Organization:Cleantech Open
Contents
Overview
Cleantech Open (CTO) is the world’s largest clean technology accelerator program run by the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) with the mission to find, fund, and foster entrepreneurs with the most promising cleantech startup ideas on the planet. It is a non-profit organization founded in 2006. Since then, Cleantech Open has worked with over 1,300 early stage cleantech entrepreneurs by helping them to develop their business models, engage investors and secure first customers.
The accelerator runs for six to seven month with three months recognized as the most intense.
CTO accepts startups at all stages of development. Winning teams in the past started the program only with a concept and no prototype while some teams joined with a product already on the market.
Accepted applicants to the accelerator program will work with mentors, access a valuable network of professionals and attend business clinics and webinars that enable them with the skills to take their business forward. Teams present their ideas for regional-level judging and receive prizes for the regional level in the fall. Finalist teams from across the country then move on to be showcased in their annual Global Forum. The Global Forum features a competition among the regional winners where national prizes are awarded.
Here are some of their featured startups: (Click the name to visit their website and learn more)
Tank Utility uses state-of-the-art technology to monitor propane tank levels and provides monitoring via desktop and mobile apps. This solution helps customers save on energy consumption and on their bill.
AseptoRay uses their proprietary eco-friendly pasteurization solution based on ultra violet technology to increase food safety, quality and shelf life while reducing energy consumption by 73%. AseptoRay, part of the MGT Group, was founded after the group recognized the need for cold pasteurization of turbid liquids.
Khaya Technology delivers clean-power through smart technologies such as regardable battery packs and clean-burning cookstoves in Africa.
Purpose
Cleantech Open strives to “find, fund, and foster the most promising cleantech startups on the planet.”
Distinct Differences From Other Offerings
Since 2005, Cleantech Open has trained over 1200 early-stage clean technology startup entrepreneurs through its accelerator.The startups who survived the accelerator and landscape of startup “valley of death” have gone on to raise $1.2 billion and create over 3,000 clean economy jobs. CTO’s innovation ecosystem spans over 11 years with innovation hubs in the U.S. and globally.
Steps Required to Bring Resources to Campus
Cleantech Open is looking to match undergraduate and graduate students as interns to startups participating in the accelerator.
Your campus can take advantage of this opportunity and connect Cleantech Open with the Careers & Services Office. By reaching out to Ian Donnelly at idonnelly@cleantechopen.org, you can begin the process of a partnership between your college’s career office and the internships available at selected startups in Cleantech Open’s accelerator.
