1.1 The Ignite Clean Energy Competition

Please note: This Handbook is in the process of being updated and is subject to change without notice.  Please check back often for updates.

We are seeking emerging entrepreneurs, university students and professionals who will develop the next generation of clean, renewable, or efficient energy resources.

We hope these new leaders will make our region a center for clean energy economic development, creating new jobs and growth opportunities.

To spur entrepreneurial activities, the Energy SIG² of the MIT Enterprise Forum of Cambridge, MIT Clean Energy Entrepreneurship Prize (CEEP) and the MIT 100K Energy Track have combined forces to offer a business presentation competition.

The three goals of the competition are to:

1.     Help new business leaders create a compelling story for raising funds from government, angel, and venture capital investors,

2.     Teach entrepreneurs superior presentation skills,

3.     Encourage networking among participants and industry leaders, and4.     Promote clean energy.

To achieve these aims, we are offering these following events:

-Team building and partner networking event: Kickoff Dec 11
-Team Building Jan 17        
-Presentation/Business Plan Training: Bootcamp 2nd Week in March 
-Semi-finals presentation competition: April 1st  before a distinguished panel of venture capital, angel investor, academic, and technology business leader judges. Contestants will receive direct verbal and written feedback on their presentations in a small group format.
Ten to twelve semi-finalist teams will be selected to participate in the finals by April 2, 2008       
-Finals presentation event.. May 14, 2008

The events are designed to help contestants clarify their strategic vision, vet their business plans, and boost their business communication skills. Each event will also include networking opportunities, food, and refreshments. In addition, competing teams that qualify for the semi-finals and above will receive publicity.