DEIC Accelerate 2026

A Launchpad For Energy and Sustainability Startups

Dominion Energy Innovation Center Accelerator Program: DEIC Accelerate

Welcome to the Dominion Energy Innovation Center’s accelerator program, DEIC Accelerate. This initiative offer a unique platform for startups in energy and sustainability, focusing on the development and deployment of groundbreaking solutions at utility scale. Whether you are aiming to optimize data center operations or pioneer new energy technologies, our accelerator provides the resources, connections, and expertise needed to transform your innovations into commercial successes.

Program Overview
DEIC Accelerate: Empowering Clean Energy Startups
Duration: 11 weeks annually
Cohorts: 6 to date
Focus Areas: Power generation, energy storage, grid resilience, transmission & distribution, smart grid technologies

Highlights
Capital Raised: $755 million
Jobs Supported: 770+
Impact: Connects startups with major utility customers and investors for paid pilot projects and commercialization across the Commonwealth.

Key Features:
Eligibility: Seed-stage or later companies with solutions ready for utility-scale pilot testing.
Mentorship: Each startup is paired with dedicated corporate mentors.
Networking: Direct connections to potential major customers and corporate investors.
Commitment: Participants should have at least one full-time employee and expect to dedicate 2 – 4 hours per week.
Ownership: Startups retain full control of their IP and equity; DEIC does not take an equity position.

The Dominion Energy Innovation Center, located in Ashland, Virginia, supports early-stage advanced technology companies by providing them with the collaborative space, guidance, and resources needed to accelerate their growth.

Founded in November 2009, the Dominion Energy Innovation Center accelerates great ideas across a wide spectrum of industry sectors in addition to its focus on building the clean technology sector in Central Virginia. Founding partners of the Center include the signature sponsor, Dominion Energy, as well as Activation Capital, the Town of Ashland and Hanover County. Learn more at www.dominnovation.com.