MicroEra Power: Leading North American Women In Founding Sustainable Energy Start-ups
In North America, women pioneering sustainable energy startups in North America are rising as leaders to combat climate change. They initiate organizations that specialize in clean energy and assist in reducing pollution. A perfect example is MicroEra Power, a startup organization from Rochester, New York. This organization signifies how females can initiate significant change in renewable energy. MicroEra Power: women at the forefront of innovation in clean energy, directed by the Chief Executive Officer Ellie Rusling, THERMAplus MicroEra Power focuses its research and development on intelligent methods of heating and cooling buildings with no harm to the environment. This article examines MicroEra Power and other pioneering women in North American cleantech and renewable energy making waves in this field.
The Founding and Mission of MicroEra Power
MicroEra Power was founded in 2015 by Ellie Rusling and James Grieve. Rusling is the chief executive officer and co-founder, while Grieve holds the position of CTO. The company undertakes developing ways to make buildings utilize less energy and emit fewer greenhouse gases. Almost half of all energy used in cities goes towards buildings, and the same buildings are responsible for most urban pollution. MicroEra Power helps by creating systems that store energy when it’s cheap and clean, then use it later for heating or cooling.
THERMAplus MicroEra Power: The Core Technology
Their main product is called THERMAplus. THERMAplus MicroEra Power is a smart thermal energy storage system. It uses special materials that change from solid to liquid to store heat or cold. This tech is patented and includes hardware, software, and controls that adjust to different needs. For example, it can store energy from renewable sources like solar or wind during off-peak times. Then, it releases that energy when demand is high, like on hot summer days or cold winter nights. This shifts loads away from peak hours, which saves money and eases pressure on the power grid.
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Key Benefits of THERMAplus MicroEra Power
THERMAplus MicroEra Power has many benefits. It can cut energy bills by up to 50% for commercial buildings. It’s also 20% more efficient than other systems and needs less space. Unlike lithium-ion batteries, it’s safer and lasts longer. For geothermal setups, it reduces the need for ground loops by 70%. During extreme weather or power outages, it provides backup heating or cooling, making buildings more resilient. This is key as climate change brings more storms and heat waves.
Leadership Spotlight: Ellie Rusling and MicroEra Power Achievements
Ellie Rusling is the heart of MicroEra Power. She leads with a focus on innovation and sustainability. Rusling has a background in energy tech and has guided the company through tough challenges. She often speaks about how their system helps decarbonize buildings, which means reducing carbon emissions to zero. Under her leadership, North American female founders in sustainable building energy like her have won funding from big groups like the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). The company joined top accelerators, such as Greentown Labs in 2021, Rocky Mountain Institute’s Third Derivative in 2025, and the Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator (IN2) in 2025. These programs help startups grow and test their ideas.
Recent Milestones for MicroEra Power in 2025
In 2025, MicroEra Power was picked for IN2’s resiliency cohort. This group focuses on making buildings stronger against climate risks. Rusling said their system is perfect for urban areas because it’s efficient and durable. The company also won awards like the Incubatenergy Labs Challenge in 2023 and NextGen HVAC Challenges funding. These successes show how Rusling’s vision turns ideas into real solutions.
The Broader Trend: Women Pioneering Sustainable Energy Startups in North America
MicroEra Power is part of a bigger trend. Across North America, women pioneering sustainable energy startups in North America found and led many sustainable energy startups. They face barriers, like getting less venture capital—often under 10% of total funding for climate tech. But they keep pushing forward.
Inspiring Examples of North American Female Founders in Sustainable Building Energy and Beyond
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For instance, Kristal Hansley founded WeSolar in 2020. It’s the first Black woman-led solar company in the U.S. WeSolar brings affordable solar power to low-income families through community solar programs. Hansley started it on Juneteenth to highlight equity in clean energy.
Another leader is Jessica O. Matthews, founder of Uncharted. Her company uses data to improve access to clean power. It began with a soccer ball that generates energy and now helps communities get reliable, sustainable electricity. Matthews has raised millions and holds many patents. She shows how creativity can solve energy problems.
In Canada, Susan Blanchet leads Origen Air. Her startup makes air purifiers that use plants and tech to clean indoor air while promoting sustainability. Blanchet focuses on health and the environment. Lauren Flanagan co-founded Sesame Solar in the U.S. They build mobile solar units for disaster relief, powered by renewable energy. These provide power when grids fail, helping during emergencies.
Tanya Barham runs Community Energy Labs in California. Her platform optimizes energy use in schools and small buildings, cutting costs and emissions. Shannon Miller is co-founder and COO of Mainspring Energy. They make flexible generators that run on clean fuels like hydrogen. These pioneering women in North American cleantech and renewable energy prove that diverse leaders bring fresh ideas to clean energy.
Inspiration and Future Outlook
Women like Rusling inspire others. They overcome challenges and build companies that matter. In 2023, lists highlighted 90 women CEOs in global climate tech, with many from North America. Funding for women-founded clean energy startups rose 32% in five years, but more support is needed.
Looking ahead, these pioneers will shape a greener future. MicroEra Power led by women in clean energy innovation and similar startups show that sustainable energy is possible and profitable. With leaders like Ellie Rusling, North America can lead the world in clean tech. Their work reduces pollution, saves money, and builds stronger communities. As climate change grows, these women are key to real solutions.
