The recent decision by the Trump administration to rename the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to the “National Laboratory of the Rockies” has sparked lively discussions across various industries, including energy, policy, and business. While this may seem like just a change in name, for me, as a female entrepreneur in the European startup ecosystem, this move is a reminder of how deeply policy shifts can affect industries and those navigating them.
What Happened?
Founded in 1974 as the Solar Energy Research Institute and later rebranded as the NREL in 1991, this lab wasn’t merely an organization; it was an icon. Located in Golden, Colorado, it has been a global hub for renewable energy innovation. The lab has contributed massively to developing technologies that have shaped entire markets. Suddenly removing “renewable” from its name feels like erasing the lab’s history and expertise in promoting clean, sustainable energy sources. The lab will now focus on a broader vision, with a less specific emphasis on renewables, at least according to the Department of Energy’s announcement.
The 2025 announcement stated that the name reflects a broader energy strategy that does not favor any specific energy type. This isn't just a name change; it's a shift in priorities that has the ripple effect of influencing investments, partnerships, and even global competition.
Key Lessons for European Women Entrepreneurs
As an entrepreneur, you’re always at the mercy of a changing business climate. I’ve learned a great deal while building and managing startups in a volatile world. Here are some lessons I’d like to share with fellow European female founders and business owners:
1. Adaptability is Non-Negotiable
Decisions like this can uproot entire industries. For example, businesses depending on NREL’s guidance, research, or credibility will now have to rethink their operations. It may also mean smaller pools of funding for renewable-focused tech. In Europe, where sustainability is a major focus, we need to stay adaptable and ready to pivot based on external factors. Always have a buffer for such changes.
2. Diversify Revenue Streams
Depending on government initiatives or one primary revenue source can be risky. This holds true for businesses relying on subsidies or grants related to green energy. The NREL's new vision shows us how priorities can be reshaped overnight. Consider expanding your business focus so that you’re not entirely reliant on trends or policies. For example, at Fe/male Switch, while we emphasize sustainability, we also explore the intersection of gender equity, education, and technology to stay relevant.
3. Stay Aware of Global Trends
European founders: It’s wise to look beyond borders. While the U.S. may be stepping back on its commitment to renewable energy for now, other global players like the EU or China are strongly pushing their green agendas. Keep one eye on international developments and align your business to benefit from these larger trends. You can check out the European Commission's plans for Europe’s Green Deal for insight into the direction the region is heading.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Relying too heavily on external partners: Many startups work closely with government-funded entities. While collaboration is crucial, too much dependence on such organizations can become problematic when policies shift.
- Neglecting diversifications: Some founders focus too narrowly on one area without exploring how their offerings can fit adjacent markets.
- Superficial alignment with trends: Businesses that only pay lip service to trending topics like renewable energy or sustainability are more vulnerable. Be authentic in your approach.
How Can This Affect Startups in Europe and What Should you Do?
European companies in the renewable space often collaborate with U.S. institutions. With the National Laboratory of the Rockies signaling a directional change, those relationships might be up for reassessment. For European startups focusing on renewable and sustainable energy, especially those catering to global markets, this could mean limited access to some of the pioneering research and expertise.
What You Can Do
- Expand Collaborations Within Europe: Shift your collaborations to home turf. For example, I recommend exploring partnerships with Fraunhofer Institute, which is at the forefront of innovation in renewable energy technology.
- Leverage EU Funding: Many European initiatives are actively promoting clean energy solutions. The Horizon Europe Program offers grants for renewable energy projects.
- Engage in Public Policy: Trust me, one valuable lesson I’ve learned organizing public-private partnerships for grants is that policymakers pay attention when businesses actively participate in discussions. Join EU councils, advocacy groups, or forums on sustainability policies.
Other Takeaways from the Renaming
-
Reframing Isn’t Always Progress
The name change suggests a directional shift that deprioritizes renewables. Entrepreneurs must always read between the lines when governments announce “strategic shifts” or “new directions.” -
Risk of Short-term Thinking
Policy changes like these often reflect immediate goals instead of long-term planning. Entrepreneurs must plan well beyond political cycles. -
Competition Won’t Wait
In Europe, startups focusing on renewables are often outpaced by competition from markets like the U.S. or China. This move, however, may level the playing field, an opportunity if you’re ready to act.
Conclusion
This small yet significant example shows how political decisions impact not only large organizations but also businesses and founders down the chain. The renaming of NREL underscores the necessity for resilience, foresight, and adaptability. Entrepreneurs in Europe, especially women building groundbreaking ventures in sustainability and tech, must stay agile and informed. Always remember, when markets or policies shift, there’s one advantage startups will always have: the ability to quickly pivot.
Stay prepared, stay informed, and let’s lead by example.
FAQ
1. What is the new name of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)?
The Trump administration renamed NREL to the "National Laboratory of the Rockies" in December 2025. Read more about the renaming
2. Why was the name changed from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory?
The name change reflects a broader vision for applied energy research that does not focus solely on renewable resources. It was stated to align with the broader energy goals of the Trump administration. Learn about the administration’s energy policy
3. What was NREL originally founded as?
NREL was originally founded in 1974 as the Solar Energy Research Institute in response to the 1973 oil crisis. Explore NREL's history
4. What was the reaction to the renaming?
Many experts and stakeholders expressed disappointment, suggesting it de-emphasizes renewable energy and threatens US leadership in clean energy research. See reactions and expert commentary
5. How does this renaming affect global renewable energy competitiveness?
Critics argue that the change signals a step back from renewable energy, potentially reducing US competitiveness against countries like China and the EU, which continue to invest heavily in renewables. Analyze global implications
6. What impact could this have on European startups?
European startups may lose access to key renewable energy research previously generated by NREL and will likely need to shift collaborations to organizations within the EU, like the Fraunhofer Institute.
7. Who benefits from the new focus of the lab?
While not explicitly stated, the broader focus may benefit areas like fossil fuels and non-renewable energy sectors, aligning with the Trump administration’s energy policies. Read about the energy policy shift
8. What should European startups focus on in light of this development?
European startups should diversify revenue streams, align with the EU's strong green energy policies, and build collaborations within Europe. Funding sources like the Horizon Europe Program can provide support.
9. How have past political decisions affected the lab?
Under Ronald Reagan, the lab faced major funding cuts, and Trump’s first term proposed significant reductions, though Congress helped preserve funding. Understand historical context
10. Why is the renaming seen as symbolic?
Removing “renewable” from the name is viewed as a symbolic shift away from clean energy. Many see names as indicators of national priorities and worry that this change undermines NREL's longtime mission. Read more on its impact
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta Bonenkamp's expertise in CAD sector, IP protection and blockchain
Violetta Bonenkamp is recognized as a multidisciplinary expert with significant achievements in the CAD sector, intellectual property (IP) protection, and blockchain technology.
CAD Sector:
- Violetta is the CEO and co-founder of CADChain, a deep tech startup focused on developing IP management software specifically for CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data. CADChain addresses the lack of industry standards for CAD data protection and sharing, using innovative technology to secure and manage design data.
- She has led the company since its inception in 2018, overseeing R&D, PR, and business development, and driving the creation of products for platforms such as Autodesk Inventor, Blender, and SolidWorks.
- Her leadership has been instrumental in scaling CADChain from a small team to a significant player in the deeptech space, with a diverse, international team.
IP Protection:
- Violetta has built deep expertise in intellectual property, combining academic training with practical startup experience. She has taken specialized courses in IP from institutions like WIPO and the EU IPO.
- She is known for sharing actionable strategies for startup IP protection, leveraging both legal and technological approaches, and has published guides and content on this topic for the entrepreneurial community.
- Her work at CADChain directly addresses the need for robust IP protection in the engineering and design industries, integrating cybersecurity and compliance measures to safeguard digital assets.
Blockchain:
- Violetta’s entry into the blockchain sector began with the founding of CADChain, which uses blockchain as a core technology for securing and managing CAD data.
- She holds several certifications in blockchain and has participated in major hackathons and policy forums, such as the OECD Global Blockchain Policy Forum.
- Her expertise extends to applying blockchain for IP management, ensuring data integrity, traceability, and secure sharing in the CAD industry.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond, launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks and is building MELA AI to help local restaurants in Malta get more visibility online.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.
About the Publication
Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch.
Mission and Purpose
Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.
Key Features
The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:
- Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
- Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
- AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
- SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
- Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
- Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials
Impact and Growth
Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:
- 5,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
- 100+ startup tools built
- 5,000+ pieces of articles and news written
- 1,000 unique business ideas for women created
Partnerships
Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.
Recognition
Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.
