Overview

The Cleantech Open is the world's largest clean technology business competition. In 2009 we launched the first Ideas Competition, a global competition for exciting new clean technologies and business ideas. We're looking for the best clean technology ideas from around the world - anything from revolutionary ways to generate clean energy to better water filtration to ideas about how governmental policies around climate change can foster new businesses in one of the competition categories.  For entrepreneurs with a great green idea, this is a chance to share it with the world.

Contestants From Around the Globe to “Pitch” Their Ideas
To enter the competition, all contestants need to do is tell us briefly about their idea. If selected, contestants then present a five minute pitch to a panel of judges in the home country. One winner from each country will submit a five-minute video to be shown during the Awards Gala in San Francisco, California in November. The audience of 2,500 clean technology experts, investors, and enthusiasts, and press from around the world will vote on the best idea. The Global Winner will receive at least $100,000 worth of startup services from seasoned experts.

Get involved by registering as a participant, host organization or partner for Global Entrepreneur Week. http://www.unleashingideas.org/cleantech

Competition Schedule for the 2011 Cleantech Open Ideas Competition

February-August	Local partners sign on to assist with a country’s competition
February	Launch of the Global Cleantech Open
March-October	Contestants register their ideas, finalists are invited to compete in National contest
September-October	Finalists use tools to develop their idea into a pitch for National judging
	Coaches help contestant teams to develop a crisp 5 minute pitch
October	Judges select a National Winner to represent each country at the global event
November	National Winners compete at global awards gala in San Francisco (17 Nov)

Country Host Responsibilities include:

• Recruit Partners to serve as local coaches
• Recruit Judges for selecting finalists and judging the National Competition
• Announce competition via events, press releases and other means
• Ensure registrations completed for partners and contestants
• Fund or find sponsors for contestant travel to US (for November final competition and judging)
• Assist national winner with video creation or assist with travel/visa arrangements (or work with the Cleantech Open to make alternative presentation arrangements) Example videos can be viewed here: www.cleantechopen.com/ideas/videos
  

Get involved by becoming a host organization for Global Entrepreneur Week. http://www.unleashingideas.org/cleantech

Partners assist the Host to:

• Recruit local contestants
• Promote events and announcements locally
• Identify local media or sponsors
• Coach contestants as they develop their pitch

Get involved by becoming a partner for Global Entrepreneur Week. http://www.unleashingideas.org/cleantech

The Cleantech Open provides support to assist Hosts and Partners:

• Tools, templates and checklists for key program elements:
• Launch event planning and press releases, event registration
• Partner Appeal sample, registration form
• Contestant Announcement sample, registration form
• Pitch template and guidelines, training materials for coaches
• Judging instructions and scorecards
• Online registration for contestants & facility for pitch submission
• Back-up advisors to help host or partners with coaching (available via email)
• Host of Global Awards ceremony, and related US visit events

Please view all supporting materials at www.cleantechopen.com/ideas/materials

Get involved with Global Entrepreneur Week. http://www.unleashingideas.org/cleantech