REDWOOD CITY, CA--(Marketwire - May 11, 2011) - With two weeks remaining before the entry deadline, the nation's premier cleantech entrepreneurial competition invites entrepreneurs to submit their entry and compete for a grand prize of up to $250,000 in cash and services and an overall prize chest of nearly $1 million in its 2011 competition. The Cleantech Open, which finds, funds and fosters businesses that work to solve energy, environmental and economic challenges, is hosting numerous events in California where prospective contestants can learn more about the competition and meet previous years' winners.
"The Cleantech Open Business Competition has proved to be the best way for cleantech startups to fast-track their launch, raise capital, gain media attention, and accelerate their growth," said Rex Northen, executive director of the Cleantech Open. "By entering today, you'll quickly have access to our network, and the resources and support to help grow your company into a successful, sustainable business."
Now in its sixth year, the Cleantech Open has an impressive history; its alumni companies have raised more than $300 million in external private capital and created thousands of jobs. Solution categories for the 2011 program include: air, water and waste; energy efficiency; green building; renewable energy; smart power, green grid and energy storage; and transportation. Companies with less than $1 million in private, third-party funding and less than $5 million from other sources of funding are qualified to apply. All teams must include at least one United States resident and a total of at least two individuals.
When and where to meet the Cleantech Open to enter the business competition
Informational briefings have been scheduled where potential contestants can meet competition organizers and learn how to enter the business competition:
• May 12: Cleantech Open Business Competition Application Webinar
• May 13: Tiecon 2011 in Santa Clara, CA
• May 16: Cleantech Open Briefing w/ PG&E in Livermore, CA
• May 16: Cleantech Open Briefing in San Francisco, CA
• May 18: Cleantech Open Briefing w/ Grundfos & CVBI in Fresno, CA
• May 19: Cleantech Open Briefing w/ Deloitte in San Jose, CA
• May 20: Cleantech Open Briefing w/ Wilson Sonsini in Palo Alto, CA
• May 24: "VC in the OC 2011" in Irvine, CA
For the latest updates and to make a reservation at these events, visit the Cleantech Open website.