Conversations surrounding energy and mobility often neglect the perspectives of urban communities, leaving untapped potential for innovative solutions. However, Detroit, with its rich industrial history and promising future, is experiencing a transformative shift. In recent years, there has been a noticeable rise in the presence and influence of Black founders in discussions about energy and mobility, demanding active participation in shaping their communities’ future.
The surge of electric vehicles across Metro Detroit has made these once-exclusive conversations more inclusive, driven by a common goal to revitalize the city. Leading this transformation is the Ascend Energy & Mobility Accelerator, a collaborative effort spearheaded by VentureWell, TechTown, and the U.S. Department of Energy’s EPIC Prize. This accelerator is not merely a platform for innovation; it signifies a crucial advancement in Detroit’s energy and mobility sectors, empowering entrepreneurs to pioneer sustainable solutions for the city and its residents.
Recently, the Ascend program received a substantial boost with a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Technology Transitions, which was awarded to VentureWell. This grant underscores Detroit’s growing reputation as a center for energy and mobility innovation, marking a significant investment in the city’s entrepreneurial landscape. It provides essential resources, training, and mentorship to a new generation of founders committed to tackling the complex challenges within these industries.
Raina Baker, TechTown’s outreach and engagement manager, expressed enthusiasm about the grant, highlighting its role in further supporting Detroit’s energy and mobility entrepreneurs. The Ascend program, she emphasized, equips founders with the tools and guidance necessary for success. “Increasing resources for mobility and energy-based entrepreneurs is not only timely but critical to the work of repositioning southeast Michigan as a powerful contributor in this space. The Ascend program is an opportunity to support transportation, sustainability, and accessibility efforts but also to encourage people to think about mobility broadly.”
The Ascend Energy & Mobility Accelerator offers a comprehensive six-week curriculum tailored to help entrepreneurs refine their ideas, validate markets, and prepare for investment. Through mentorship and industry connections, participants gain invaluable insights into navigating these sectors’ intricacies and positioning their startups for long-term success.
For Rainesha Williams-Fox, program manager for TechTown’s Mobility Accelerator Innovation Network (MAIN), Ascend signifies an opportunity to bolster Detroit’s leadership in energy and mobility. By fostering collaboration among stakeholders, the program catalyzes innovation and shapes the city’s transportation future.
Outside of the accelerator, Ascend fosters collaboration and knowledge sharing among entrepreneurs, investors, and industry stakeholders. At the heart of the program’s success is its strong support network and engagement with influential figures in the mobility and energy sectors. Visionaries like Darren Riley, the driving force behind JustAir Solutions, have earned widespread acclaim for their activism and steadfast commitment to addressing environmental injustices. By actively participating in the program, Riley not only amplifies its significance but also illuminates the individuals propelling its accomplishments. Through the presentation of success stories like Riley’s, aspiring founders are motivated by the promise of opportunity, driving the city forward and nurturing tangible solutions.
As Detroit asserts itself as a leader in energy and mobility innovation, the Ascend program stands as a testament to the city’s resilience and ingenuity. By providing a platform for diverse voices and bold ideas, Ascend not only shapes the future of transportation but also inspires a new generation of entrepreneurs to dream big and build a better future for all.
The upcoming cohort for the Ascend Energy & Mobility Accelerator will be open for applications starting this summer. As VentureWell, TechTown, and DOE’s EPIC Prize further refine and develop this accelerator, our organization eagerly anticipates supporting a growing number of founders contributing to the advancement of Detroit’s and Michigan’s energy and mobility ecosystems.
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