Data Center Innovation Initiative (DCII) Grant
In context
This call is open to startups, at prototype and pilot stage, pre-seed and seed stage. Funding is a grant of Up to $5,000,000. Coverage is read from the notice itself: United States.
This grant invests $500,000 to $5 million per project in technology startups developing energy storage, advanced electrical systems, industrial cooling, and low-carbon materials for data centers. Eligible projects are tested in existing data centers or demonstration sites, with co-funding from Amazon, Google, Meta, and Microsoft through 2027.
About this grant
The Data Center Innovation Initiative (DCII) is a new investment initiative launched by Elemental Impact with Amazon, Google, Meta, and Microsoft. It aims to accelerate the deployment of next-generation technologies for more sustainable infrastructure, with a focus on data centers. Elemental describes its general model as providing catalytic capital to fill market gaps for first-of-a-kind and early commercial projects, paired with project expertise, local partnership, and investor mobilization. Under this model, funded entrepreneurs receive flexible capital that de-risks projects and helps attract follow-on funding, along with wrap-around coaching covering policy engagement, workforce development, and raising project capital. The page does not provide further detail on the specific technologies, activities, or application process for DCII itself beyond the headline description and a link to an Apply Now call to action.
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Key requirements
- ✓Technology must be tested in existing data centers or demonstration sites
- ✓Focus on energy storage, advanced electrical systems, industrial cooling, or low-carbon materials
- ✓Up to 10 technology startups will be funded through 2027
- ✓Co-funding from Amazon, Google, Meta, and Microsoft
Frequently asked questions
- How much funding does Elemental Excelerator offer?
- Data Center Innovation Initiative (DCII) offers up to $5M.
- Who can apply for Data Center Innovation Initiative (DCII)?
- Eligibility covers organisations in US; startup.
How this compares
- Compared with 10 similar grants (energy storage in United States) listed in the last 12 months.
- This is the only similar grant from this organisation listed here in the last 12 months.
- We hold 73 past awards from this funder; recent recipients include MOLG INC (2025), NORIA ENERGY HOLDINGS (2025), PROJECT VESTA (2025).
Closest open grants
Figures are computed from notices listed on Raise Lens in the same sector and country over the last 12 months.
About this sector
Energy storage funding spans batteries, long-duration storage, thermal storage and the controls that dispatch them. Research calls focus on chemistry and system cost. Demonstration programmes test grid services, while tenders buy capacity, flexibility and installation contracts. Buyers usually want evidence of safety certification, round-trip efficiency and a credible route to grid connection.
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