mHUB announces Energy Tech Accelerator for novel technologies at the Compute-Energy Nexus. Press Releases Published Date May 19, 2026 The next cohort of mHUB's Energy Tech Accelerator, supported by partners Equinix Foundation, Generac, Hewlett Packard Enterprise Foundation, Marmon Holdings, and Salesforce, will advance the commercialization of technologies in energy and infrastructure. CHICAGO | May 19, 2026 - As AI and digital technology continue to scale, the demand for smarter, more resilient energy and compute infrastructure has never been greater. In response, mHUB, the nation's largest independent hard tech innovation center, today announced a global call for startups building solutions at the compute-energy nexus to join its accelerator program. In partnership with Equinix Foundation, Generac, Hewlett Packard Enterprise Foundation, Marmon Holdings, and Salesforce, and with support from The Rockefeller Foundation, the next mHUB accelerator will focus on technologies advancing data center efficiency, grid and infrastructure resilience, and sustainable energy systems. Applications are now open and will be accepted through Monday, July 13. The 6-10 startups accepted into the program will receive a $200,000 initial investment from mHUB Ventures in exchange for 6.5% equity, which includes $100K in cash, $30K in cash reimbursement for product development, and $70K for in-kind services. Participants receive access to state-of-the-art prototyping labs and technical assistance at mHUB, dedicated mentors and expert-led programming, and connections to industry leaders, investors, and a deep manufacturing ecosystem. The program's Executive Director is Ryan Fant, who brings a rare combination of entrepreneurial experience and operational leadership to mHUB. A two-time Techstars founder, he co-founded Keen Home (acquired) and has led innovation strategy at organizations including Koch Industries and ConnectM. "Surging compute demand is creating one of the most exciting innovation opportunities in energy we've seen in decades," said Ryan Fant, Executive Director, mHUB Accelerator. "This program is designed to find the boldest early-stage solutions and get them to market faster." "We believe technology can create the greatest opportunity when it's built thoughtfully," said Paige Rodgers, Director, Equinix Foundation. "When founders receive the support they need, they can advance more sustainable, resilient solutions that both strengthen communities and reduce environmental impact. That's why the Equinix Foundation is proud to collaborate with mHUB on this accelerator." "Our partnership with mHUB reflects Generac's commitment to advancing the next generation of energy innovation - particularly as data center demand accelerates and power infrastructure becomes more complex," said Erik Wilde, EVP and President, Domestic C&I at Generac. "We look forward to connecting with the entrepreneurial talent creating breakthrough technologies and helping drive more resilient, efficient, and sustainable power solutions." "Rising digital demand must be met with more efficient and resilient systems. We already have solutions in place that can dramatically improve IT efficiency, but solving this challenge at scale will require innovation and ecosystem collaboration to accelerate real-world impact," said Fred Tan, Global Head of Social Impact at HPE. "We're proud to convene and support the cross-sector partnerships needed to turn breakthrough ideas into deployable technologies for the next era of AI and digital infrastructure." "The energy demands of AI are not a challenge any single company can solve alone. Meeting them will require innovators willing to take bold bets on solutions that don't yet have a proven market," said Sunya Norman, SVP of Impact, Salesforce. "That's exactly the kind of community-driven, forward-leaning work mHUB enables, and we're proud to support it." "The rapid growth of AI and data centers underscores the need for innovative, sustainable solutions," said Slav Gatchev, Vice President of Innovative Finance at The Rockefeller Foundation. "We are proud to support mHUB's next Energy Tech Accelerator, which brings together entrepreneurs to turn bold ideas into cutting-edge hardware at the compute-energy nexus. Initiatives like this are critical to advancing resilient infrastructure, improving efficiency, creating jobs, and ensuring an equitable, sustainable energy future." The accelerator is further supported by Evergreen Climate Innovations, an organization that provides catalytic capital and support to startups bringing impactful climate technologies to market. Evergreen will bring subject matter expertise and expanded access to industry and investment. Additionally, legal partner Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP will provide legal counsel for business formation and IP protection. Applications for the Compute-Energy Nexus Cohort of the mHUB Energy Tech Accelerator are now open. To learn more and apply, visit: https://mhub.org/energy-tech-accelerator About mHUB mHUB is an innovation platform that drives the commercialization of hard tech, helping companies build, scale, and innovate with speed and purpose. The platform includes a Chicago-based incubator and prototyping lab; venture and real estate investment company, mHUB Ventures; and an engineering and product consulting arm. Together, infrastructure, capital, and expertise combine to enable emerging technologies, create new manufacturing businesses, and strengthen U.S. industry. To date, mHUB has worked with over 200 public and private partners and supported over 500 startups that have collectively generated $5B in economic activity. Learn more at mhub.org. About mHUB Ventures mHUB Ventures is the investment management arm of mHUB, governing both venture capital and real estate funds to accelerate hard tech innovation and strengthen U.S. industrial competitiveness. Its venture platform invests in early-stage startups across energy, medical technology, and advanced manufacturing, leveraging mHUB's world-class prototyping facilities, engineering talent, and corporate partnerships to reduce risk and speed commercialization. Its real estate platform focuses on transformative industrial redevelopment and next-generation manufacturing facilities designed to support the full lifecycle of product development. Together, these integrated platforms create a unique engine for scaling physical technologies and driving manufacturing industry growth. Media contacts. Kim blomquist. Jessica kosmider. The Rockefeller Foundation Get Updates

Generac vs. Kohler: which model handles Metro Atlanta's humidity and power surges best? Metro Atlanta is a region where the weather can change in a heartbeat. From the heavy thunderstorms that roll through Alpharetta and Marietta to the stagnant, humid summer afternoons in Buckhead and Decatur, its climate puts immense pressure on mechanical systems. In 2026, as Georgia's power grid faces increased demand and more frequent "flickers" during storm season, a home standby generator has become a staple of the suburban landscape. At Perkins Generator Store, Perkins Generator Sales & Service, Inc. specialize in the two giants of the industry: Generac and Kohler. Perkins Generator Sales & Service, Inc. often find that homeowners are torn between these two brands. While both provide exceptional backup power, they have distinct engineering philosophies that react differently to the specific challenges of the Atlanta environment, specifically its relentless humidity and the frequent power surges that precede a total blackout. This guide breaks down the showdown to help you decide which powerhouse belongs on your property. The humidity factor: corrosion and electronics. In Georgia, humidity is not just a comfort issue; it is a chemical challenge. High moisture levels can lead to "internal rain" inside an enclosure, causing corrosion on circuit boards and rust on engine components. * Generac Engineering: Generac units are designed for mass-market reliability. Their enclosures, available in aluminum or RhinoShield-coated steel, are highly resistant to the elements. Generac's G-Force engines are purpose-built for generators, meaning they are designed to sit idle in humid conditions and still start instantly. Their newer 2026 models feature enhanced board coatings specifically designed to prevent moisture-induced electrical "tracking." * Kohler Engineering: Kohler has a long history in the industrial and maritime sectors. This influence is clear in their residential units. Kohler generators often feature commercial-grade enclosures and vacuum-impregnated windings on their alternators. This process seals out moisture more effectively than standard dip-and-bake methods, making Kohler a formidable opponent for the "soupy" Atlanta air. The surge factor: protecting sensitive Georgia homes. Surges are a major concern in Metro Atlanta, where the tree canopy is dense, and falling limbs frequently cause "momentary shorts" on the utility lines before the power finally cuts out. * Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): This is the measure of how "clean" the power is. High THD can damage sensitive electronics like your home office equipment, smart refrigerators, and high-efficiency HVAC systems. * Generac's Power: Generac systems typically offer a THD of less than 5 percent. This is well within the safety margins for modern electronics and ensures your Alpharetta smart home stays protected during the transition from grid to generator. * Kohler's Power: Kohler is often cited as the gold standard for "clean" power, frequently achieving THD levels of less than 1 percent. Their digital voltage regulation reacts incredibly fast to load changes. If you run a high-demand home office or have sensitive medical equipment, Kohler's ultra-stable power output provides an extra layer of surgical precision. Mechanical resilience: the engine showdown. Both brands offer powerful engines, but they approach the "start-up" differently. * Generac G-Force: These engines are "pressure-lubricated," which is vital for the Georgia heat. It ensures that every part of the engine is oiled immediately upon startup, reducing the friction and wear that can occur when a unit hasn't run in weeks. Generac's massive service network in the Southeast also means that if you do need a part, it is usually available at a local Atlanta warehouse. * Kohler Command PRO: Kohler engines are famous for their hydraulic lifters. This means they don't require the periodic "valve lash" adjustments that some other engines do. For a busy homeowner in Sandy Springs, this translates to slightly lower long-term maintenance requirements and a very quiet operation that won't disturb the neighbors during a midnight outage. 5 points of comparison for 2026. * Enclosure Durability: Both offer aluminum options, which Perkins Generator Sales & Service, Inc. highly recommend for the Georgia climate to prevent rust. * Warranty: Generac typically offers a 5-year limited warranty, while Kohler offers a 5-year/2,000-hour protection plan. Both are industry-leading but have different "fine print" regarding labor. * Smart Features: Generac's Mobile Link and Kohler's OnCue Plus both allow you to monitor your generator from your phone, but Generac's app is often cited for its user-friendly interface. * Availability: As the largest manufacturer, Generac often has more units in stock during "panic" buying seasons. * Cold Weather Kits: While Atlanta isn't the North Pole, we do get freezes. Both brands offer battery warmers and oil heaters that ensure a start even during a February "ice-storm" threat. Why choose Perkins Generator Store? Perkins Generator Sales & Service, Inc. is more than just a retailer; Perkins Generator Sales & Service, Inc. is Georgia's energy security experts. Perkins Generator Sales & Service, Inc. understand the local permitting codes in Fulton, Gwinnett, and Cobb counties, and Perkins Generator Sales & Service, Inc. know exactly how to position a unit to withstand the Atlanta weather. * Factory-Trained Technicians: Its team is certified by both Generac and Kohler, ensuring your installation and maintenance meet the highest possible standards. * Upfront Pricing: You will never be surprised by a bill. Perkins Generator Sales & Service, Inc. provide clear, itemized quotes for the unit, the transfer switch, and the gas plumbing. * Turnkey Solutions: Perkins Generator Sales & Service, Inc. handle everything from the initial site survey to the final "simulated power outage" test to ensure you are ready before the storms hit. * Local Commitment: We live in the same neighborhoods we serve. We know which areas of Atlanta have the "flickery" grids and which need the most robust surge defense. The verdict for 2026. If you value a massive support network, user-friendly technology, and a system built specifically for residential reliability, Generac is the powerhouse for you. If you have a high-tech home, prioritize ultra-clean electrical output, and want a "maritime-tough" unit that requires slightly less mechanical adjustment, Kohler is the premium choice. Don't wait for the next Georgia storm to decide. Contact Perkins Generator Store today to schedule your service and discover which generator is the perfect match for your Metro Atlanta home!