76West is an unparalleled competition focused on growing entrepreneurs and attracting resources from the U.S. and around the world to build clean energy businesses and jobs in New York State’s Southern Tier region. Each year, 76West awards one grand prize winner of $1 million, and three $500,000 awards, all payable in increments based on specific milestone accomplishments. Along with a cash prize, competition organizers will also seek to provide additional specialized support based on the winners’ business goals. Winning clean energy startups that are located outside of New York State will need to demonstrate economic impact in one of four ways to meet prize requirements. See competition details to learn more.

The Department of Energy (DOE) has issued its FY 2020 Phase I Release 2 Funding Opportunity Announcement (DE-FOA-0002146) for the SBIR and STTR Programs.  Qualified small businesses with strong research capabilities in science or engineering in any of the research areas sought in the announcement are encouraged to apply.

The following DOE program offices are participating in this Funding Opportunity Announcement:

• Office of Cyber Security, Energy Security, and Emergency Response
• Office of Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation
• Office of Electricity
• Office of Environmental Management
• Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
• Office of Fossil Energy
• Office of Fusion Energy Sciences
• Office of High Energy Physics
• Office of Nuclear Energy

Read the full list of DOE FY 2020 Phase 1 release 2 topics.

The Incubation Program offers hands-on incubation services for supporting cleantech startups grow in Southern California. The first six months of the program are dedicated to curriculum workshops, one on one sessions and roundtables focused on Market and Investor Readiness. After the six-month period, the program is focused on achieving the objectives outlined in a custom roadmap around fundraising, product development, market access, team growth, and partnerships.

Candidate Qualifications

Startups must:

• Have a cleantech solution that addresses one of our three priority areas: Clean Energy, Zero Emissions Transportation and Smart & Sustainable Cities: Circular Economy.
• Own or license a novel proprietary technology.
• Have a significant presence (operations or sales) in Southern California with founder or key executive able to attend meetings, workshops and events on campus at short notice.
• Have at least 2 full-time employees.
• Have a working prototype (TRL 4+).
• Commit to all curriculum opportunities in first 6-months.

Cleantech Open is an accelerator that supports entrepreneurs and corporate innovators by providing resources needed to grow a successful cleantech businesses. Applicants receive world-class mentoring, hands-on training investor meetings, startup-corporate matching, and showcasing at both the regional and national levels and networking opportunities in addition to cash prizes. Major judging criteria include team, technology and market.

The clean energy prize@MIT, a cleantech startup competition aims to identify promising companies and train student entrepreneurs. The competition structured in 4 tracks i.e. Generate, Deliver, Demand and Move, chooses 16 business plans which are eligible for mentoring and support from sponsors and partners. The finalist team be chosen from the 4 semi-finalist teams would be entitled to the grand prize and many more rewards.

For more information: Click here

The Mentor Capital Network (MCN) identifies entrepreneurs with solutions to solve world’s social, economic, and environmental problems and supports by connecting them with peers and advisers from within its network. Interested applicants must go through a 3-tier process involving Business plan review, Challenge calls, Direct fundraising assistance or Indirect support. Selected participants would be eligible for networking with alumni and other forms of assistance.

For more information: Click here

At Clean Energy Ventures we’re beating back climate change through energy innovation. We fund disruptive, capital-light technologies and business model innovations that can reshape how we produce and consume energy. Each startup we invest in has the potential to substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions between our investment and 2050. Beyond funding, we provide hands-on guidance through dedicated leadership coaching, strategic marketing, IP development, and active board participation. Our collection of 19 Venture Partners guide our startups and enhance our value with their deep technical and operating experience.

The John Merck Fund (JMF) focusses exclusively on supporting clean energy transitions in New England by supporting clean tech initiatives in the area. The major goals of the fund include reduction of New England’s greenhouse gas emissions to 20% by 2022 and 80% by 2050 to make the region a leader on climate solutions. The specific areas of interest include modernization of electric power system, adoption of electric vehicles and supporting energy infrastructure.

Innovation crossroads, a two-year fellowship program supported by DOE and Tennessee Valley Authority, is seeking innovative proposals from aspiring clean energy entrepreneurs. The applicants should focus on ideas promoting energy, advanced manufacturing or grid efficiency. The finalists would be eligible for Oak Ridge lab access, research funding and personal living stipend in addition to mentorship and networking with industry experts.

For more information: Click here

In a bid to promote clean energy companies, NYSERDA has come up with a program opportunity notice (PON) in association with experienced investors. All clean energy firms based in New York state or with a demonstrated benefit in the state are eligible to apply and successful applicants would be entitled to the non-dilutive grant with a recoupment provision. The Fund will make non-dilutive matching investments directly in companies based on a 2:1 ratio of qualifying private capital investment to NYSERDA dollars.