The Shell GameChanger Accelerator Powered by NREL (GCxN) has selected Cleantech Open and BRITE Energy Innovators as the recipients of its inaugural Channel Partner Strategic Awards. The program, developed in collaboration between Shell GameChanger and the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Golden, aims to prioritize ecosystem building in communities and provide tailored support for energy entrepreneurs.
These awards focus on fostering partnerships between channel partners and community organizations in underserved markets. “By investing in these high-impact programs, GCxN taps into the wealth of knowledge from Channel Partners, fostering an innovative ecosystem,” said Johanna Jamison, GCxN program manager at NREL. “Cleantech Open and BRITE Energy Innovators exemplify the forward-thinking initiatives that will advance technologies and integrated systems that are secure, resilient and reliable.”
The 2025 GCxN Channel Partner Strategic Award recognizes BRITE Energy Innovators for its efforts to support energy technology founders. In collaboration with Nexus Louisiana, BRITE will expand tailored support for entrepreneurs in the Gulf Coast region by integrating Nexus Louisiana’s Ignition accelerator with BRITE’s CXO program. This initiative is designed to provide structured mentorship, commercialization support, and fractional executive expertise to help founders address key challenges in scaling their businesses.
