EcoFlow, a portable power and eco-friendly energy solutions company, has partnered with Xcel Energy, a leading energy company, to expand access to clean and reliable energy. This partnership is part of EcoFlow's ongoing commitment to its 'Power for All' initiative, which aims to provide clean energy during times of crisis and make renewable energy products accessible to all. Xcel Energy, headquartered in Minneapolis, has joined the Economic Opportunity Coalition (EOC), a public-private partnership incubated by The Rockefeller Foundation. As a member of the EOC, Xcel Energy has committed to allocating 15% of its U.S.-based contract spending in energy supply, distribution, transmission, and clean energy to small and underserved businesses by 2025 [5b796bc1].
The EOC focuses on aligning and catalyzing investments in underserved communities to create wealth and expand access to capital. It aims to support small businesses and increase opportunities for economic growth. Xcel Energy is the first energy company to join the EOC, demonstrating its dedication to supplier diversity and supporting small and disadvantaged businesses. The Coalition has issued a call to large corporations to commit 15% of procurement spend to small and disadvantaged businesses in sectors like semiconductor, clean energy, and biomanufacturing. Xcel Energy has also set a broader supplier diversity goal of 25% of spending on materials and services by 2025 [5b796bc1].
Through its partnership with Xcel Energy, EcoFlow will be able to leverage the resources and expertise of a major energy company to further its mission of providing clean and reliable energy to communities. This collaboration will help expand access to clean energy solutions and contribute to a global shift in power generation and storage. By working together, EcoFlow and Xcel Energy aim to create positive change and make renewable energy accessible to all [36329900].
Twelve startups have been selected for the 2024 cohort of the Xylem Partnerships Accelerator, which aims to address water shortages, emerging contaminants, and the impacts of climate change. The startups will bring novel technologies and approaches to the water industry, including advanced pathogen detection, leak detection materials, and artificial intelligence for flood prediction and pipeline inspection. The program has supported 35 companies from 13 countries since its inception in 2022. One success story is EOMAP, a Germany-based software company that uses satellite data to monitor water quality. EOMAP is now partnering with Xylem to support customers worldwide. The Xylem Partnerships Accelerator collaborates with universities, startups, and technology companies to refine and scale solutions through mentorship, workshops, and demonstrations [74b56e6d].