Entries from MSMEs, start-ups invited for Fourth Cycle of India Cleantech Open Competition

New Delhi, June 26 (KNN) Ministry of MSME, GEF and UNIDO have invited entries for the Fourth Cycle of India Cleantech Open Competition to identify the most promising entrepreneurs across the nation.

The platform aims to provide SMEs and entrepreneurs the facilitation needed to launch and create successful and sustainable clean technology ventures and start-ups.

An ecosystem approach will be followed whereby a common platform will be established; policy framework will be strengthened; and local capacity will be built to forge close partnership between government, academia, business and various key stakeholders including state and non-state players.

The Programme is focused on enhancing both emerging Cleantech start-ups and the local entrepreneurial ecosystem and policy framework. It aims at promoting Clean Technology Innovations and Entrepreneurship in selected SMEs in India through Cleantech Innovation Platform and Entrepreneurship Acceleration programme.

Indian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), as well as emerging Startups and Entrepreneurs are being invited to submit their application before 8th August 2017.

The entries will be accepted under four clean technology areas namely - Energy Efficiency; Renewable Energy; Waste Beneficiation; and Water Efficiency.

Special Recognition and mentorship will be given to Women Entrepreneurs in Clean Technology.

One of the main objectives of the Indian Cleantech Competition and Accelerator Programme for SME’s and Startups is to equip entrepreneurs with critical skills that will enable them to take their innovation to the commercialization stage, or – if this stage has already been reached - to help them scale up their innovation.

All submissions will be adjudicated by a panel (Round 1 Judging) representing business, industry, government, academic and R&D fraternity who will meet 20 semi-finalists. The 20 semi-finalists will attend mentoring programme and business clinics from August to October 2017.

The workshop will provide assistance refining their applications, helping them to present a sound business case and fine tuning the respective technologies. Focus will be placed on, but not limited to, addressing intellectual property concerns, development of a sound business plan and model, advice related to marketing strategies. On completion of the coaching, semi-finalists will revise and resubmit their entries. Additionally, they will be provided an opportunity to connect with Investors.

A second round of adjudication (Round 2 Judging) will take place in December 2017, from which two finalists will be selected. The selected winner and runner-up will receive assistance in connecting with stakeholders and will be supported in preparing their presentation for the Global Forum.

The parameters for selection would be - Nature of innovation (Product/Process); Patents/design/obtained or applied for; Technology involved (Innovative/R&D); Product/Process feasibility; Financials and Scalability; Market outreach; and Sustainable Innovation.

The top two finalists (Winner and Runner-up) will compete at Global Cleantech Competition i.e. “Cleantech Open Global Forum 2017” to be held in February 2018 in California, USA. (KNN Bureau)