Los Angeles, Calif. - June 1, 2024 - Cleantech Open, the preeminent global business accelerator for clean technology startups, has selected a fresh group of 94 companies to join its 2024 accelerator program. The non-profit organization will kick off this year's curriculum with two in-person National Academy events - the West edition taking place May 31 - June 2, at The USC Hotel in Los Angeles, and the East edition held June 4-5, at Amazon Web Services in New York City.
"We're thrilled to assemble this promising new cohort of entrepreneurs and commence their accelerator journey with these pivotal national events," said Ken Hayes, Executive Director of Cleantech Open. "Built on 20 years of successfully nurturing cleantech innovators, we continue adapting our comprehensive program to provide maximum value."
Keynote speakers headlining the National Academies include:
For National Academy West:
Brad Haydel, Associate Director, Office of Sustainability, University of Southern California (USC)
Michael Swords, Vice President Government and International Relations at Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI)
For National Academy East:
Joe Curtatone, President, Northeast Clean Energy Council (NECEC)
Donnel Baird, CEO and Founder, BlocPower
The multi-day gatherings enable the early-stage entrepreneurs to gain insights through panel discussions and workshops led by subject matter experts across customer discovery, finance, legal, marketing and more. Ample networking opportunities connect the entrepreneurs with veteran mentors, investors and industry partners.
Hayes added, "This year's cohort represents an incredibly diverse array of solutions aimed at mitigating climate change and promoting sustainability." Cleantech Open's 2024 accelerator participants comprise:
Energy technologies and solutions remain the dominant category, comprising 45% of all accepted companies. Green building follows at 15%, while Agriculture/Water/Waste accounts for 14%. Chemicals & Advanced Materials make up 10%. Information & Communication Technologies (ICT) and Transportation tie at 8% each.
78% of teams have at least one BIPOC member, an increase from 70% last year.
40% of companies have at least one leadership team member who identifies as female or non-binary.
Geographically, the startups come from 20 US states, representing 74 cities and four countries outside of the United States.
Find out more about all the participating companies [here].
Over the 12-week accelerator program, participants undergo rigorous coaching and training to hone their business models, refine investor pitches, and amplify their connection to Cleantech Open's vast ecosystem of strategic partners. Following regional competitions, top startups will advance to the culminating Global Forum event, held October 28 - 31 in San Jose, CA co-located at VERGE24.
Cleantech Open is dedicated to propelling early-stage clean technology companies toward success in the environment and in business. Since its inception in 2005, this one-of-a-kind innovation ecosystem has nurtured over 2,000 innovative startups, empowering them to refine their business strategies, attract investment, and acquire early customers. Each year, the comprehensive accelerator programs - including the U.S. National and Global Ideas initiatives - provide guidance and resources to more nearly 200 promising companies globally. This culminates in an annual forum and showcase that convenes the most outstanding innovators, celebrating their advancements in cultivating an equitable, sustainable global economy. Cleantech Open's enduring mission is to identify, foster, and catalyze the next generation of cleantech leaders and solutions.
The 2024 accelerator is made possible by financial support from national sponsors Wells Fargo, Breakthrough Energy Fellows, and the Innovation Incubator (IN2), as well as many regional and local sponsors. More than 1,000 volunteers contribute their expertise and time as mentors, reviewers, pitch judges, regional and national leaders, and ambassadors.
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