Nevada is experiencing a notable boost in high-tech startup activity, fueled by growing venture capital investment and public-private collaboration across battery energy storage and AI-driven technologies. According to leaders from the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, UNLV, and the Electrify Nevada Accelerator, new startups are gaining traction in sectors like clean energy, AI infrastructure, medical devices, and advanced materials.
The Electrify Nevada Accelerator—run by UNLV, the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development, and global accelerator gener8tor—focuses strategically on early-stage firms working in advanced battery systems, closed-loop lithium technologies, sustainable energy supply chains, and industrial efficiency solutions. Participating companies receive mentorship, capital support, and access to investor networks to scale operations in Nevada’s clean technology landscape.
Startups in Las Vegas and Reno are also increasingly attracting venture capital backed by state programs such as Battle Born Growth and newer locally anchored funds. Desert Forge Ventures, launched in May 2025 by former UNLV President Len Jessup, is now actively investing between $100,000 and $1 million in Nevada-based early-stage firms. Beyond capital, firms benefit from strong institutional support and infrastructure designed to retain homegrown innovation.
Nevada’s tech surge also reflects rising investor confidence overall. In 2024, the state raised about $1.5 billion in venture capital, thanks in part to outreach by business development agencies and Nevada’s enhanced visibility to global investors. This influx is helping diversify the economy in a state historically centered on tourism and gaming.
Battery technology firms are stepping into the spotlight. Ultion Technologies, a Las Vegas–based battery startup, recently secured Series A funding (led by Torus and backed by Battle Born Venture), enabling a fivefold expansion in manufacturing capacity. Its lithium-based batteries—used in transportation, medical devices, and smart infrastructure—are being produced in Nevada’s dry climate, which is ideal for high-quality cell fabrication. Workforce headcount is projected to grow from around 15 to over 100 within two years.
At a broader scale, Nevada already counts major facilities such as the Reid Gardner Battery Energy Storage System near Moapa—one of the state’s largest lithium-ion grid storage facilities—and is home to ventures like Lyten’s planned $1 billion gigafactory producing lithium-sulfur batteries near Reno. These projects underscore Nevada’s emerging role in reshaping U.S. energy supply chains.
Behind this rapid growth is GOED’s strategic drive to build an “Electric, Innovative, and Connected Nevada.” Through NSF Engines initiatives, the Accelerate Electric Nevada program, and infrastructure funding grants, Nevada is investing in testbeds, startup pipelines, and ecosystem coordination intended to support long-term economic diversification.
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Despite historical limitations in local venture capital, the arrival of new funds and the expansion of programs such as AngelNV and fund-of-funds initiatives are closing the gap. According to Kyle Ferguson of Battle Born Growth, investment is now matching quality ideas in Nevada—creating opportunities for founders who choose to base and scale locally rather than relocate.
The growing presence of AI-related ventures is another transformative trend. Nevada’s startups are increasingly focusing on AI cloud infrastructure, enterprise solutions, and deep tech research—supported by collaborations between university labs and accelerators. Coupled with Nevada’s tax advantages, affordable real estate, and proximity to the West Coast tech corridor, these developments position cities like Las Vegas and Reno as next-generation innovation hubs.
From a regional perspective, Nevada’s ecosystem is maturing rapidly. Entrepreneurial organizations like StartupNV and Zero Labs, along with academic partnerships, are helping founders build startups that generate jobs and diversify the economy. Programs such as the Electrify Nevada Accelerator, Desert Forge Ventures, and Battle Born Growth collectively support a pipeline that spans pre‑seed to Series A stages.
Looking ahead, analysts expect these trends to drive continued growth throughout 2026. The mix of battery manufacturing, AI ventures, and infrastructure expansion is likely to fuel not just startup activity but also broader economic diversification—transforming Nevada from a tourism-led economy to an emerging technology center.
For entrepreneurs and investors, these developments offer a compelling case to engage in Nevada’s expanding innovation landscape. Favorable business conditions, capital access, and strong state support are creating fertile ground for scalable ventures—particularly in fast-growing, impact-driven industries.