BlueTech Valley: Advancing Water, Energy, and Agriculture Technology Solutions

BlueTech Valley (BTV) is an innovation ecosystem advancing water, energy, and agriculture technology solutions in California. Founded in 2016 and located in the San Joaquin Valley, BlueTech Valley supports technologies designed for regions facing scarcity, energy demand, and agricultural activity.

Through its statewide reach, BlueTech Valley has supported entrepreneurs across 39 counties in California, evaluated 500+ companies, helped create 840+ jobs, and facilitated more than 2,500 mentoring sessions. These efforts have contributed to $435 million in total private and public funding, supporting the growth and commercialization of new technologies.

The BlueTech Valley Innovation Cluster

The BlueTech Valley Innovation Cluster supports entrepreneurs across California through a connected network of regional hubs. These hubs are located at:

• Fresno State

• CSU Bakersfield

• CSU Chico

• Cal Poly Humboldt

• CSU Monterey Bay

• Sacramento State (CleanStart)

Through this network, startups gain access to technical expertise, business support, legal guidance, pilot opportunities, and regional partnerships, helping them move from early-stage development toward commercialization.

Programs Supporting Entrepreneurs

BlueTech Valley offers programs designed to support innovators at different stages of development.

The Technology Innovation and Evaluation (TIE) Program supports early-stage innovators by evaluating technologies in water, energy, and agriculture. TIE provides expert feedback, development guidance, and access to testing opportunities, helping founders strengthen and refine their solutions.

Valley Ventures is BlueTech Valley’s flagship accelerator program. Valley Ventures supports high-potential companies through sales and commercialization training, pilot projects, and direct engagement with investors and industry leaders.

Valley Ventures Company Spotlights

Several companies illustrate the impact of BlueTech Valley’s programs:

Nitricity (Cohort 4) is a clean-energy fertilizer company transforming fertilizer production. Their renewable-powered manufacturing process reduces greenhouse gas emissions while supporting organic agriculture and soil health.

Thermoshade (Cohort 8) develops passive cooling shade panels for outdoor and building applications. Their solution can feel up to 20°F cooler, uses no energy, and offers an affordable heat resilience solution.

DoubleLand (Cohort 9) designs movable solar mounting systems for farms and ranches. Their approach enables dual-use food and energy production, provides movable shade for crop protection, and helps increase farm revenue and resilience.

Strengthening California’s Innovation Ecosystem

Through its innovation cluster and programs, BlueTech Valley continues to support entrepreneurs developing solutions at the intersection of water, energy, and agriculture. By connecting founders with resources, expertise, and partnerships, BlueTech Valley plays a key role in advancing technology solutions across California.