Grid Meets Grit: Bringing Startup Energy to the Utility World

By: Najwa Abouhassan, Senior Manager Operational Planning

When innovation meets utility operations, there’s a unique opportunity to accelerate the clean energy transition in ways that are both practical and transformative. That’s exactly what I’ve experienced in my role as a liaison for Exelon’s Climate Change Investment Initiative (2c2i®), an Exelon Foundation program in partnership with Exelon Corporation that supports early-stage startups advancing climate-sensitive and clean energy solutions.
 

2c2i makes measurable impacts by encouraging efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen community resilience, and create jobs in Exelon’s territories. Through investments and in-kind services, the program supports startups with scalable technologies in areas like decarbonization, electrification, grid modernization, energy efficiency, and climate adaptation. 2c2i is unique in that it not only provides funding, it also pairs each portfolio company with utility liaisons like me to accelerate real-world deployment.
 

I’ve had the privilege of serving as a liaison for three remarkable startups: Voltpost, Station A, and Salient, along with other Exelon employees. 
 

Voltpost® is reimagining EV charging by turning existing lamp posts into charging stations. It’s a deceptively simple idea with powerful implications: making charging infrastructure more accessible without costly construction. My work with Voltpost has involved identifying pilot opportunities, navigating utility processes, and gathering feedback from the field to refine deployment strategies.
 

Station A is a platform that uses advanced analytics to identify optimal sites for clean energy solutions. With them, my focus has been on connecting their data-driven insights to customers and identifying ways they can implement their go-to-market strategy. 
 

Salient is a weather intelligence startup using hyper-local meteorological data to improve forecasting and decision-making in energy operations. This collaboration has focused on understanding how enhanced weather prediction can improve reliability and resiliency.

Beyond my day-to-day liaison work, I’ve also contributed to 2c2i’s strategic selection process. I served on the down-select committee, reviewing applications from a wide range of climate tech innovators to help shape the program’s portfolio. I was also part of Pitch Day, where I not only heard founders share their visions but also led a breakout session designed to connect utility stakeholders with entrepreneurs and explore real-world pathways for implementation.

Across all these experiences, my role has been part translator, part connector, and part champion ensuring that startups understand the utility landscape while our teams see the potential and pathways for adoption.

The beauty of the liaison role is that it operates at the intersection of innovation and execution. I’ve seen firsthand how early-stage companies can benefit from the scale and operational expertise of utilities, while utilities benefit from the fresh thinking and speed of startups. Programs like 2c2i aren’t just about investing in new technology; they’re about building relationships, testing ideas in the real world, and laying the groundwork for a cleaner, more resilient energy future.

It’s been a privilege to help turn promising ideas into pilot projects and hopefully into lasting solutions that will benefit communities for decades to come. 
 

2c2i is currently accepting applications until September 29, 2025. To learn more about the program and application process please visit our website: Exelon Foundation