2025 was a year of meaningful progress for NextEnergy—one defined by new talent, partnerships, and deployments that advanced clean energy, mobility, and smart‑infrastructure innovation across Michigan.
The achievements below reflect the work that strengthened our platform and accelerated our mission throughout the year.
1. Welcoming New Talent
This year, NextEnergy welcomed Emily Barg, Eric Lee, Intern Bethany Cherry, Kristin Shaw, Erika Linenfelser—each bringing dynamic expertise that elevated our capabilities and broadened our impact across our platform and partnerships.
2. Presence on the National Stage
Our team proudly represented NextEnergy at major industry events including Forth, WCX, and the 13th Annual Michigan Energy Innovators Conference, contributing through multiple speaking engagements and networking.
3. MINC Program Completion
NextEnergy’s smart cities partnership with EGLE came to a close in 2025 after driving more than $3M in clean‑energy, smart‑infrastructure, and electrified‑mobility investments statewide. Throughout the partnership, we supported Dearborn, Flint, and Marquette as they advanced environmental IoT, energy‑efficiency and resilience projects, and EV adoption to give residents greater agency in managing environmental challenges and energy demands. We remain committed to supporting these and other Michigan communities as they continue their smart‑city evolution.
4. Hydrogen Leadership & ISO Recognition
Our hydrogen initiatives advanced significantly as Lauren Mattar continued engagement within the heavy-duty vehicle sector to support international hydrogen advancement and adoption, while also furthering our work with the hydrogen ecosystem in the state of Michigan. Lauren participated in hydrogen technology meetings in Herning, Denmark, where 40 hydrogen experts from around the world convened to contribute and advance technical standards for heavy‑duty, high‑flow hydrogen fueling for heave duty vehicles.
5. Accelerating Michigan’s Circular Economy Initiative
Through the Ottonomy autonomous robot deployment at the UTX, the Penny Pick‑Up pilot demonstrates how robotics can support real community benefits and sustainable circular‑economy material movement. As part of this same pilot, NextEnergy and partners—including Bedrock, NoHo Hospitality Group, Orange Sparkle Ball, and Ecosphere Organics—are repurposing San Morello food waste into reusable products like coasters. NextEnergy secured over $200,000 from EGLE to support this work, part of the $5.6 million awarded statewide to strengthen circular supply chains.
6. Advancing EPA Clean Ports Initiatives
NextEnergy kicked off critical work with the EPA’s Clean Ports Program, helping Detroit’s international port assess emissions, identify electrification pathways, and build a foundation for future zero‑emission equipment and infrastructure.
7. Innovation Ecosystem Engagement
2025 united innovators across the mobility ecosystem through Michigan Mobility Week, the Mobility Meet-Up hosted at the DSPL and the UTX Technology Showcase—three powerful events that fostered collaboration, hands-on technology demonstrations, and future-focused discussions. Together, these dynamic gatherings accelerated momentum across Michigan’s mobility and cleantech landscape and showcased the ever-changing industries.
8. Activating DSPL’s Drone Testing Zone
The DSPL expanded its capabilities with the activation of a dedicated rooftop drone testing and flight zone. The space supports real‑world testing of unmanned aerial systems, offering startups and innovators a secure urban environment with streamlined regulatory pathways. This expansion reinforces DSPL’s role as a national platform for next‑generation mobility innovation and its impact on scaling Michigan’s Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Initiative.
9. The NextEnergy Rebrand
As we approached our 25th anniversary in 2025, NextEnergy unveiled a bold new brand identity that reflects both our evolving mission and our commitment to driving meaningful, sustainable innovation. This refreshed look represents more than a visual change—it honors where we’ve been and represents how boldly we’re moving forward.
10. New Deployments Driving Innovation
In 2025, we launched over 20 new deployments across energy, mobility, and sustainability sectors—accelerating real-world testing and validation for technologies that move us toward a smarter, cleaner and more connected future. Check out these companies: