After a competitive review process, 14 energy startups have been selected to participate in the Rose Rock Ascend Program, powered by VentureWell and Rose Rock Bridge. These startups were chosen for their exceptional work in clean energy, methane management, and energy production. Through the program, participants will receive intensive training designed specifically for deep-tech companies preparing for investment.
“Taking a bold, all-in approach to innovation leads to the most comprehensive solutions to complex problems,” said Tricia Compas-Markman, director, National Venture Programs, VentureWell. “These companies are doing just that. They represent the future of energy innovation, and by investing in their potential and providing the support they need to scale, we’re helping to catalyze real, lasting change.”
Participants are leading innovations such as artificial intelligence (AI)–powered tools for chemical analysis to improve energy efficiency, and technology that converts methane waste into carbon-negative methanol.
Rose Rock Ascend will culminate in an in-person workshop and pitch event with Rose Rock Bridge and partners in Tulsa, Oklahoma, May 13-15.
Meet the Cohort
Acelerex
Redondo Beach, California
Acelerex is developing grid automation and control software for clean energy resources that help reduce emissions and support climate resilience.
Active Membranes
Moorpark, California
Active Membranes is developing electro-active membrane technology that significantly reduces the cost and footprint of desalination processes.
Blumen Systems
San Francisco, California
Blumen Systems is developing AI-enabled services for infrastructure permitting and development.
Brint Tech
Lincoln, Nebraska
Brint Tech is developing advanced monitoring and analytics for the hydrogen economy.
CubeNexus
Tulsa, Oklahoma
CubeNexus is developing AI software that allows users to derive insights from their sensor-driven, Internet of Things (IoT)–harvested data more efficiently.
Decahydron
Ras al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
Decahydron is developing low-cost natural hydrogen and permanently mineralizing CO2 to support decarbonization and clean hydrogen energy solutions.
Eigen Control
Houston, Texas
Eigen Control is developing advanced AI-assisted Raman spectroscopy systems for precise, real-time chemical analysis applications and control in energy and industrial process plants.
Electio
Houston, Texas
Electio is developing autonomous energy production and transportation control systems.
FastFormulator
Miami, Florida
FastFormulator is developing an AI/machine learning (ML) software that rapidly accelerates the colloid science–based development of enhanced oil recovery fluids and drilling mud compositions.
Kinitics Automation
Vancouver, British Columbia
Kinitics Automation is developing motion control products powered by shape memory alloy materials, providing an all-electric alternative to traditional pneumatic actuators.
Lukera Energy
Carrboro, North Carolina
Lukera is developing technology that transforms methane waste into carbon-negative methanol with 10 times greater energy efficiency and lower cost, disrupting and decarbonizing the maritime fuel industry.
Pike Robotics
Austin, Texas
Pike Robotics is developing robotic inspection technologies to improve the safety, accuracy, and cost-efficiency of critical infrastructure while helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
SolGrapH
Los Angeles, California
SolGrapH is developing high-purity anode-grade synthetic graphite with proprietary solar-driven pyrolysis to provide a reliable domestic supply of sustainable graphite.
Super Eye Corporation
Lincoln, Nebraska
Super Eye Corporation is developing an In-line Inspection (ILI) visual inspection rover to conduct low-cost and high-speed assessments of aging pipelines to identify dents, pitting, corrosion, deformation, and defects.
Access to Mentors-in-Residence
Founders participating in Rose Rock Ascend will gain access to and learn from the VentureWell and Rose Rock Bridge mentor and investor networks.
We are thrilled to welcome back Co-Lead Instructor Julie Drapier, angel investor and senior investment partner at Quadia; and Mentor-in-Residence and Commercialization Coach Brian Kerns, angel investor and business advisor, SWAN.
They are joined by our returning mentors-in-residence: David Clouse, managing director, EIC Rose Rock Fund; Andrea Course, venture capitalist and founder, Course Investments; Johannes Dyring, assistant vice president, Business Development and Strategic Initiatives, Toronto Metropolitan University; DC Palter, angel investor and mentor lead, Chemical Angel Network; and C.J. Whelan, serial entrepreneur, angel investor, and former executive director of Rockies Venture Club.
This year, we’re also excited to introduce our first-year mentors-in-residence: Tim Airey, founder and managing partner, Airey Venture Services, and angel investor; Philip Ball, chief technology officer, Atlas Energy, and partner–chief scientist, Natural Hydrogen Ventures; and Tony Sperduti, independent consultant, head of Sales, Membership, and Energy Transition, The Competency Alliance, and head of Tobin Data Solutions, IFS Energy & Solutions.
About Rose Rock Bridge
Rose Rock Bridge is an incubator program supported by an extensive network of leaders across industry, venture capital, and startup support. The program works to accelerate physical sciences technologies that propel hard-to-abate industries to meet their innovation and sustainability goals.
About the VentureWell Accelerator
Through the funding, training, mentorship, exposure to industry experts, and network-building opportunities offered by the suite of programs within the VentureWell Accelerator, we’ve supported over 1,800 innovators on 816 teams in raising more than $1.1 billion in follow-on funding and helped them launch 477 new businesses.