Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator (IN2) accelerates real-world implementation and scaling of transformative technologies in the built environment and infrastructure sectors by supporting startups to validate, refine, and advance their solutions at NLR while helping corporations and municipalities adopt impactful technologies.  

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Shell GameChanger Accelerator Powered by NLR 

Shell Gamechanger AcceleratorTM Powered by NLR (GCxN) provides startups with access to NLR's research and facilities, along with the incubation expertise of the Shell GameChanger program. 

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Chevron Studio 

Chevron Studio links entrepreneurs with national laboratories and universities to scale up and commercialize innovative, early-stage technologies that have the potential to enable a lower-carbon future. 

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Energy I-Corps 

Energy I-Corps is an entrepreneurial business training program for research teams from the national laboratories with technologies that may be ready for commercialization. This program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Technology Commercialization. 

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West Gate 

West Gate supports promising innovators as they transform technology concepts into startups that are primed for growth. Selected innovators are equipped with funding, entrepreneurial training, and technical assistance to speed their commercialization efforts. 

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Canadian Technology Assistance Program 

Canadian startups present their technologies to NLR researchers and receive feedback and support. 

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NLR Technical Assistance Program 

The Technical Assistance Program connects startups with NLR's scientists, engineers, and facilities to answer specific technology questions. 

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American-Made Challenges 

In addition to the partnership programs above, the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center assists with the American-Made Challenges competition, which accelerates manufacturing for the U.S. energy industry. This competition offers awards for numerous energy innovation technologies that feature domestic manufacturing. 

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Work with Us 

It takes an ecosystem—startups, investors, corporate and industry partners, foundations, and organizations such as incubators, accelerators, and universities—leveraging the capabilities at NLR and other national labs. The good news: the ecosystem is growing, and we invite you to contact us.