Get Advice on Founding and Funding a Green/Clean Technology Business
If you are a scientist or researcher with a great idea for a green business, you should check out what universities have to offer you (even if you are not in school).
As an example of the types of programs available, consider UC Davis’s Green Technology Entrepreneurship Academy (GTEA), which provides a free week-long intensive for science and engineering researchers. Yes, I did say free, and it’s held at Lake Tahoe, Nevada in July—a very nice plus.
According to UC Davis Center for Entrepreneurship Assistant Director, Nicole Starsinic, the GTEA combines classroom learning with a team project, which pairs scientists with business school students and professionals. A number of venture capital firms, law firms, and other professionals, which are listed in the Academy’s schedule, devote time in the hope of discovering the cleantech Google.
Apply: If you are interested or know someone who would be a good candidate for the GTEA, please note that applications are due May 2, 2008.
Up and Coming Green Tech Companies
Two of interesting companies that are emerging from last year’s GTAE show the range or projects that are appropriate for the Academy. MIT doctoral student Jon Mapel has developed a high-efficiency, low-cost solar electrical concentrator that uses 300 times fewer solar cells than conventional methods. In the Center for Entrepreneurship’s latest newsletter (out today), Mapel says he will soon follow up with the venture capitalists and angel investors he met at GTEA last summer. Another participant who started a business with his GTEA experience is UC Davis doctoral student Peter Tittman whose company, Forest Eye, will help forestland managers meet financial and environmental goals by conducting carbon, timber and biomass inventory using an aerial laser scanning technology.
Programs for Green Entrepreneurs at Other Universities
Many universities have business plan competitions that are open to non-students. Some competitions have cash prizes, and some startups get angel or VC funding right out of these competitions.
We’d love to hear your stories if you have participated in any of university or foundation-sponsored programs or competitions for entrepreneurs.
Photo of Lake Tahoe from Wiki Commons.
I am a student at DePaul University and one of the owners of GreenWerks an eco-friendly contractor in Chicago. They have a business plan competition with a 25K top prize, every year. They also have a business consulting center, which has helped my business grow tremendously.
-Chris
Hi Chris, Thanks for letting us know about the resouces available at DePaul. Good luck to you! — Leah
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