Kazadi Enterprises receives 2022 Nicor Gas Multicultural Innovator Award

Rhea-AI Summary

Kazadi Enterprises has won the 2022 Nicor Gas Multicultural Innovator Award, aimed at supporting clean energy tech startups with minority founders in Illinois. The award includes a $25,000 equity and inclusion grant, business mentorship, and increased visibility to investors. Kazadi's innovative technology converts ambient heat to energy, significantly reducing refrigeration's environmental impact, which parallels CO2 emissions from 100 million cars. The partnership aims to foster innovation in clean energy, aligning with the environmental goals of both Nicor Gas and Evergreen Climate Innovations.

Positive

• Kazadi Enterprises awarded the 2022 Nicor Gas Multicultural Innovator Award, receiving a $25,000 grant.
• Kazadi's technology could lower refrigeration energy usage by 80%, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.
• The partnership aims to enhance visibility and support for minority-led clean energy innovation.

Negative

• None.

Evergreen Climate Innovations, Nicor Gas partner to support entrepreneurs who are making a positive environmental impact in Illinois

NAPERVILLE, Ill., Aug. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Kazadi Enterprises is the recipient of the 2022 Nicor Gas Multicultural Innovator Award. This is the second annual award presented by Nicor Gas and Evergreen Climate Innovations, formerly Clean Energy Trust, to support clean energy technology startups with a minority founder or CEO.

Nicor Gas, Evergreen Climate Innovations partner to support entrepreneurs who are making a positive environmental impact

Nicor Gas, Evergreen Climate Innovations partner to support entreprenuers who are making a positive environmental impact

"Kazadi Enterprises is at the intersection of innovation and diversity, and we are proud to work with Evergreen Climate Innovations to support this Illinois startup," said Wendell Dallas, president and CEO of Nicor Gas. "This is another way we are fueling innovation and investing in our communities and businesses while reducing our environmental footprint and helping our customers do the same."

Kazadi is the second recipient of the Nicor Gas Multicultural Innovator Award and will receive a $25,000 equity and inclusion grant to support further development of its patented technology that converts ambient heat to energy. In addition to the grant, Kazadi leadership will receive 12 months of business mentorship and heightened exposure to investors and customers.

"Evergreen Climate Innovations is proud to continue its work with Nicor Gas and Illinois entrepreneurs to bring environmental innovations to a scalable reality," said Erik Birkerts, CEO of Evergreen Climate Innovations. "Kazadi Enteprises is tackling a sector whose negative environmental impacts often go unrecognized by offering a decarbonized alternative to traditional refrigeration and cooling systems."

It is estimated that commercial refrigeration systems produce the same amount of CO2 emissions as 100 million cars and leak, on average, 25% of their hazardous refrigerants into the atmosphere every year. Kazadi's patented technology leverages thermal energy in air, converting environmental heat into work and plugging into the natural hydrologic cycle, reducing the cost and carbon footprint of refrigeration.

"We are excited to work with Nicor Gas and Evergreen Energy Innovations as we continue to refine our technology that harnesses a free and nearly universal energy sources – environmental thermal energy," said Sanza Kazadi, CEO and founder of Kazadi Enterprises. "By harnessing the energy in the air and replacing conventional refrigerants with just plain water, we can help customers reduce their refrigeration energy usage by 80% while also reducing negative environmental attributes often associated with traditional refrigerants."

To learn more about Kazadi Enterprises, visit www.kazadienterprises.com.

About Nicor Gas 
Nicor Gas is one of four natural gas distribution companies of Southern Company Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO). Nicor Gas serves more than 2.2 million customers in a service territory that encompasses most of the northern third of Illinois, excluding the city of Chicago. For more information, visit nicorgas.com. 

About Southern Company Gas  
Southern Company Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America's premier energy company. Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.3 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in four states with approximately 600,000 retail customers through its companies that market natural gas. Other nonutility businesses include investments in interstate pipelines and ownership and operation of natural gas storage facilities. For more information, visit southerncompanygas.com.

About Evergreen Climate Innovations
Evergreen Climate Innovations, formerly Clean Energy Trust, provides catalytic capital and support to entrepreneurs and startups that bring impactful climate technologies to market. The nonprofit pioneered its 501vc® Investment Fund to align philanthropic and corporate contributions to deliver environmental, economic, and social impact. Evergreen advances and expands access to innovation across the Greater Midwest and cultivates an ecosystem of investors, donors, and collaborators. For over a decade, Evergreen Climate Innovations has invested in startups that have raised $41 for every $1 invested. Learn more at evergreeninno.org.

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SOURCE Nicor Gas

FAQ

What is the Nicor Gas Multicultural Innovator Award?

The award supports clean energy startups with minority founders in Illinois, providing grants and mentorship.

Who is Kazadi Enterprises?

Kazadi Enterprises is a clean energy startup focused on converting ambient heat to energy.

How much funding did Kazadi Enterprises receive?

Kazadi Enterprises received a $25,000 equity and inclusion grant from Nicor Gas.

What environmental issue does Kazadi's technology address?

Kazadi's technology aims to reduce the environmental impact of refrigeration systems, which produce significant CO2 emissions.

When was the award presented to Kazadi Enterprises?

The award was presented on August 18, 2022.

Which company oversees Nicor Gas?

Nicor Gas is a subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO).