Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator (IN2)
Wells Fargo & National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR)
Up to $250,000
Nondilutive cleantech incubator with national lab access
The Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator (IN2) is a $55 million nondilutive program co-administered by Wells Fargo and the U.S. Department of Energy's National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR). Startups in the built environment and infrastructure sectors receive up to $250,000 in funding plus hands-on technical validation from NLR scientists — including performance testing, durability assessments, and systems integration support. Selected via Channel Partner referrals, companies undergo real-world pilot deployments at scale.
- Funding type
- Program
- Level
- Private
- Amount range
- $250,000
- Realistic amount
- Technical support + pilot funding packages vary; $50,000–$250,000 typical range based on project scope.
- Deadline
- Rolling — intake via Channel Partner referral; contact IN2@nlr.gov for current cohort timing
- Status
- active
- States
- Nationwide
- Payment model
- milestone
Who qualifies
- US-based startup or growth-stage company
- Technology focused on built environment or infrastructure sectors (energy efficiency, water, resilience, grid, building materials, etc.)
- Must be referred or introduced through an IN2 Channel Partner (regional innovation hubs, accelerators, utilities, or municipalities)
- Technology should be at proof-of-concept or prototype stage — not pre-ideation
- No revenue threshold; open to pre-revenue and early-revenue companies
- Must be willing to participate in a real-world pilot deployment
Hard requirements
- Must be incorporated
What it covers
Eligible expenses
- Real-world performance testing at NLR facilities or partner sites
- Product design and engineering support from NLR scientists
- Durability and life cycle assessment studies
- Systems integration testing for real-world environments
- Cost-benefit and environmental impact analysis
- Pilot deployment costs at participating sites (warehouses, municipal buildings, utilities)
Ineligible expenses
- Pure software development without hardware/physical-world application
- Marketing or sales activities
- Company administrative overhead
- Debt repayment
- Equity investment or company buyouts
How to apply
-
1
Find a Channel Partner or contact IN2 directly
Startups are primarily referred by IN2's network of Channel Partners (utilities, municipalities, accelerators, innovation hubs in Virginia, Tennessee, and other regions). Alternatively, email IN2@nlr.gov to request an introduction to a relevant Channel Partner.
~2 hrs
-
2
Submit an application inquiry
Prepare a brief technology overview: company background, technology description, target market, current TRL (Technology Readiness Level), and what real-world validation you are seeking. Submit via IN2@nlr.gov or through your Channel Partner.
~5 hrs
-
3
Initial screening by NLR researchers
NLR scientists review the technology fit and potential for real-world deployment. They evaluate technical merit, commercial viability, and alignment with the built environment/infrastructure sector focus.
~1 hrs
-
4
Review by Wells Fargo and Executive Advisory Boards
Shortlisted applicants are evaluated by the Wells Fargo and Executive Advisory Boards for strategic fit, market potential, and scalability. This is a second-stage review with potential for a call or presentation.
~3 hrs
-
5
Cohort selection and pilot design
Selected companies enter a cohort and work with NLR to design a pilot deployment plan. For Scalable Track participants, a six-month learning phase precedes a six-month deployment phase.
~8 hrs
IN2 selects via Channel Partner referral — cold outreach to IN2@nlr.gov works but a warm intro from a regional Channel Partner (utility, city innovation office, or accelerator) dramatically improves selection odds.
Deadline & timing
IN2 runs cohort cycles approximately twice per year. The ninth Channel Partner Strategic Award cycle was announced December 2025; a new Emerging Tech cohort (resiliency-focused) launched September 2025. Contact IN2@nlr.gov or a regional Channel Partner for the next intake window.
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Last reviewed 2026. GrantCompass is an independent funding-discovery tool and is not affiliated with any government agency. Always confirm details on the official program page.