There is a whole new set of industries emerging for technology start-ups as the need for renewable energy becomes ever more pressing.
But is throwing money at such ventures just too much risk for the VCs? There is still scepticism and uncertainty when it comes to the science but also the potential of start-ups in this sector who get it right is frightening.
Come up with a killer energy creating technology that is affordable and your company could become just about the most important thing on the planet. Easy-peasy…
But, as I said, VCs won’t like to touch it at this stage. Its too vague and the need – I imagine the argument would go – is not now its sometime in the future. So, its up to Governments to kick-start this industry and the Governments that see that future need for renewable energy are going after an opportunity in which the rewards are beyond huge.
Hence the US government has just shoved $21.7m into new compound semiconductor technologies for use in photovoltaic R&D. The money is being made available under the Solar America Initiative.
The largest single project being funded – led by Wakonda Technologies - is getting $900,000 to look at developing GaAs cells on germanium foil instead of germanium substrate to cut costs.
It is just one of the projects under the scheme. In fact some 25 projects are getting backing. If you want to make sure you have a chance at that future industry it seems a sensible approach to spread your chances.