European ‘Green Challenge’ Grant Open to US Cleantech Startups
June 23rd, 2011 by 
While some refer to lottos as a “tax on the stupid” the Dutch Postcode Lottery are making “grants for the smart” to support cleantech stars through their Green Challenge.
“The world must embrace a new, greener lifestyle. One bright idea can make a big difference. To encourage and aid the invention of great new green products and services, the Dutch Postcode Lottery presents the Postcode Lottery Green Challenge 2011.”
The grand prize of 500K Euros (~$720 USD) is a good chunk of would be capital for aspiring startups. The criteria is that the start up be working towards technologies and services that have the potential to radically reduce carbon emissions.
Past jurors have included Sir Richard Branson and President Bill Clinton, and grant recipients have come from all over the world. US Startups, including last year’s winner One Earth Designs, have been successful in the past.
Just because you haven’t heard of it yet, doesn’t mean you should ignore it. Now you do know, and unlike spending money on the lottery, filling out the application for the grant will help crystalize your pitch for other investors you should be reaching out to already.
Go ahead… what are you waiting for? Apply… and encourage other US entrepreneurs to explore it.
photo: Lisa Brewster.
|
|
Tags:  carbon emissions cleantech Dutch Postcode Lottery Green Challenge green products startups | [ Permalink ] |
The Dutch Postcode Lottery challenge is a great initiative for Cleantech startups looking for funding.
I would also like to share another great program that has been recently launched by Intesa Sanpaolo (Italy’s largest bank): the European Cleantech Challenge 2011 (http://www.europeancleantechchallenge.com).
This is a year long business plan competition where the best Cleantech startups (requirement is that they are from a EU country) will be selected for a 2-day bootcamp in Milan with mentoring from top US investors and for an international roadshow (confirmed locations Milan, London, Frankfurt, New York, San Francisco).
Submission deadline is July 30th