The $20 million 76West Clean Energy Competition wants to bring resources and entrepreneurs from all over the world and the U.S. to help build clean energy jobs and businesses in New York’s Southern Tier region. Interested startups have until April 15th, 2019 to apply for this competition cycle, with the grand prize winner receiving $1 million.
76West is limited to startups or early-stage companies that intend to or already operate within the Clean Energy field. The competition defines clean energy services or products as hardware, software, processes, or services that broadly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption. They can also enable transitions towards clean and sustainable energy economies.
Once all submissions are in, a judging panel examines every company and startup based on their clean energy impact, customer value, team quality, technical viability, the viability of their business model, and their potential to create high-quality jobs in the Southern Tier. Once they’ve decided on the semifinalists, a finals judging panel asks questions, hears presentations, and makes recommendations, with the winner selected by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.
All applicants must be an established business entity that is at least two of the following:
- Is pre-revenue or early revenue
- Is less than seven years from the date of their formal organization
- Has a leadership team with investors working towards profitability and commercialization
- Has its first service or product in pilot production or testing.
Additionally, all awardees must locate into the Southern Tier region for at least 24 months.
