About The Competition Program

The Cleantech Open Business Competition is more than a chance to win a prize; It is a highly acclaimed, successful training program that accelerates all participants to the next level.  Here’s what it includes.

1. First Round Judging – Semifinalists Announced May 23, 2012

Applications will be judged between May 8 and May 23, 2012.

Team Leaders may receive requests for additional information during this period. It is the team leader's responsibility to respond to these requests in a timely manner.  Team leaders may also request a Mentor to help them with their application before May 8.

Team Leaders will be notified of semifinalist selections via email on May 23, 2012.

The exact number of semifinalists is not predetermined, though we generally accept approximately one third of entrants to the semifinals.

2. Accelerator Program – May 23 - September 10

If you are selected to participate as a semifinalist you will be assigned mentors and provided full details of the training and mentor program. You will have opportunities to exhibit and to meet prospective investors.

Each member of a semifinalist team will be required to pay a participation fee of $475  To cover some meals and other costs at required events. At least one team member must attend and non-attendance at events will not qualify you for a refund - we want to encourage you to participate!

Training Program
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June 15 - 16 – East Coast Academy*

• East Coast Academy – Semifinalist teams are required to attend one Academy; teams on the East Coast are encouraged to attend the East Coast Academy in Boston. Teams from any other region are welcome to attend. Semifinalists may attend both Academies, must attend one Academy, and each semifinalist team must send a minimum of two team members.

June 21 - National Conference (all semifinalists are urged to participate in the technology showcase)

June 22 - 24 - National Academy (California)*

• National Conference and Academy – Semifinalist teams are required to attend one Academy; teams in the Mid West and on the West Coast are encouraged to attend the National Conference and Academy. Any other teams across the country are welcome to attend and will have the added benefit of showcasing at the National Conference. Semifinalists may attend both Academies, must attend one Academy, and each semifinalist team must send a minimum of two team members.

July - August - Regional Business Clinics & Special Topics Webinars

• Business Clinics – Teams will be asked to sign up for Business Clinics during the Academies. Business Clinics occur in August and may run into early September. Please refer to the calendar often to save the dates.
• Seminars and Webinars – A variety of special topic seminars and webinars will be available for attendance and call-in. Dates and details will be given at the Academies.

4. Business Competition Submission – September 10, 2012 by 11:59pm Pacific Standard time

Final versions of the business worksheets must be submitted by Tuesday, September 10, 2012, 11:59pm, Pacific Standard Time. These worksheets will be reviewed by the judges you will be presenting to at the Regional Judging and Awards in your region.

5. Mock Judging – September 18

This is an opportunity for you to pitch in front of a panel of judges made up of mentors and receive feedback from them. 

6. Regional Judging and Awards – week of October 9 - 12, 2012 (date will differ by region)

This is when you will present to the judges that will decide whether or not you become a Finalist and compete nationally.

You will present 10 slides maximum (plus cover slides) and up to 5 additional slides with supporting information in Microsoft PowerPoint™.

Your team will be provided a presentation slot by your regional judging chair.

You must be available to present in person.  Failure to do so will result in disqualification.

Each team will have 15 minutes to present in front of a judging panel followed by 10 minutes of questions and answers. You are encouraged to keep your presentation down to no more than 10-12 minutes to allow plenty of time for questions; judging panels will not have the opportunity for follow-up questions or research.

7. Global Forum – November 13 - 14, 2012

All semifinalist teams are required to attend and to exhibit. Finalist teams will present on-stage in front of a  national judging panel and the Global Forum attendees. One winner from each region will be selected, as will the national winner. More information about prizes can be found here.