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Cleantech Open 2023 Is a Great Opportunity

Maine innovators and entrepreneurs invited to participate

 

Governor’s Energy Office, E2Tech, and Maine Technology Institute encourage Maine companies to compete in nation’s largest program for cleantech innovation


The Governor’s Energy Office, in partnership with the Maine Technology Institute and E2Tech, are offering entrepreneurs and startup companies in Maine financial incentives and logistical support to compete in the nation’s largest “cleantech” startup accelerator program, the Cleantech Open.

 

The Cleantech Open seeks to find, fund, and foster entrepreneurs in cleantech – new services, software, or technology that reduces reliance on fossil fuels. Maine’s 10-year Economic Development Strategy and identifies cleantech as a growth opportunity for Maine that will help the state grow its innovation economy, meet climate and clean energy goals, and build Maine’s clean energy workforce.

 

E2Tech is hosting an in-person networking event to learn more about the Cleantech Open on Wednesday, March 15 from 4:30 to 6:30p.m in Portland at Verrill Law Firm. Attendees will learn how to apply, how to have expenses covered by a scholarship from MTI and may make a 60-second pitch to regional and national mentors and investors. Members of Maine's entrepreneurial ecosystem, including investors, economic development directors, consultants and mentors are encouraged to attend to meet exciting startup companies.

 

To learn more and RSVP, visit https://e2tech.org/cleantechopen

 

"Events like the Cleantech Open showcase the extraordinary opportunities Maine’s entrepreneurs are creating to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels," said Dan Burgess, Director of the Governor's Energy Office." We're proud to partner with E2Tech and MTI to support clean energy startups and further establish Maine as a national leader in renewable energy and addressing climate change."

 

“This program really works. Cleantech is fast-growing area of investment, which is poised to grow even faster with new incentives from the federal Inflation Reduction Act, but relatively few companies in Maine engage in this sector,” said Marty Grohman, Executive Director of E2Tech. “We’re seeking to change that by encouraging more Maine companies to get involved in the Cleantech Open.”

 

“Innovation is a driver of Maine's economy, and accelerators like the Cleantech Open play a vital role in helping promising clean energy find commercial success,” said Brian Whitney, President of the Maine Technology Institute. “MTI is proud to help Maine companies engage in programs like this in partnership with organizations like E2Tech and the Governor’s Energy Office.”

 

Last year, only one Maine startup – Prime Lightworks of Brunswick– was among the 40 entrants selected to participate in Cleantech Open Northeast. This year, the group hopes to identify five high potential cleantech startups from Maine to apply.


In previous years, Maine startups – BaselineES of Yarmouth and Foothill Fuels of Portland – were among entrants in the Cleantech Open. This year, eight Maine startups have already contacted E2Tech about participating, and an informal pitch contest was won by Acadian Composite Materials, which makes structural insulated panels from recycled plastic bottles. Other participants in the pitch contest included Ropeless.us, which makes lobster traps that don’t need a line, eliminating whale entanglement concerns; Biofine Developments Northeast, which plans to make fuels and chemicals from wood chips; Medallion Bioplastics, which plans to license a UMaine developed process to make plastics from wood waste; Standard Biocarbon, which will take advantage of EU carbon markets for biochar; Finsulate, which makes a marine antifouling coating that doesn’t shed microplastics; and Avi Guard, which makes a composite weather cover that improves the efficiency of heat pumps. All eight companies are great examples of the potential of this market sector, and more are sought and may be eligible for a scholarship from MTI to cover participation costs.


The deadline to apply to this year’s Cleantech Open is Sunday, April 16, at 11:59PM. Potential participants should be preparing their application now. 

Who should apply: Emerging or existing cleantech startups in the pre-customer or design phase; startups seeking Series A funding

When: Apply by 11:59PM on Sunday April 16



E2Tech: Environmental & Energy Technology Council of Maine


Find E2Tech:

207-800-TECH (8324)  //   info@e2tech.org


Mail E2Tech:
P.O. Box 8517  Portland, ME 04104


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