The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is offering $400,000 for a qualified institution to create a statewide executive transition program to help drive interested entrepreneurs, investors and other business leaders to new opportunities in the cleantech sector. 

The Clean Tech Execs program will be designed for successful business executives and other leaders who are skilled at running a company but may have limited knowledge about the cleantech world. It will expose participants to opportunities in the clean energy technology market, including renewable energy, energy efficiency, cleaner transportation and energy infrastructure, such as energy storage and smart grid. 

The program is expected to encourage successful business leaders to start, join or advise clean energy and energy-efficiency businesses, further growing jobs and businesses in the cleantech economy in New York State. Through a competitive process, NYSERDA will provide the funding to a business education or economic development organization to develop the program. 

“Governor Cuomo has initiated innovative programs to spur the cleantech economy in New York State, from Innovation Hot Spots to the NY-Sun initiative,” said Francis J. Murray Jr., President and CEO, NYSERDA. “The Clean Tech Execs Program will join a portfolio of business-friendly NYSERDA programs, such as our cleantech incubators and the Entrepreneur-in-Residence program, which further the goal of growing businesses and creating jobs in clean energy and energy-efficiency technology." 

NYSERDA is seeking proposals for development of the Clean Tech Execs program, which will be a comprehensive and self-sustaining education program and will connect with supporting organizations for lectures, provide a venue for classes, include field trips and organize a capstone project for students. Proposals are due June 19. Applicants can learn more at http://www.nyserda.ny.gov/pon2730. 

NYSERDA currently funds several programs that are already helping to grow the cleantech economy in New York State. NYSERDA currently funds six incubators located in Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Albany, New York City and Stony Brook. The incubators have worked with more than 100 cleantech start-ups, which have created hundreds of new jobs and brought 70 products to market.  

In addition, NYSERDA continues to fund the Entrepreneur in Residence Program, which links experienced business leaders with start-up firms looking for mentoring for everything from writing budgets and business plans to seeking investment or a buyer. And NYSERDA is currently working with partners to create three Proof of Concept Centers in New York City and Rochester to help create viable businesses out of clean energy ideas.

 NYSERDA, a public benefit corporation, offers objective information and analysis, innovative programs, technical expertise and funding to help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, use renewable energy, and reduce their reliance on fossil fuels.  NYSERDA professionals work to protect our environment and create clean-energy jobs. NYSERDA has been developing partnerships to advance innovative energy solutions in New York since 1975.