Calling all PNW Cleantech Startups

As I mentioned before, I've been working in the "cleantech" world for a little over 18 months now, but I'm just starting to become more active in the community.  In addition to my recent exploits in blogging and on Twitter, I've decided to join the Clean Tech Open to help promote the green-focused entrepreneurial community.  Essentially, the Clean Tech Open is a competition where entrepreneurs and start-ups within the cleantech space can get valuable exposure, advice, complimentary services, mentoring, growth capital for their business.  A more complete list of benefits can be seen here.

I've joined the new Pacific Northwest regional arm of the Clean Tech Open as co-Recruitment Chair (along with Steve Gerritson of enterpriseSeattle).  We're heading recruitment efforts to drive innovative entrepreneurs to join the competition in the Pacific Northwest (in cooperation with our counterparts in the Rocky Mountain and California regions).  The competition is primarily focused towards early stage companies - less than $300,000 in outside (angel or venture) funding - and provides meaningful cash and service prizes to help get these business models off the ground.  So if you have an idea or are working on something in your basement in your spare time, this is a perfect opportunity to learn a ton, get some great exposure and compete against your peers.  More details on entry requirements here.  

Pacific Northwest Entrepreneurs - I seriously advise you to enter the Clean Tech Open for our region.  In addition to the basic benefits and services, three winners will receive $50,000 in cash and services, and go on to compete in the national competition, where the winner will receive $250k in cash and services!  I think this is a great concept on both the national and regional level, and can't wait to see how my first year unfolds.  If it's anything like the past three years (awarded $2.72 million of cash and services, alumni have gone on to raise $125m of venture capital), then I am ready to be blown away. 

We need innovators in the Pacific Northwest to step forward!  Help make the PNW a cleantech destination.

GB