by Brianna Crandall — March 23, 2011—The U.S. Department of Energy joined with the U.S. Commerce Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) and its Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship to announce on March 11 the opening of the $12 million i6 Green Challenge, which will be conducted in partnership with several other U.S. agencies and the National Science Foundation.
The agencies will provide $12 million in funding to support awards for six teams around the country with the most innovative ideas to drive technology commercialization and entrepreneurship in support of a green innovation economy, increased U.S. competitiveness and new jobs. In order to be eligible for DOE funding, applicants must demonstrate innovation in the areas of renewable energy, energy efficiency, or green building technology.
This year’s competition focuses on developing, expanding and promoting Proof of Concept Centers, which support all aspects of the entrepreneurship process, from assisting with technology feasibility and business plan development, to providing access to early-stage capital and mentors to offer critical guidance to innovators. Centers allow emerging technologies to mature and demonstrate their market potential, making them more attractive to investors and helping entrepreneurs turn their idea or technology into a business.
First announced at the White House launch of Startup America in January, i6 Green follows last year’s inaugural i6 Challenge to accelerate high-growth entrepreneurship in the United States. The Federal Funding Opportunity notice and application information on i6 Green are available online. The deadline to submit an application is May 26, 2011.
