March 4, 2021
E2Tech, Maine Technology Institute and Governor’s Energy Office encourage more Maine firms to participate in national cleantech accelerator, Cleantech Open
- When: 4 p.m. on Wednesday, March 10, 2021
- Where: Virtual event. Zoom Webinar details provided upon confirmation of registration.
- Go here to register: https://e2tech.org/event-4155442
With clean energy among the country’s fastest growing economic sectors, entrepreneurs in Maine are being offered 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. Support for Maine cleantech entrepreneurs to participate in the Open is made available by E2Tech, the Maine Technology Institute (MTI), and the Governor’s Energy Office (GEO).
E2Tech is hosting a free, virtual event for startups about the Cleantech Open on Wednesday, March 10, at 4 p.m. 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. To learn more and RSVP, visit https://e2tech.org/cleantechopen
“Early stage investment into cleantech or ‘climate-tech’ is growing fast, surpassing $16 billion in 2019, but relatively few companies in Maine participate in the sector,” said Marty Grohman, Executive Director of E2Tech. “That’s why this consortium of Maine energy, technology and business leaders are seeking to change that by supporting involvement in the Cleantech Open.”
“Accelerator programs like Cleantech Open play a vital role in supporting and hastening the commercialization efforts of promising Maine clean energy ventures,” said Brian Whitney, President of the Maine Technology Institute. “MTI is proud to facilitate greater participation in these types of programs through its strategic partnerships with organizations like E2Tech and the Governor’s Energy Office.”
Both Maine’s 10-year Economic Development Strategy and the recent Strengthening Maine’s Clean Energy Economy report identify cleantech as a growth opportunity for Maine that will help the state grow its innovation economy and meet its nation-leading climate and clean energy goals.
"Innovation is a key driver of Maine's clean energy economy, and events like the Cleantech Open will showcase the extraordinary opportunities that our state's entrepreneurs are creating in this sector," 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."
Last year, two Maine startups – BaselineES of Yarmouth and Foothill Fuels of Portland – were among 47 entrants in the Cleantech Open, up from none the year before. This year, the group hopes to identify five high potential cleantech startups to participate.
Applications for this year’s Cleantech Open program are being taken until April 18. About the informational event: Who should attend: Emerging or existing cleantech startups, members of the media, students, and elected officials can attend for free.