Unlocking Early Innovation: Invenergy’s Investment in the Catalyst Grant
For over three years, Invenergy has partnered with the UWM Research Foundation to support the Catalyst Grant program, which provides critical seed funding to advance early-stage UWM research toward commercialization and real-world impact. As North America’s largest privately held renewable power generation company, Invenergy recognizes the important role early investment plays in driving innovation and developing future leaders.
During 414 for UWM Giving Days, donors can join Invenergy in fueling high-potential research toward viable solutions. In this donor spotlight, Cooper Johnson (CJ), Director of Development at Invenergy, explains why this investment matters.
What inspired Invenergy to begin supporting the Catalyst Grant?
CJ: Invenergy supported the Catalyst Grant Program because of its unique ability to bridge the gap between early-stage research and real-world applications. As a company focused on building the future of energy, we recognize that many of the most transformative ideas require early investment to reach commercialization. The Catalyst Grant’s track record of advancing promising innovations, and doing so in a way that supports students and emerging entrepreneurs, made it a natural fit for our commitment to innovation and long-term impact.
How does the Catalyst Grant align with Invenergy’s mission and corporate social responsibility priorities?
CJ: The program closely aligns with Invenergy’s mission to drive innovation in energy and infrastructure while creating lasting benefits for communities. We prioritize investments that advance a reliable energy future, economic development, and workforce readiness, especially in Wisconsin, where our investment has grown over the last 15+ years that we’ve been developing and operating energy projects in the state. The Catalyst Grant supports all three of those priorities by funding breakthrough ideas, preparing the next generation of the energy workforce, and helping translate research into viable businesses that strengthen regional economies.
How do you see Invenergy’s support helping to advance innovation, energy advancement, or community development in the region?
CJ: Invenergy’s support helps de-risk early-stage ideas, allowing students to test, refine, and validate technologies that might otherwise go unfunded. This is particularly important in the energy sector, where innovation cycles can be long and capital-intensive. By supporting the Catalyst Grant, we are fostering entrepreneurship and contributing to a stronger regional innovation ecosystem. Combined with our other education-focused community engagement efforts, including supporting KidWind Wisconsin with the Wisconsin Energy Institute and fostering connections with a variety of Wisconsin Technical Colleges across the state, we are building the next generation of energy leaders.
What advice would you share with other companies considering investing in early-stage innovation through programs like the Catalyst Grant?
CJ: Our advice would be to take a long-term view and recognize that early-stage innovation requires patience but delivers outsized impact. Programs like the Catalyst Grant demonstrate that relatively small, strategic investments can unlock significant follow-on funding, drive entrepreneurship, and create meaningful community benefits. Wisconsin is at a pivotal moment as energy demands grow at an unprecedented rate. Investing in our talent here in the state is necessary to meet this moment, and we urge others to join in.
