Bett Bollhoefer • July 14, 2025

Astera Institute awards $100K grant to Energy IoT Open Source

Astera Institute awards $100K grant to Energy IoT Open Source to accelerate microgrid-based approach to increasing resilient, decentralized energy access.

The grant supports Energy IoT’s work to expand open-source microgrid solutions, starting with an open-source energy lab at Port Labs in Oakland.


OAKLAND, Calif., July 15, 2025 — Energy IoT Open Source, a nonprofit organization advancing open-source microgrid technologies, is proud to announce a $100,000 grant from Astera Institute. This award will help expand Energy IoT’s efforts to build equitable, resilient energy systems for communities around the world.


“We’re excited to support Energy IoT Open Source’s work to democratize access to microgrids,” said Eli Dourado, Head of Strategic Investments at Astera Institute. “Their hard work to build a decentralized, open-source platform can change lives and deliver real-world impact.”


Millions of people still lack access to reliable electricity. At the same time, the energy transition demands an estimated 1.6 to 2 million new electricians over the next two decades. Energy IoT is addressing both challenges by:


  • Developing open-source microgrid hardware and software
  • Launching hands-on, community-based labs for training and experimentation
  • Equipping the next generation of engineers and electricians

The Astera grant secures Energy IoT’s Open Source Energy Lab at Port Labs in Oakland for one year, providing space for workshops, prototyping, and mentorship. The lab builds on the momentum of the SF Climate Hackathon and aims to become a replicable model for global deployment.


Join Us: Power the Future

  • Donate to sustain Port Labs: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/open-source-lab-portlabs-oakland
  • Sponsor a Portable Microgrid Lab in Africa: https://www.zeffy.com/donation-form/portable-microgrid-labs
  • Mentor the next generation through the Linux Foundation: https://eiot.energy/internships-and-re-internships
  • Explore open roles: https://eiot.energy/internships-and-re-internships


About Astera Institute
Astera Institute is a foundation that empowers visionary, high-leverage science and technology projects with the capacity to create transformative progress for human civilization. Learn more at astera.org.



About Energy IoT Open Source
Energy IoT Open Source is a nonprofit building open-source microgrids for all. We collaborate with a global community to accelerate access to affordable, decentralized energy solutions. Learn more ateiot.energy.