Application Deadline: 10:00 PM CST on November 5, 2021.
We are looking for late-stage startup businesses that have a working prototype or have already initiated demonstration or commercialization projects that will benefit from a higher visibility installation and from participation in our accelerator program. Selected startups will be matched with a major utility, business, higher education campus, community, or nonprofit from our Innovators Network, who will serve as their host partner for the project development.
Eligibility
For this cohort, we are only accepting late-stage startups that meet these qualifications:
- Have a solution that can be implemented in a demonstration project in 2022.
- Can legally demonstrate and manage a project in Minnesota.
- Is an incorporated entity that carries business insurance.
- Has the appropriate licensure and status to conduct business in Minnesota.
- Will be able to manage the travel and onsite project management requirements to oversee project implementation in MInnesota. Grid Catalyst will help startups identify accommodations for those traveling from out-of-state.
- We are not considering projects in other states or countries for this round of programming.
- Has secured any necessary patents for their solution or is in the process of securing patents, if applicable.
- If the solution is a product or technology (rather than a service), there must be a working prototype. Future cohorts will consider earlier stage ventures.
Benefits
Cohort members will also be provided with the following support and services as part of the cohort program:
- Visibility for your business throughout the program, including multi-channel storytelling and media campaigns for key program and project milestones, and connection to the Grid Catalyst and Clean Energy Economy Minnesota networks.
- Facilitation support for project implementation, including navigating the initial exploratory phase with host partners, advisory support during the planning phase, assistance with developing a project monitoring and data collection approach, and developing post-implementation growth and marketing strategies.
- Connection to a pool of mentors with experience in entrepreneurship, starting and managing a business, leading and operating energy businesses, investing, financial management, manufacturing and assembly, trade, workforce development, and marketing and communications.
- Opportunities to connect with and pitch to investors.
- Connection and collaboration with other innovators and entrepreneurs in clean energy and climate tech.
- Cohort members will not receive stipends for participation, but funds will be offered to advance project implementation. Funding will be determined by the type of technology and scale and scope of the project.
Application Procedure
Selection Considerations Grid Catalyst is committed to creating impact with our platform, which requires us to consider several key criteria throughout the screening process:
- Innovation
- How unique is your value proposition, and how does it compare to other market offerings?
- Impact
- When implemented, what potential impact will your solution have in addressing carbon and climate change, creating a more equitable and just energy system, and bolstering local communities, regional economics, and workforce development?
- Equity and Access
- We are seeking startups with diverse founders and representation on their leadership team, recognizing that these startups have unique needs and opportunities, and have historically been underrepresented and under-resourced in the startup and energy communities. To address climate change and create a more equitable energy system, it’s essential that we create pathways for diverse founders to bring their ideas and solutions to the market.
Official Website: Grid Catalyst Late-Stage Startups For The Cohort
