Data Center Innovation Initiative
A deployment-focused investment initiative designed to accelerate next-generation energy, materials, and cooling technologies
Apply by July 15, 2026 to meet our priority deadline
Overview
A once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape energy and industrial systems
Data center growth is emerging as one of the most powerful demand drivers of industrial decarbonization in modern history, creating a rare commercialization opportunity for entrepreneurs building the next generation of infrastructure technologies.
Led by Elemental Impact in collaboration with leading technology companies and philanthropic, technical, and legal partners, the initiative will test and validate critical climate technologies in data center environments, creating clear pathways for future adoption across broader energy and industrial sectors.
Through the Data Center Innovation Initiative (DCII), Elemental will invest $500,000 to $5 million per project in up to 10 early-stage technology startups through 2027. The initiative will also provide specialized expertise—from financing and deployment strategies to workforce development—to help entrepreneurs navigate complexities and scale projects faster.
Amazon, Google, Meta, and Microsoft will help identify priority technology areas and support project deployment opportunities. This initiative is made possible by visionary philanthropies who believe data centers can accelerate climate innovation and are uniquely positioned to fill market gaps. Early anchors include Breakthrough Energy Discovery, Builders Vision Philanthropy, Salesforce, and the Stolte Family Foundation who are providing initial multi-year grant funding.
Technology Focus Areas
The Data Center Innovation Initiative focuses on technology areas where collaboration can accelerate deployment, unlock market adoption, and deliver meaningful environmental and local impact. These areas include energy storage, advanced electrical systems, novel cooling solutions, and low-carbon materials that improve efficiency and decrease the environmental footprint of data center environments and infrastructure more broadly.
Through deployments in operating data centers and demonstration sites, these technologies are tested to strengthen local energy systems, improve resource efficiency, and reduce emissions.
In addition to these core focus areas, Elemental will consider companies with novel approaches or strong potential for meaningful environmental benefits or emissions reductions in data center environments and beyond.
Clean Concrete
SCMs, low-clinker cement blends, carbon-cured concrete, and other emissions-reducing innovations
Clean Metals & Alloys
Low-carbon steel, aluminum, copper, and other structural materials
Energy Storage & Power Infrastructure
Energy storage and backup power and advanced electrical infrastructure
Facility Cooling & Water Efficiency Technologies
Novel industrial cooling and HVAC solutions to reduce energy and water use
Clean Concrete
Our focus is on scalable low-carbon concrete solutions that can achieve at least a 30% reduction in embodied carbon while maintaining performance, cost competitiveness, and compatibility with existing construction practices. Solutions must meet relevant industry standards and demonstrate a credible path to large-scale deployment across multiple sites within two years.
Priority Solutions:
Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs)
Low-clinker blends
Carbon-cured concrete
Other emissions-reducing innovations
Clean Metals & Alloys
Our focus is on low-carbon materials that can achieve at least a 50% reduction in lifecycle emissions while maintaining equivalent performance and compatibility with existing fabrication processes. We prioritize solutions with clear compliance pathways, traceable emissions data, and a credible path to cost-competitive, large-scale supply.
Priority Solutions:
Low-carbon steel
Aluminum
Copper
Other structural materials
Energy Storage & Power Infrastructure
Our focus is on solutions that enable greater renewable energy integration, reduce lifecycle emissions, and decrease reliance on diesel generators. We prioritize technologies that deliver strong operational performance, fit within existing infrastructure constraints, can be deployed within 12 months using standard permitting pathways, and can demonstrate a credible path to commercial-scale deployment and cost competitiveness with incumbent systems over time.
Priority Solutions:
Short-term storage and bridge power (e.g. uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems)
Long duration energy storage (LDES)
Advanced energy systems (e.g. solid-state transformers)
Facility Cooling & Water Efficiency
Our focus is on advanced cooling solutions for buildings that significantly reduce data center energy and water use while maintaining or improving system reliability across a wide range of operating conditions. We prioritize technologies that can be retrofitted into existing cooling and HVAC infrastructure with minimal downtime and that meet applicable building, permitting, safety, and water-use requirements. Competitive solutions should demonstrate a scalable deployment model and a clear path to attractive total cost of ownership through energy savings and water efficiency.
Priority Solutions:
Facility cooling
HVAC
Water-positive solutions
How to Apply
Submit a project for the Data Center Innovation Initiative
Companies interested in the DCII should complete Elemental’s intake form and indicate interest in the Data Center Innovation Initiative.
The priority application deadline is Wednesday, July 15 at 11:59 PM PT. We will accept and review applications on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to apply early. Elemental will continue to accept applications until 5-10 projects are selected. Due to the high volume of applications, we will only reach out to select companies to continue the application and diligence process.
Beyond the DCII, we invest in exceptional entrepreneurs who are building technologies across energy, industry, food and agriculture, nature, water, and transportation. Learn more about our funding opportunities.
FAQ
Is there a deadline to apply?
Priority applications for the DCII are due by Wednesday, July 15 at 11:59 PM PT. We will continue to accept applications outside this window until 5-10 projects are selected. Due to the high volume of applications, we will only reach out to select companies to continue the application and diligence process.
Who is eligible to apply?
We will consider funding for for-profit, stand-alone companies with a novel business model or technology that enables deep environmental and local impact within the scope of the DCII. We will not consider funding for consulting firms, nonprofits, or acquired startups. Companies that do not exactly fit priority technology areas but achieve the goals of the DCII are still encouraged to apply.
Strong applicants demonstrate product-market fit, a potential project scope that Elemental’s capital and support can accelerate, and alignment with the DCII technical priorities and deployment models.
In addition, we evaluate applications through both a company-level and project-level lens. We are particularly interested in technologies and teams that can help address critical infrastructure challenges in data center environments while delivering meaningful environmental, commercial, and local impact. This includes solutions that can reduce emissions, energy use, water use, or embodied carbon; strengthen infrastructure resilience and operational performance; support workforce and community benefits; and demonstrate a credible pathway toward broader commercial deployment and repeatable scale.
Strong applications often demonstrate clear potential for customer adoption, deployment readiness, follow-on investment, and collaboration with corporates, technical collaborators, and local stakeholders. While every opportunity is different, we ultimately look for teams and technologies with the potential to accelerate decarbonization and infrastructure innovation at a meaningful scale.
Applicants are encouraged to download our application packet to learn more.
Can a company applying to Elemental’s other investment programs be considered for the DCII?
Yes, companies that have applied to Elemental’s other investment programs may also be considered for the DCII. It is a project-based program, so only companies with a clear pathway to deploying a project meeting the requirements listed in the application packet will be considered.
If you recently applied to Elemental’s Project Track and would like to be considered for the DCII, please complete the DCII application and note in the form that you have previously applied to Project Track. If you have any questions, please email apply@elementalimpact.com and include “Funding application help” in the subject line.
If a company applies to the DCII but is not a fit, Elemental may recommend consideration for our other investment programs, depending on the company’s stage and goals.
Do I need to be ready for deployment in a live data center?
No. Companies do not need to be ready for immediate deployment in a live data center. Strong applicants should be able to show a clear connection to data center applications and a credible pathway to a relevant deployment, validation effort, or commercialization milestone within the program timeline.
I’m already working with or in conversations with the DCII collaborators in some capacity. How will that be factored into my application and diligence process?
Applicants are encouraged to share any relevant engagements with corporate customers in their DCII application, to the extent they are able. This information helps inform both fit and potential deployment pathways. Where appropriate, Elemental and the DCII collaborators will coordinate during the diligence process to ensure alignment and avoid duplication, while respecting confidentiality and existing relationships.
Do I need to have a deployment site identified before applying?
No, but having a clear deployment pathway or potential partner strengthens your application. If you do have an existing demonstration site, please provide this information in your application.
Who is involved in the Data Center Innovation Initiative and what is their role?
The Data Center Innovation Initiative is a collaboration between Amazon, Google, Meta, and Microsoft. DCII collaborators help identify priority technology areas, provide strategic and technical input during diligence and pilot development, support project deployment opportunities, and contribute to industry learning and knowledge sharing to help accelerate broader adoption of emerging technologies.
Wilson Sonsini serves as legal counsel to the Initiative, supporting program structure, data-sharing frameworks, and collaboration agreements. Additional corporate, technical, and environmental organizations may also participate to contribute expertise and share learnings across the ecosystem.
The DCII is supported by philanthropic partners including Breakthrough Energy Discovery, Builders Vision Philanthropy, Salesforce, and the Stolte Family Foundation. Participating funders are not expected to provide additional or follow-on funding to companies selected through the DCII.
Organizations interested in participating or funding the DCII can contact partnerships@elementalimpact.com to learn more.
What is the time commitment for portfolio companies?
Portfolio companies commit to working with Elemental to develop and execute a bespoke scope of work tied to the DCII objectives. For this specific initiative, projects typically last 12-18 months and the time commitment varies based on the status and management requirements of each project. Elemental’s team and roster of coaches will be paired with each company based on their current needs, so hours vary based on scope.
Portfolio companies will share regular updates and participate in check-in calls with Elemental and program collaborators to share updates on the project and identify any opportunities for support. Elemental team members often engage as board observers and members of the leadership team are expected to join the convenings described above.
Once projects are complete, companies typically stay engaged, taking advantage of quarterly strategy calls with the Elemental team, additional coaching and follow-on funding opportunities, event participation, and a host of warm introductions.
Moreover, CEOs and at least one other leadership team member will be required to participate in all elements of the program for the first two years as a portfolio company.
For a full timeline, please refer to the application packet.
Is relocation and / or travel required to participate?
Elemental funds companies from all over the world and relocation is not required to participate in the program. We do come together throughout the year for our marquee events. CEOs and at least one other leadership team member will be required to participate in all elements of the program for the first two years as a portfolio company.
For the DCII, we are considering companies deploying projects in North America.
Will follow-on funding be available via Elemental Impact or partner organizations?
Participation in the DCII does not guarantee follow-on funding. Elemental Impact and program collaborators may independently provide capital for a DCII pilot, or may independently choose to pursue additional offtake and investment opportunities with companies.
Who can I contact with questions?
If you have questions or need help navigating our application process, please email us at apply@elementalimpact.com.
From Our Partners
“Sustainable data center design represents one of the fastest-growing opportunities for new technology adoption today. That’s why Microsoft has joined with Elemental Impact to convene industry leaders and innovators across the ecosystem in pursuit of promising technologies to reduce emissions. Our focus is on helping scale solutions to deliver reliable, clean power and sustainable materials, while improving efficiency and resiliency in the communities where we operate.”
“At Google, we’ve long believed that no one can solve climate change alone, and that true leadership is built through partnership. This initiative with Elemental Impact complements our third decade of climate action and builds on our long-term track record of helping to accelerate and create markets for clean energy and sustainability solutions. We are proud to work with these collaborators to pilot and scale the next generation of energy and material technologies, supporting our shared ambition to build a more resilient and sustainable future for everyone.”
“Amazon has shown leadership in energy and water efficiency across our data center infrastructure for two decades, and the Data Center Innovation Initiative lets us put that operational expertise to work alongside entrepreneurs solving challenges in carbon-free energy, advanced cooling, and lower-carbon materials. Our goal isn’t just to prove these technologies work at scale – it’s to create a shared playbook that accelerates adoption across the industry and delivers real benefits to the communities where we operate.”
“Data centers are uniquely positioned to serve as catalysts for clean energy and sustainable building materials. What excites us about the DCII is the focus on advancing emerging technology projects, building on Meta’s commitment to designing, building and operating sustainable and innovative data centers. By sharing what we learn together, we can support entrepreneurs to scale faster and move these innovations to real-world impact.”
“Scaling next-generation energy and material technologies requires both capital and a clear path to market. We are proud to partner with Elemental Impact to validate emerging solutions within the demanding environment of hyperscale data centers. By de-risking deployment today, we can accelerate viable infrastructure innovations needed for a more resilient and sustainable future.”
“At Salesforce, we believe realizing AI’s potential means investing in sustainability and community benefit alongside technological innovation. We’re proud to support Elemental Impact’s Data Center Innovation Initiative, which recognizes the AI-driven infrastructure boom as an opportunity to scale clean energy and low-carbon technologies that support local communities.”
Supported By
The Opportunity
A pivotal opportunity to scale next-generation technologies
With the rise of artificial intelligence, data centers are emerging as one of the largest drivers of infrastructure development—creating significant demand for power systems, materials, and industrial infrastructure. At the same time, corporate clean energy procurement reached a record high last year and the pace continues to accelerate.
This moment is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape how energy and industrial systems are built. Data centers offer a key starting point, creating unprecedented demand and momentum for entrepreneurs building new technologies. These technologies can extend far beyond data centers, powering schools and hospitals, supporting efficient manufacturing, and expanding access to affordable energy.
As it does across its broader portfolio, Elemental will work closely with selected companies to support early collaboration with local stakeholders, clear articulation of project benefits, and investment in workforce development. In fact, 98% of current Elemental portfolio companies report that community partners have been critical to their success.
By taking this approach, infrastructure growth can accelerate deployment of critical technologies while also delivering measurable environmental and economic benefits in communities. When shaped intentionally, this growth can help build more resilient, affordable, and low-carbon systems for decades to come.