The key objective of this project is to develop the water and alaska vital energy systems (waves) program to identify the challenges of developing water power in alaska

Launch Alaska received a $100,000 Cooperative Agreement from the Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) under the Renewable Energy Research and Development program (CFDA 81.087), awarded November 1, 2025, with completion targeted for September 30, 2026. The award funds development of the Water and Alaska Vital Energy Systems (WAVES) program, which addresses barriers to water power technology deployment in Alaska. Phase I supports Launch Alaska staff engagement with stakeholders to identify gaps between emerging water power technologies and project deployment opportunities. Phase II expands this work through continued funding of a dedicated position to provide business development services to water power startups and companies entering the Alaska market, including market analysis, regulatory guidance, mentorship, and networking support. Additionally, Phase II facilitates connections between participating companies and potential investors and strategic partners through a Tech Deployment Track.

Phase 1 will fund launch alaska staff time to identify gaps between emerging water power technologies and project deployment in alaska through stakeholder engagement. Phase II will build on that work by continuing to fund a position that will work with both industry and water power companies to provide additional support to technologies wanting to work in alaska by providing a comprehensive suite of resources for water power startups that include bespoke business development services, such as market analysis, regulatory guidance, mentorship and networking. Phase II will also support companies coming to alaska through the tech deployment track to meet with potential investors and strategic partners.