The need for new technologies remains an imperative if we want to reduce global warming, yet capital for good technologies and particularly hard technology is still scarce. In order for technology companies to gain investor attention, start-ups need to demonstrate performance in the market and increasingly customers/revenue. New models are emerging to support the transition from idea to commercial success, and NREL is at the forefront of some of these models, including unique technology incubation programs. As these programs have proven successful, they have garnered more interest domestically and now internationally. The globalisation of technology incubation programs offers two key advantages - the opportunity to build a global network of start-ups with access to markets outside their own domestic markets, and platform for idea exchange and potential partnerships.