Fast track

The Nevada Institute for Renewable Energy Commercialization (NIREC) was one of four “regional accelerators” nationwide selected by the federal Small Business Administration to mentor about 100 clean energy startups. None of those startups are in Nevada, though NIREC does work with tech-based startups here.

The Incline Village-based nonprofit helps budding businesses commercialize clean-energy and renewable technologies. It provides funding to a few companies each year and helps fill in gaps for the businesses as they attempt to launch—sometimes putting mentors directly into operational roles until the company is ready to stand on its own. NIREC beat out 71 other groups nationwide for participation in this program, which is part of the White House initiative Startup America.

“NIREC’s selection as one of the four regional accelerators for this mentoring program further demonstrates the importance of Nevada’s role as a hub for clean energy commercialization,” said NIREC director of operations Li Han Chan in a prepared statement.