JUNO BEACH, Fla. — Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) today graduates 11 entrepreneurs in six startup companies from 35 Mules – the first-ever in-house innovation hub powered by a global energy leader. The incubator is located at FPL’s Juno Beach headquarters, where the six startups have worked on their ventures since September 2020.
During the 15-month program, the startups have raised a total of $13.5 million in grant funding and venture capital, developed minimum viable products, full-scale pilot programs and expanded their teams.
The first class of innovators include:
- Hygge Power is working on long-lasting and accessible personal energy storage systems as well as an energy management app.
- NEPTUNYA Ocean Power is a company focused on developing technologies that will make ocean-sourced renewable energy generation a viable solution.
- Purivy is a company that produces energy efficient, on-the-go sanitization devices using UV-C lighting.
- SustainaBase provides a flexible suite of tools that allows companies to dynamically manage and report their carbon emissions and sustainability efforts.
- Synergy Research Labs is a startup focused on the responsible manufacturing of next-generation electronic materials that are capable of low-cost, efficient, solid power-state transformation.
- Switched Source is working to provide the next generation of power system automation technology.
“Even in the face of a global pandemic, these startups never wavered and are an example of what we can achieve by fueling innovation and entrepreneurship in Florida,” said FPL President and CEO Eric Silagy. “Importantly, they demonstrated that nothing is out of reach if you’re willing to work hard, collaborate, lean into challenges and embrace new ideas. I’m proud of how our employees provided invaluable insight and expertise to help tangibly grow these businesses, and we are excited to see what these startups will accomplish in the future.”
The 35 Mules innovation hub helps entrepreneurs develop their innovative, technologically driven ideas into a business based in Florida, further supporting the state’s economic growth and building its business ecosystem. The program offers entrepreneurs access to NextEra Energy subject-matter experts, Fortune 200 executive coaching, a tailored business curriculum, $100,000 cash grant and dedicated, rent-free workspace.
To continue support for graduating startups, 35 Mules has launched The Herd, the program’s official alumni network. The Herd will provide continued access to NextEra Energy subject-matter experts, coaching, networking opportunities with future classes and more.
The incubator is one of the ways FPL continues to demonstrate its commitment to grow and foster businesses in Florida, both new and existing. The program offers new businesses the opportunity to reach their potential as they partner with a leader in the energy industry, creating the next generation of great innovators right here in Florida.
35 Mules will welcome its second class of innovators into the program in early 2022. Learn more about 35 Mules and its first graduating class of startups at 35Mules.com and on LinkedIn.
Florida Power & Light Company
Florida Power & Light Company is the largest vertically integrated rate-regulated electric utility in the U.S. as measured by retail electricity produced and sold. The company serves more than 5.6 million customer accounts supporting more than 11 million residents across Florida with clean, reliable and affordable electricity. FPL operates one of the cleanest power generation fleets in the U.S and in 2021 won the ReliabilityOne® National Reliability Excellence Award for the sixth time in the last seven years. The company was recognized in 2020 as one of the most trusted U.S. electric utilities by Escalent for the seventh consecutive year. FPL is a subsidiary of Juno Beach, Florida-based NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE), a clean energy company widely recognized for its efforts in sustainability, corporate responsibility, ethics and compliance, and diversity. NextEra Energy is ranked No. 1 in the electric and gas utilities industry in Fortune’s 2021 list of “World’s Most Admired Companies” and recognized on Fortune’s 2021 list of companies that “Change the World.” NextEra Energy is also the parent company of NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, which, together with its affiliated entities, is the world’s largest generator of renewable energy from the wind and sun and a world leader in battery storage. For more information about NextEra Energy companies, visit these websites: www.NextEraEnergy.com, www.FPL.com, www.NextEraEnergyResources.com.
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