Novara Energy Alliance is a nonprofit network dedicated to accelerating energy innovation for thriving communities. Our cross-sector partnership brings together industry leaders, researchers, entrepreneurs, and community champions to advance a clean, resilient, and community-centered energy future. Our mission is to amplify the region’s rich heritage in hydropower, smart-meter technologies, distributed energy systems and rural resilience, we spotlight that story to attract investment and align partners to deliver measurable, shared results.
In 2025, two Spokane-based energy-innovation organizations—INTENT, LLC and the nonprofit Urbanova—combined efforts to form the Novara Energy Alliance. More information about their legacy appears below.
Urbanova
Urbanova is a nonprofit civic research hub that began as a smart city initiative testing emerging technologies in Spokane’s University District. Founded in 2016 through collaboration among city, university, and industry partners, it evolved from a living lab into a model for how communities can use data and collective insight to learn, adapt, and thrive.
INTENT
INTENT, LLC is a cross-sector public-private collaboration aiming to lead energy innovation and invention by supporting scalable models for modern power grid and distributed energy technologies. In 2023, INTENT led a partnership effort funded by a $1 million National Science Foundation (NSF) Regional Innovation Engine Development award.
Strategic Commitments
The pillars that guide our work.
These commitments define how we will connect people, advance technology, share progress and foster regional resilience and sustainable solutions across our region.
Plan for the Future – We will facilitate collective planning and build a shared roadmap for long-term energy transformation
Enable Innovation – We will create and sustain the conditions that make innovation possible and accessible.
Share our Energy Story – We will make the Inland Northwest’s achievements visible so we can attract talent, funding and national recognition.
Drive Regional Vitality – We will ensure energy innovation benefits everyone and leads to regional vitality.
