“Well-being is not measured only by what we have, but by what we can hope for in the future.”
This belief in a better future is what drives Darren Trouche. For Day 17 of the Propel Earth Founder Showcase, we’re highlighting Borikén Futuro, his answer to Puerto Rico's energy crisis.
For years, the island's fragile, centralized grid has left communities vulnerable, repeatedly collapsing during hurricanes. As a CBRNE Army veteran and emergency responder, Darren has seen firsthand what’s at stake.
Why This Matters
When the grid fails, lives are at risk. Borikén Futuro creates a new model by building community-owned solar microgrids. This decentralizes power, ensuring homes and local businesses stay running during outages. More than that, it creates income streams for local landowners and ensures that Puerto Ricans, not distant corporations, own and benefit from their energy future.
Key Facts & Traction
* Pilot Location Secured: Identified Salinas, Puerto Rico, for the initial pilot and is actively developing landowner partnership agreements.
* Industry Recognition: Selected as a NY Tech Week Top 50 Startup, building momentum with funders and accelerators.
* Operational Readiness: Building a network of solar, battery, and EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) partners in preparation for pilot deployment.
Mission & Impact
Borikén Futuro is on a mission to restore power—literally and politically—to Puerto Rican communities. Their work directly advances climate justice and energy sovereignty. They are tracking clear metrics like energy uptime during climate events, CO₂ emissions avoided, and recurring revenue generated for local landowners.
The Opportunity
Darren is raising a $500,000 pilot round to launch the first 3–5 microgrids in Salinas, finalize the legal structure for the community trust, and cover initial operational costs. This is an opportunity to fund a tangible, scalable solution for climate resilience and community empowerment.
Connect with Darren here:
lnkd.in/gmZ3-isS
