Sesame Solar Named to Fast Company’s Annual List of the World’s Most Innovative Companies for 2023
The company creating 100% renewably powered Mobile Nanogrids to decarbonize disaster response joins the ranks of OpenAI, BlocPower, SpaceX, Microsoft, and more.
Sesame Solar is honored with the number-one spot in the inaugural Rapid Response category
Jackson, MI (March 2, 2023) — Sesame Solar, the company creating global, climate-resilience solutions has been named to Fast Company’s prestigious annual list of the World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies for 2023. This year’s list highlights the businesses at the forefront of their respective industries, paving the way for the innovations of tomorrow.
In addition to honoring the World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies, 540 additional organizations are recognized for transforming society and shaping industries across 54 sectors and regions. Fast Company’s editors and writers sought out the companies making the biggest strides around the globe. They also judged nominations received through their application process. Out of the 540 organizations recognized, Sesame Solar earned a standing of 44th on the top 50 list and the number one spot in the new category for Rapid Response.
“The rising frequency and severity of weather disasters demand efficient and renewable resources to help communities become more energy resilient, and to break the “dirty cycle” of fossil fuel generators which contribute to climate change,” said Lauren Flanagan, CEO and co-founder of Sesame Solar. “Fast Company’s recognition of our mission to bring power to communities in a fast, flexible and fossil fuel-free way is an enormous honor and helps raise awareness for the dire need to decarbonize disaster response and off-grid power.”
Launched in June of 2022, Sesame Solar is the maker of the world’s first 100% renewably powered Mobile Nanogrid that leverages solar power and green hydrogen to provide weeks of reliable grid-independent energy. Sesame’s Nanogrids are designed for multi-use case scenarios and can double as a mobile medical clinic, communications hub and more to power essential community functions after disaster strikes.
Over the last five years, extreme weather events have cost the U.S. over $600 billion and caused over 1,700 deaths, often related to the unsafe use of fossil-fuel generators. Sesame Solar challenges traditional emergency response methods which rely on diesel-powered generators when the grid goes out. Further contributing to climate change via carbon emissions, just one 5kW diesel generator is equal to the CO2 production of 450 cars.
Already trusted by some of the world's leading organizations, Sesame Solar's Nanogrids are currently relied on by Comcast, Cox Communications, the Ministry of Public Health for Dominica, and The U.S. Air Force. The Nanogrids have been deployed for recovery efforts during Hurricanes Ian in 2022, Ida in 2021, and Maria in 2017, as well as for wildfires in California, and tornadoes and floods across the U.S.
The World’s Most Innovative Companies is Fast Company’s signature franchise and one of its most highly anticipated editorial efforts of the year. It provides a firsthand look at the inspiring and innovative efforts of companies across all sectors of the economy. Among the past winners of Fast Company’s World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies list, Sesame Solar joins the ranks alongside brilliant companies including BlocPower, a role model for Sesame Solar which earned the number four spot in 2022.
“What a strange and thrilling year it has been to honor this year’s Most Innovative Companies.
This year’s list compiles some of the most cutting-edge groundbreakers who are changing our
world every single day, from legacy organizations like McDonald’s to upstarts like MrBeast and institutions such as NASA. Everyone on this list does something completely, uniquely different, yet, they all have one thing in common: innovation,” said Fast Company editor-in-chief Brendan Vaughan.
Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies issue (March/April 2023) is available online here, as well as in-app form via iTunes, and on newsstands beginning March 14.
ABOUT SESAME SOLAR
Sesame Solar is the global, climate-resilience company behind the world’s first 100% renewably-powered Mobile Nanogrid Solution for Emergency Response. Using solar and green hydrogen, Sesame’s Nanogrids generate clean, off-grid power to serve communities with energy in <15 minutes to decarbonize disaster response. From powering essential services and communications to food and infrastructure security to events or job sites, Sesame has a renewable, mobile energy solution for a variety of off-grid power needs. Sesame Solar is trusted by leading organizations such as the U.S. Air Force, Comcast and Cox Communications—with investments from Morgan Stanley, BELLE Capital, PAX Angels and VSC Ventures.
ABOUT FAST COMPANY
Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with our sister publication Inc., and can be found online at www.fastcompany.com.
