A Competition Seeking Cleantech Innovators From Around the World

focused on finding transformative climate solutions for megacities & regions in zero emissions transportation, the energy/transportation nexus, & digital tools for sustainability.

Turn Your Idea Into Action.

The Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) and the California Clean Energy Fund (CalCEF) are partnering for the California Climate Cup – a competition seeking the next generation of startups who are ready to make a global impact.

Global megacities are on the frontlines of climate impacts and solutions. From increased stress on electricity grids from heat waves and wildfires, to coastal areas now vulnerable to rising sea levels, we’re seeing long- and short-term resiliency challenges in our world’s cities. These challenges will impact everyone, but will disproportionately affect those in low income and disadvantaged communities.

The world needs game changing solutions.

Categories

Startups around the world have shared their visionary technologies, bold business models and transformative platforms designed to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, increase access to sustainable solutions for disadvantaged communities, and enhance resiliency in the face of increasing climate change impacts on a city and regional level.

The California Climate Cup highlights cleantech startups that think globally and bring zero emissions solutions that are ready to be deployed and/or piloted within a year of the competition.

Mobility & Goods Movement

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Mobility & Goods Movement

At 37%, the transportation sector is the leading cause of GHG emissions in California. Along with passenger vehicles, the impact of goods movement through ports and freight on the transportation sector is significant. To tackle the challenges of congestion, transportation-related air pollution, and GHG reductions in megacities, we are looking for zero emissions innovations in the areas of:
  • Goods movement and urban logistics
  • Urban mobility and access
  • First and last mile solutions
  • Shared mobility

Energy / Transportation Nexus

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Energy / Transportation Nexus

Transportation electrification represents the largest near-term opportunity to reduce GHG emissions and air pollution in California. Clean, reliable electricity and rapid deployment of EV infrastructure are some of the keys to transition to zero emissions transportation and goods movement. We seek innovations in the energy/transportation nexus in the following categories:

  • Infrastructure via EV charging and energy storage infrastructure
  • Charging solutions for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles and fleets
  • EV battery performance, supply chain improvements and afterlife applications
  • Demand response, smart charging, and other grid management needs for transportation infrastructure assets

Digital Solutions for Sustainable Cities

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Digital Solutions for Sustainable Cities

To accelerate the adoption of new technology and market transformation in the sustainable cities, transportation, and clean energy sectors, we seek platforms and innovations that enable rapid deployment, unlock stagnant markets, and improve resilience of megacities, states and regions utilizing:

  • Blockchain – Energy, transportation and procurement blockchain applications
  • Fintech - Transparent financing networks and platforms for sustainable procurement, infrastructure and project financing
  • IoT and smart sensor networks - enabling digital connectivity to megacity infrastructure
  • Big data - Data analytics, cognitive APIs, and AI applications that enable cities to be more sustainable

Winners

KEY COMPETITION DATES:
August 6: Applications Due
August 13: Notification of Finalists
September 10 in Los Angeles: Category Finals Pitch Competition as part of the LACI Transportation Electrification Partnership Summit
September 12-14 in San Francisco: Category Winners Present at the Global Climate Action Summit and Grand Prize Winner Announced

WINNERS RECEIVE:
Two of the category winners receive $5,000US and one grand prize winner will receive $25,000US. All category winners will join LACI and California Clean Energy Fund at the Global Climate Action Summit in San Francisco on September 12-14 with multiple opportunities for global visibility while pitching before an international audience.

Climate Cup finalists will receive additional exposure at the flagship VERGE 18 conference and expo, Oct. 16-18 in Oakland. This includes: Free booth space and curated investor networking opportunities in the Startup Showcase (for those under $5M in combined investment and revenue), as well as opportunities to demo in the Carbon Tech and Advanced Materials Showcases

INFORMATION:
To learn more, contact us at climatecup@laci.org

LACI_Silver

About LACI

The Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) is a private non-profit organization creating an inclusive green economy by unlocking innovation (working with startups to accelerate the commercialization of clean technologies), transforming markets (through partnerships in transportation, energy and sustainable cities) and enhancing communities (through workforce development, pilots and programs). Founded as an economic development initiative by the City of Los Angeles and its Department of Water & Power (LADWP), LACI is recognized as one of the most innovative business incubators in the world by UBI. In the past six years, LACI has helped 73 portfolio companies raise $184M in funding, $220M in revenue, create 1,700 jobs, and deliver more than $379M in long term economic value.

Learn more at laci.org

About California Clean Energy Fund

California Clean Energy Fund (www.calcef.org) works to promote the transition to a clean energy economy by creating institutions and investment vehicles that grow markets for clean energy technologies. California Clean Energy Fund is a non-profit umbrella organization that pursues statewide and national agendas via 1) California Clean Energy Fund Innovations, a 501(c)(3) that leads California Clean Energy Fund’s analysis and product development; and 2) California Clean Energy Fund Ventures, a 501(c)(4) that executes and scales the California Clean Energy Fund investment strategy, and 3) California Clean Energy Fund Catalyst, a 501(c)(6), industry association that engages and coordinates clean energy businesses and stakeholders.

For more information, go to calcef.org

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