The NEW Clean Energy Challenge

New in 2011, MEF is partnering with the Clean Energy Trust, which will hold its first-ever Clean Energy Challenge. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, this exciting new opportunity is seeking transformative business ideas from Illinois entrepreneurs working in: renewable energy; next generation transportation; smart grid; advanced batteries; energy efficiency; green building; carbon abatement; water conservation and containment mitigation; energy information systems; and alternative fuels.

In January, the Clean Energy Trust announced finalists that will advance to the final round of the competition. A distinguished panel of independent evaluators selected 10 companies to compete for the $100,000 early-stage business prize. Five finalists will vie for $30,000 in concept-stage funding. Finalists include:

Over the coming weeks, the finalists will be paired with mentors who will help them develop their business concept and refine their investor pitch. Both concept and seed stage applicants will present their businesses to a panel of clean tech experts and investors from across the country at the Midwest Energy Forum on March 3, 2011.