Cleantech Innovation Pathways
Minnesota Cleantech Innovation Pathways Overview
An equitable future for energy and cleantech requires us to nurture the next generation of entrepreneurs and changemakers. Through the Cleantech Innovation Pathways initiative, we will provide programming to expand opportunities to the following audiences:
- Community engagement through partners working in economic development and workforce training, to begin widening the invitation to entrepreneurship and the access to resources to get started.
- Equipping professionals already working in the energy and cleantech industries with an understanding of entrepreneurship and the steps it takes to launch a business.
- Engaging with youth programs to plant seeds for the future.
- Those who haven’t worked in energy, STEM, or cleantech, who have entrepreneurship skills that can be highly valuable to innovate in this industry.
- Connecting with diverse individuals and communities, historically limited from these opportunities and resources.
Our focus in 2024 is for those in the earlier stages of considering entrepreneurship, including workshops to learn more about the industry and entrepreneurship. Learn about upcoming spring workshops on our Events page.
Virtual Incubator (Spring 2025)
We are planning for a 12-week incubator program. The incubator will provide coaching and business development support and resources for entrepreneurs – from early-stage (ideas or concept) to commercial and scaling-ready. Programming will be provided by the collective group of team members and community partners with varied experience in entrepreneur training and development. Incubator participants will have the opportunity to pitch to investors and partners following the program.
Stipends will be provided through the 3 identified geographic and demographic-focused partners for up to 15 participants.
Applications will open this fall. Subscribe to stay in the know on workshops and the application process.
Partners
Learn more about the incredible work of our partner organizations:
Equity and Access
Learn more about Grid Catalyst’s commitment to equity and access through the roadmap developed in partnership with the Center for Economic Inclusion. This work, completed in 2022, continues to guide our program priorities to address systemic issues limiting diverse founders from entering and thriving in the energy, climate, and cleantech innovation ecosystem. Equity and Access – The Just Path to an Innovative Energy Future.
Thank you to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and LaunchMN for their generous support of this initiative through the Education Grant program. Read the program announcement.
Stay Connected
Sign up for program announcements.
"*" indicates required fields