Funding up to $100k for Startups to Lead the Charge with Global Energy Leader NextEra Energy’s Incubator

(Black PR Wire) “With the growth of renewables, the energy industry is well on its way toward a low/no-carbon future. I am proud that NextEra Energy, Inc. is leading the way. We are constantly looking at what customers and the market need and driving innovative solutions to meet those needs; like pairing solar energy with batteries and pioneering green hydrogen technology. With 35 Mules, we’re cultivating the next generation of innovative companies, right under our own roof. NextEra Energy is an exciting place to work, and I love that we can help make a difference in the world with the work we’re doing,” says Andrene Robinson, Project Director of Origination at NextEra Energy Resources.

Energy, tech and energy-related startups can now apply to receive $100,000.00 in grant funding to bring their game-changing ideas to life and help solve some of the world’s most critical problems, including climate change.

The program, 35 Mules, is the first in-house innovation hub powered by Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), a NextEra Energy company. The program provides entrepreneurs with funding and access to financial and marketing mentors, Fortune 200 executive coaching, advanced technology solutions, business services and world-class facilities.

Recently, 35 Mules opened applications for its next class of innovators to join the 12-18 month accelerator program in Juno Beach, Florida. Applications are currently available at 35Mules.com/apply.

Last year, six startups received a combined $8.53 million in grants propelling their businesses forward to develop energy technologies that support sustainability efforts across the U.S. One of those startups is Purivy, a UV sanitation system, who credits their involvement in the 35 Mules program for their success.  

“At 35 Mules, we believe the key to developing great ideas into innovative businesses is bringing together a diversity of backgrounds, skillsets and cultures,” said Aneisha Graydon, 35 Mules project manager. “I’m so proud of what our team has accomplished since we opened our doors in 2020 in helping entrepreneurs grow their businesses through our innovative program,” said Aneisha Graydon, 35 Mules Project Manager at Florida Power & Light Company.

“At Purivy, we are innovating how you clean to create a healthier world. The 35 Mules program provides its startups with substantial resources, support and training to enable each startup to succeed. I have a M.S in Biomedical Sciences and an M.B.A., but entrepreneurship is more than education – it’s being able to apply what you learn through understanding your customer, knowing how to pitch to investors and much more. The 35 Mules program empowered us as co-founders at Purivy by creating opportunities for us to learn from subject-matter experts, leverage their network and helped initiate business connections,” says Altrese Hawkins, Co-founder and Director of Business Development & Operations at Purivy.

WHEN: Applications are open now.

WHERE: Apply online at 35mules.com/apply

WHY:  By joining the program, startups will have the opportunity to develop their big ideas with access to hands-on training from subject matter experts, mentorship and more. Last year, 35 Mules provided participants with:

• $8.53 Million in grants since joining the program
• More than 60 one-on-one executive and leadership engagements
• More than 160 subject-matter expert learning opportunities with 20+ FPL/NEE business units
• Six awards won and nominations received since joining the program
• More than 200 hours of formal training, including legal, marketing, learn startup and customer discovery, HR, intellectual property

WHO:  The hub is looking for energy, water and energy-adjacent startups but values diversity of ideas and encourages unsure prospective applicants to apply. Selected startups will work from the FPL and NextEra Energy campus in Juno Beach, Florida, which is 90 minutes north of Miami and three minutes from the beach.

Diversity is an important part of our company’s culture. We believe diverse thought, skills and experiences lead to better business decisions and a more balanced team. Among the six startups currently enrolled in the first class of innovators at 35 Mules, there are currently four individuals of Hispanic background, one Brazilian entrepreneur and one woman of color.

For more information, contact Bernadette Morris of Sonshine Communications at (305) 948-8063, ext. 201.