Princeton, NJ — December 3, 2025 — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded Fedsprout, in partnership with Cleantech Open Northeast, a contract to support the design of a new regional accelerator under the Water Power Innovation Network (WPIN). WPIN is a national initiative created to advance water-power technologies by building stronger pathways for early-stage innovation, commercialization, and deployment.

Introducing SWIM: Supporting Water Innovation & Marketplace

The concept under development, known as SWIM (Supporting Water Innovation & Marketplace), will explore how an accelerator could help water-power innovators navigate commercialization pathways and connect with essential resources. During this design phase, Fedsprout and Cleantech Open Northeast will be evaluating:

• Where innovators face the greatest gaps in support
• How existing regional strengths can be leveraged
• What structures, partnerships, and services would enable a successful future accelerator

As part of this effort, Fedsprout will lead a strategic gap analysis and contribute to the development of the accelerator concept, which is expected to strengthen the innovation pipeline for hydropower and marine energy technologies across the Northeastern U.S.  In Phase 1 of the program, Fedsprout and Cleantech Open Northeast will work closely with regional stakeholders, and sector experts to assess current ecosystem needs and design a framework for a future accelerator that can effectively support emerging water-power innovators.

“Our focus in this phase is to make sure the accelerator is designed around real gaps and real opportunities,” said Aalap Shah, President & CEO of Fedsprout. “By conducting a rigorous analysis of the region’s innovation landscape, we can build a DOE-approved program that is both impactful and accessible to the entrepreneurs, researchers, and communities who stand to benefit most.”

Program details will be finalized by the Fedsprout and Cleantech Open Northeast team during Phase 1. Phase 2 will focus on implementation, including launching and supporting pilot cohorts.

Alignment With Fedsprout’s Mission

This project is closely aligned with Fedsprout’s mission to help early-stage innovators bring new technologies to market through thoughtful program design, federal funding strategy, and equity-centered support models. By integrating insights on commercialization pathways, workforce needs, and environmental impact, Fedsprout aims to help shape an accelerator design that reflects the values of innovation, accessibility, and long-term sustainability.

Next Steps

Fedsprout and Cleantech Open Northeast will engage stakeholders over the coming months as part of the SWIM Phase 1 design process. DOE will review the Phase 1 gap analysis and accelerator design recommendations and will make recommendations for advancing the Phase 2 project.

About Fedsprout

Fedsprout is an innovation services firm specializing in federal and state funding strategy, proposal development, commercialization support, and program design for organizations supporting the innovation ecosystem. Fedsprout works across multiple sectors and emphasizes equitable, community-centered approaches to technology deployment.

About Cleantech Open Northeast

Cleantech Open Northeast is the most active region of the national Cleantech Open accelerator program and is managed by the Alliance for Climate Transition (ACT). Cleantech Open is the world’s oldest and largest cleantech accelerator and is dedicated to providing entrepreneurs and technologists with the resources needed to launch a successful cleantech company.

ACT, The Alliance for Climate Transition is a unique blend of a trade organization and a non-profit, dedicated to leading the just, equitable and rapid transition to a clean energy future and a diverse climate economy. We promote the widespread adoption of clean energy and climate technologies, driven by companies that offer innovative and scalable solutions, with the aim of decarbonizing all aspects of society.