Connecticut Innovations Launches VentureClash Climate Edition
Co-hosts for the inaugural event include Connecticut Green Bank, the Department of Economic & Community Development, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, and the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority.
NEW HAVEN, Conn., Aug. 15, 2022 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Connecticut Innovations (CI), along with Connecticut Green Bank, the Department of Economic & Community Development, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, and the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, today announced the launch of VentureClash Climate Edition, a networking and pitch event that brings together companies and thought leaders solving real-world climate issues.
The event, set to take place at District New Haven on Thursday, October 27, will attract some of the world's most disruptive green companies, giving Connecticut the chance to invest in groundbreaking ideas that can fast-track climate-related innovations, strengthen the state's environmental resilience and create new job opportunities.
"The launch of VentureClash Climate Edition coincides with the launch of our newest ClimateTech Fund, which will put $100 million of capital to work," said Konstantine Drakonakis, fund manager of Connecticut Innovations' ClimateTech Fund. "We are actively looking to attract and invest in climate mitigation, adaption and resilience, and environmental and public health safety focused technology companies that can grow and succeed in our state. This initiative brings together other agencies in the state with a similar vision for addressing climate-related issues."
VentureClash Climate Edition is looking for international and domestic companies interested in building a presence in Connecticut that offer solutions across, but not limited to, four main industry sectors: energy, water, waste and mobility. The companies selected to present will be introduced to a network of customers, investors, mentors and resources throughout the state's ecosystem, while gaining access to strategic collaboration and investment opportunities.
"As the nation's first green bank, tackling climate change through innovation is in our DNA, and the Green Bank is excited to support CI in the newest iteration of VentureClash, focusing on the essential sector of climate technology," said Sara Harari, Associate Director of Innovation at Connecticut Green Bank. "Connecticut has long been a leader in state-level efforts to confront climate change, and events like this help draw new talent to our growing green economy."
"An exciting competition like VentureClash not only aligns with federal efforts to bolster the clean economy but also builds on Connecticut's leadership on climate and innovation," said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. "It is critical that we bring new clean technology to commercial scale here in Connecticut and across the country to meet this moment of the climate crisis. The Lamont administration has positioned the state to apply sustainable solutions, make energy more affordable and attract new technology investments to address the climate challenge here, so we're all looking forward to the event this October."
"Supporting the growth of Connecticut's green economy is one of the four key objectives of PURA's equitable modern grid framework. In pursuit of this objective, PURA recently authorized the Innovative Energy Solutions (IES) Program, a $25 million per year funding opportunity for innovative ideas with the potential to transform Connecticut's electric system and provide value to customers at scale," said Josh Ryor, managing director of PURA. "VentureClash is a unique and exciting opportunity to attract innovative, green companies to Connecticut by connecting them with the suite of exceptional resources, like the IES Program, offered by our state agencies."
The deadline for applications is Monday, August 22, and presenting companies will be announced in mid-September.
In addition to company pitches, the all-day event will include diverse industry panels with subject matter experts and distinguished keynote speakers.
For more information or to apply, please visit http://www.ventureclash.com.
About VentureClash Climate Edition
VentureClash Climate Edition is a networking and pitch event where companies and thought leaders discuss and solve for the world's biggest climate-related issues. Managed by Connecticut Innovations, VentureClash scans the globe for early-stage companies that are looking to land and expand in Connecticut. In addition to company investments, VentureClash companies also benefit from introductions to a critical network of potential customers, investors, mentors and talent.
About Connecticut Innovations
Connecticut Innovations (CI) is Connecticut's strategic venture capital arm and the leading source of financing and ongoing support for Connecticut's innovative, growing companies. CI provides venture capital and strategic support for early-stage technology companies, financial support for innovation and collaboration, and connections to its well-established network of partners and professionals. For more information, please visit http://www.ctinnovations.com.
About Connecticut Green Bank
The Connecticut Green Bank was established by the Connecticut General Assembly in 2011 as the nation's first green bank and has since supported the creation of more than 23,000 green energy jobs in the state, while reducing the energy cost burden on over 66,000 families, businesses and nonprofits. The Green Bank's vision is a planet protected by the love of humanity, and its mission is to confront climate change and provide all of society a healthier, more prosperous future by increasing and accelerating the flow of private capital into markets that energize the green economy.
About the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is charged with conserving, improving and protecting the natural resources and the environment of the state of Connecticut as well as making cheaper, cleaner and more reliable energy available for the people and businesses of the state. The agency is also committed to playing a positive role in rebuilding Connecticut's economy and creating jobs – and to fostering a sustainable and prosperous economic future for the state.
About the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority
The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) is statutorily-charged with ensuring that Connecticut's investor-owned utilities, including the state's electric, natural gas, water and telecommunications companies, provide safe, clean, reliable and affordable utility service and infrastructure. PURA is a quasi-judicial agency that interprets and applies the statutes and regulations governing all aspects of Connecticut's utility sector. PURA's mission is essential to advancing the state's energy, economic and environmental goals and is critical to maintaining public health and safety as well as a robust economy. For more information, visit PURA.
Media Contact
Lauren Carmody, Connecticut Innovations, 860.258.7829, [email protected]
SOURCE Connecticut Innovations
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