Overview
Innovators is a core LACI accelerator program serving early-stage cleantech startups in Southern California. Funded by the California Energy Commission’s Regional Energy Innovation Cluster (REIC), the program aims to support early stage entrepreneurs in launching their venture in California’s growing cleantech innovation ecosystem.
- Monthly opportunity updates and curated resources email
- Check-in’s with LACI expert every other month
- Lunch & Learns: Curriculum development opportunities
- Visibility in LACI’s network and ecosystem
- Discounted access to the La Kretz Innovation Campus (LKIC)
Program Length: 1 year
Program Start: September 2022
Program Cost: Free
Program Requirements
- Full participation in the curriculum development sessions and bi-monthly check-ins.
- Metrics survey submission on a quarterly basis as required by the California Energy Commission.
Candidate Qualifications
- Startups must:
- Have a cleantech solution that addresses one of our three priority areas: Clean Energy, Zero Emissions Transportation and Smart & Sustainable Cities: Circular Economy.
- Be early stage: as early as pre-seed or pre-prototype, with a proof of concept.
- Own or license a novel proprietary technology.
- Operate out of one of the four counties in our Southern California territory:
- Los Angeles County
- Santa Barbara County
- Ventura County
- Orange County
Application Process
For any questions about the application process, please contact LACI’s Pipeline Manager: Georgie Walker - georgina@laci.org
- Application: submit your application via the portal.
- Review: if you meet the basic eligibility criteria, your application will progress to the next review round involving LACI's Technical Review Committee.
- Interview: top rated applicants from the review will be invited to interview with LACI where we will dig into the program fit and expectations
- Selection: we will select 12-15 companies to participate in the new cohort.
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