The Southern California Energy Innovation Network (SCEIN) is a free program for startups developing solutions to help California meet its energy goals. It was set up through a grant from the California Energy Commission awarded in 2016.
The network provides access to the resources and facilities of regional partner organizations and connections with industry to help energy innovation startups and emerging technologies accelerate their commercialization.
To get into SCEIN’s startup support program, you need to meet a set of requirements as applications are accepted on a rolling basis. You may start the application process by visiting the link below.
39 Companies and $225 million in Capital Investment
SCEIN’s track record is impressive, with the network helping 39 active companies raise $225 million from public and private sources. These startups have employed 362 people until now. SCEIN-backed startups are innovating across several energy innovation sub-segments, including:
- Energy Storage
- Energy Efficiency
- Clean Transportation
- Renewable Energy Generation
- Smart Grid and Energy Services

Pleasantly, the SCEIN network startups are progressing along their growth curve nicely. Take, for example, Helicoid, KIGT, ReJoule, SiLi Ion, and Xtelligent. The latter also secured a $3.6 Million DoE-focused grant for a project aiming to improve freight movement across major logistics and distribution hubs of LA, San Bernardino, and other counties.
Expansion of SCEIN Partner Network
The network’s management team has worked to expand the network of partners it has in the Inland Empire. It added the University of California, Riverside, or UCR as its SCEIN program partner and subcontractor. The university leads SCEIN’s program management across the Inland Empire.
The portfolio companies of SCEIN can utilize UCR’s facilities, CE-CERT test beds, and subject matter experts. The SCEIN network also works to increase its visibility and work in underserved communities. The network has provided co-working space, prototyping, and workshop services for SCEIN entrepreneurs.
Innovation Partners
- OASIS: A sustainability Innovation Park
- IEGO: Inland Empire Growth and Opportunity

Startempire Wire reported that SCEIN awarded a $450K grant to the University of California, Riverside.
We covered this in our Weekly Wire Roundup
Our goal at Startempire Wire is to act as a megaphone to connect the dots between the best startups, events, and people in the Inland Empire. Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel, and like/follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
0 Comments