SMUD Clean Tech AI Startup Accelerator


Build an AI-enabled clean tech solution in 8 weeks — from real customer evidence to a demoable prototype.

HUMANBULB’s SMUD Clean Tech AI Startup Accelerator is an 8-week program for founders and builders who want to create practical tools that reduce energy use, improve efficiency, and accelerate electrification across the Sacramento region — with a strong emphasis on multifamily energy reduction, a known gap in the market.

Who this Accelerator is for

This program is built for people who are ready to move fast — whether you’re starting with an early idea or an early prototype.

Great fit for:

  • aspiring founders and early-stage builders

  • engineers, analysts, and technical practitioners exploring clean tech entrepreneurship

  • domain experts who see energy waste and electrification friction firsthand (multifamily, facilities, operations, EV charging, etc.)

  • community-rooted problem-solvers with lived experience insight

  • underrepresented founders and first-time entrepreneurs

You do not need prior clean tech experience.
You do need the willingness to do customer interviews, complete weekly deliverables, and build toward a working demo.

What kinds of solutions we’re building

We support AI-enabled solutions that reduce energy use and increase adoption of efficiency and electrification.

Example solution areas:

  • Multifamily energy reduction tools (tenant engagement, split-incentive workflows, savings tracking)

  • energy insight-to-action tools (turn usage data into next steps)

  • electrification and retrofit decision support (HVAC, water heating, appliances, insulation)

  • building operations efficiency workflows (scheduling, runtimes, maintenance reminders)

  • EV charging optimization (homes, workplaces, fleets)

  • incentive and upgrade navigation tools that reduce drop-off

  • affordability-focused tools for lower-income households

  • lightweight measurement tools to document savings and outcomes

  • industry-specific efficiency tools (restaurants, clinics, laundromats, cold storage, retail, small manufacturing)

Week-by-week milestones

Week 1 — Founder Direction + Customer Selection
Choose a reachable customer and a clean tech direction to test quickly.
Deliverables: ICP v1, interview script, outreach message, 3 interviews booked/completed.

Week 2 — Interviews + Early Signals
Run interviews correctly and start capturing evidence patterns.
Deliverables: interview log, top pain signals, 5–6 interviews completed.

Week 3 — Decision Week
Rank problems and select one winning use case with a clear problem statement.
Deliverables: 8–12 interviews logged, selected use case, continue/narrow/pivot rationale.

Week 4 — Market Scan + Positioning + MVP Scope
Map competitors/substitutes and define a focused wedge + MVP plan.
Deliverables: competitor/substitute map, differentiation statement, MVP one-pager, success metric.

Week 5 — Build Week 1 (AI-assisted)
Start building the core workflow end-to-end (before polish).
Deliverables: prototype started, core workflow working, onboarding drafted.

Week 6 — Build Week 2 (Iteration + Feedback)
Run quick feedback sessions and iterate toward a stable demo flow.
Deliverables: demoable prototype v1, 3–5 feedback sessions, iteration list.

Week 7 — Proof Package + Traction Plan
Package the evidence + product story and create a 30/60/90-day plan.
Deliverables: proof snapshot, pilot target list, traction plan, demo script.

Week 8 — Product Validation Showcase
Pitch + live demo + specific asks (pilots, partners, users, intros).
Deliverables: showcase pitch + demo, evidence packet, next-step checklist.

What you’ll leave with

By the end of 8 weeks, teams will have:

  • a validated problem/use case backed by real customer evidence

  • a focused MVP scope + positioning

  • a demoable prototype (built with AI-assisted tooling support)

  • a proof packet you can use for pilot conversations and next-step funding

  • a clear 30/60/90-day traction plan

Expected cohort outcomes:

  • 10–15 founders served

  • 6–10 demoable prototypes

  • 1 Product Validation Showcase

Program structure

8 weeks. In-person. High-support. Evidence-driven.

Each week includes:

  • a cohort session with a clear milestone

  • guided build assignments

  • mentor check-ins + optional office hours

  • practical tools, templates, and feedback loops

This Accelerator is designed around one principle:
Customer evidence comes before building — and building is used to prove value fast.

Product Validation Showcase

The Accelerator culminates in a public Product Validation Showcase where teams:

  • pitch their solution

  • demo the product live

  • receive structured feedback

  • make specific asks for pilots, partners, and next steps

SMUD staff and regional ecosystem leaders will be invited as judges and audience members.

Applications open April 1, 2026.