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 US 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.” CleanTech Open also provides mentorship opportunities for those startups deemed qualified. With this mentorship, entrepreneurs gain access to elevator pitch coaching, recruitment building, and general business coaching, as well. Once accepted into the CTO cohort, startups gain access to a wealth of resources such as experienced entrepreneurs, specialists in fields such as HR, Engineering, and sustainability, as well as mock judges and business coaches. The purpose of CleanTech Open is to groom the future generation of clean technology companies into an economic powerhouse; a viable solution to the world's future sustainability needs.
Featured Programs and Competitions
CleanTech Open features multiple programs and competitions open to entrepreneurs dedicated to making the world a greener, more sustainable place.
Global Ideas Competition
The Global Ideas Competition is a featured event of Global Euntreporenueship week. This competition gives aspiring entrepreneurs the opportunity to pitch their ideas to thousands of corporations, investors, and sponsoring companies. Winners of this competition go on to represent the US at the International Ideas Competition and receive marketing support, legal advice, and counseling to help launch your business! Global Ideas Competition includes categories include Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy, Agriculture, Water, Waste, and Green Buildings, just to name a few.
Global CleanTech Innovations Programme
CTO aspires to launch CleanTech startups in every country while striving to better develop the relationship between the local entrepreneurship economy and the present policy framework.
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.
Currently, CTO, is looking to match undergraduate and MBA Graduate students with internships in the Northeastern Region.
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.
