Over the past month, two Spokane-based energy innovation organizations—INTENT(the Inland Northwest Center for Energy and Decarbonization LLC) and the nonprofit Urbanova—have combined efforts under a transitional board to form the Inland Northwest Energy Innovation Cluster. Launched with support from the Washington Department of Commerce’s Innovation Cluster Accelerator Program, the new entity is working to drive bold regional transformation and activate next-generation energy solutions focused on the modern electrical grid. With this merger, the group plans to unveil a refreshed name, strategic priorities, and organizational structure this fall, ensuring it can streamline operations, pursue larger opportunities, and scale collaborative projects more effectively.

Currently led by Mason Burley, CEO of Urbanova, the cluster aims to harness local expertise—from smart-meter technology pioneers like Itron to geothermal innovators such as McKinstry—to accelerate the transition to a renewable-rich electric grid, support distributed energy systems, and bolster resilience against growing climate and demand pressures. A flagship Energy Innovation Summit on July 8–9 at WSU’s Spokane campus will convene industry, academic, and public-sector stakeholders to map regional challenges and co-design strategic initiatives. Insights from this summit will guide the cluster’s interim board as it finalizes its vision and expands its membership by September, laying the groundwork for a more efficient, future-focused energy economy in Eastern Washington.

See more in the recent Spokane Journal of Business Article: Urbanova-Intent merge to form energy cluster | Spokane Journal of Business