WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Cleantech Open Southeast has kicked off of its 2014 business accelerator and national cleantech program which helps find, fund and foster cleantech entrepreneurs and innovators who have worked to solve today’s most serious energy, environmental and economic issues. The Cleantech Open Southeast will continue to build on the momentum from last year where they attracted over 60 applications to the accelerator program, had 24 semi-finalist teams and five regional finalist winners, giving away award packages valued at $100,000.
WGL, a regional platinum sponsor of the Cleantech Open Southeast, will be hosting and sponsoring the Washington, D.C. Launch of the 2014 accelerator program. The event will take place on April 7, 2014, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., at 101 Constitution Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20080. Registration is free and can be completed by visiting http://bit.ly/1qrcpu1. Due to security reasons, registration will close on April 6. No tickets will be available at the door. Union Station is the closest metro station; visitors may also park in the underground parking garage.
The D.C. Launch will provide networking opportunities and a chance for entrepreneurs and clean technology companies to attend and learn more about the Cleantech Open Southeast. Attendees will also hear information on the accelerator program and the 2014 regional and national business competitions.
“The Southeast region is full of innovation, so we are excited to continue working with the best and brightest cleantech entrepreneurs in the region,” said Joshua C. Greene, co-founder and executive director of the Cleantech Open Southeast. “We believe the positive reception in the venture community to our alumni companies and the growth in popularity of the accelerator program will result in a very successful year for our start-up participants. We are excited to continue expanding and meeting the demands of our region.”
About The Cleantech Open
The Cleantech Open is the world’s largest cleantech accelerator and is dedicated to providing entrepreneurs and technologists the resources needed to launch a successful cleantech company. Our mission is to find, fund and foster entrepreneurs with big ideas that address today’s most urgent energy, environmental, and economic challenges. A 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, the Cleantech Open provides the infrastructure, expertise and strategic relationships that turn clever ideas into successful global cleantech companies. Over the past seven years, the Cleantech Open has awarded over $5 million in cash and services. During that time, our 800 alumni companies have raised $800 million in external funding. Fueled by a network of more than 2,000 volunteers, the Cleantech Open unites the public and private sectors in a shared vision for making America’s cleantech sector a thriving economic engine. For more information, visit www.cleantechopen.org or follow us on Twitter @cleantechopense and Facebook.
The Cleantech Open is made possible by the generous support provided by Global Partner, Chevron; National Sponsor, Wells Fargo; National Education Partner, University of Phoenix; National Category Sponsor Arrow Electronics, Inc. and National Sponsor PARC (a Xerox Company). In addition, Cleantech Open Southeast is sponsored by WGL Holdings, Inc., Constellation, Deloitte, Oak Ridge National Lab, Patton Boggs LLP, and Bingham McCutchen LLP.
