CBE is one of 30 research testbeds supporting the California Test Bed Initiative, a laboratory-based commercialization development program for innovators and entrepreneurs working to bring early to mid-stage clean energy concepts to market. Under the program, CalTestBed will award vouchers worth up to $300,000 to test and validate candidate technologies at one of nearly 30 testbeds across the UC system and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Additional benefits include access to experienced clean energy entrepreneurs, industry experts and prospective partners. Under this program, CBE has already completed voucher-based research for two emerging cleantech companies.

The program is focused on mid- to later-stage technologies (technology readiness levels 5-7) that add value to the electrical grid system, but that lack capital for testing and validation. Applicants must have a California presence and may apply under one of twelve wide-ranging technology categories, including building technologies, energy storage, materials, internet of things, grid technologies, renewable generation, transportation and water.

As one of the testbed facilities, CBE offers many advanced research capabilities, including a controlled environment chamber that allows precise control over temperature, humidity, ventilation and lighting, and that may use human subjects and/or advanced physical measurements. Additional experimental facilities include instrumented “thermal mannequins” and an extensive set of mobile and wireless measuring equipment for conducting field studies within operating buildings. More information about CBE’s capabilities, and also that of all the testbed facilities, please see the CalTestBed Directory.

Applications for the next cohort are due December 3, 2023. Please see the links below for more information, and please forward to any potentially interested parties.

CalTestBed website >

Application manual >

Directory of test facilities and capabilities 2023 >

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