Exelon Opens 2026 Climate Investment Applications and Announces New Environmental Stewards

Startup Companies Can Apply Now Through Sept. 15 to Receive Funding from the Exelon Foundation to Pursue Inventive Climate Solutions

CHICAGO – Exelon is now accepting applications for the Climate Change Investment Initiative (2c2i). This initiative invests in innovative startups that are developing clean energy or environmentally sustainable technologies. Launched in 2019, 2c2i combines the social and environmental impact objectives of the Exelon Foundation with the investment objectives and approach of venture capital. 2c2i has 34 active companies in our portfolio led by diverse and inclusive teams from varying backgrounds; 15 are headquartered in Exelon’s footprint.

Adding to the existing 2c2i portfolio, Exelon recently selected three new companies receiving an investment for their work and commitment to fostering innovation and addressing climate change in the communities Exelon serves:

1. Salient Predictions: Salient combines novel ocean and land-surface data with machine learning and climate expertise to deliver the world's most accurate sub seasonal-to-seasonal weather (S2S) forecasts 1 day to 1 year in advance.
   
   
2. SusMaX: SusMaX recycles historically landfilled waste coal ash with no engineering value into high-performance lightweight aggregate for concrete applications through its patented thermochemical process. SusMaX addresses the environmental challenges of coal ash landfills while improving the supply chain of construction lightweight aggregate through localized production.
   
   
3. Zero Homes: Zero Homes is a vertical software company that has built the first remote design platform to digitize homes, design and quote heat pumps. It eliminates in-home visits, delivers higher quality, affordable designs and partners with contractors across the country to offer homeowners a streamlined quote and installation solution.

"Exelon is thrilled to welcome our newest portfolio companies to 2c2i. These startups are at the forefront of developing climate solutions for the communities we serve,” said Sunny Elebua, Exelon’s Chief Strategy and Sustainability Officer. “Our collaboration with these innovative companies continues to produce positive outcomes for our communities and to challenge us to think creatively in pursuit of better climate solutions for all.” 
 

How to Apply for Funding

To qualify for 2c2i consideration, startups must do work that will benefit one or more of Exelon’s six major markets (Atlantic City, Chicago, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C. and Wilmington, Del.) and have the potential to do one of the following:

• Mitigate greenhouse gas emissions;
• Boost the resiliency of urban infrastructure (e.g., the power grid, transportation systems, buildings, vacant land) against flood, stormwater and rising temperatures;
• Help cities, businesses and communities adapt to climate change; or
• Help achieve a state or city’s specific sustainability and climate goals.

Applications for 2c2i are being accepted through Sept. 15, 2025. Companies in the Exelon service territory are encouraged to apply. More information is available at exelonfoundation.org.
 

Success Stories

With 34 startups making up the 2c2i portfolio, each share in a belief that climate change is real and that something must be done to combat its impacts—ensuring that those within the Exelon communities can live, work and play in an environment that is healthy and safe for all community members.

One of those companies is Carbon Reform, a Philadelphia and Delaware-based startup founded in early 2020. Carbon Reform developed the Carbon Capsule®, a modular device that permanently captures CO₂ from indoor air while filtering other contaminants, improving occupant health and reducing energy consumption. In July 2024, Carbon Reform installed their technology at Exelon's BGE Spring Garden building to demonstrate how improved indoor air quality can generate significant energy and cost savings for both BGE and their customers by reducing the need to heat and cool outside air.

Environmental Stewardship

Exelon remains committed to investing in clean energy and sustainability-focused groups with a $20 million commitment to support innovative startups. 2c2i continues to pave the way for groundbreaking technologies that will help mitigate climate change and create a sustainable future for all.

For more information on 2c2i, including previous investees and their continued impact, visit exelonfoundation.org/environment.

The Exelon Foundation would like to recognize law firm sponsor, Katten, which is providing in-kind legal services in support of the 2c2i program climate investments.