Breakthrough Energy Ventures announces 21 startups in its sixth Fellows cohort

New Cohort Addresses Future Energy Demands

Breakthrough Energy Ventures (BEV) has announced its sixth cohort for the Breakthrough Energy Fellows program, comprising 21 early-stage startups. This selection aims to support innovations that will address a projected massive increase in global electricity demand, driven by the electrification of various economic sectors to reduce carbon emissions. BEV anticipates a threefold increase in electricity demand in the coming decades.

Diverse Technological Focus

The startups in this cohort represent a range of technologies and sectors. These include advancements in agriculture, nuclear fusion, robotics, and improvements in data center power efficiency. The program seeks to fund high-potential, high-risk ventures that could yield significant payoffs in energy solutions.

Key Startup Examples

Notable startups in the cohort include Borealis Fusion, which is developing fusion power using proton-boron fuel, a widely available but challenging energy source. Another fusion startup, StarWarden, is working on heat management technology for future reactors. Additionally, Bedrock Semiconductor, K1 Semiconductor, and VariFlux are focusing on improving semiconductor efficiency.

Program Leadership Transition

This cohort is the first to be announced since Ashley Grosh, the former lead of the Fellows program, departed to join WovenEarth Ventures. Benjamin Gaddy, senior director at Breakthrough Energy Ventures, is currently serving as the acting director for the program.