Ceramic Industry News

MIT Clean Energy Prize Semifinalists Compete to Launch Businesses

Twenty-four student teams from some of the nation’s top colleges and universities will compete in this year’s MIT Clean Energy Prize competition, including MIT, Harvard, Stanford, Princeton and Johns Hopkins. Now in its third year, the competition has helped launch several notable U.S. clean-tech companies.

The semifinalists were chosen from over 60 entries representing 35 schools by a panel of state energy officials, leading clean energy experts and venture capitalists. The teams will compete for a $200,000 grand prize to be awarded by NSTAR and the U.S. Department of Energy for the most ground-breaking clean energy business idea.

“This year’s clean energy innovations are impressive and have significant potential to become viable businesses,” said Tom May, NSTAR chairman, president and CEO. “This competition is the type of ‘idea factory’ that MIT is famous for. The teams will help stimulate the nation’s growing clean energy economy and help solve today’s most challenging energy-related environmental and economic challenges.”

The MIT Clean Energy Prize is a national competition that provides mentoring and financial support to student teams that demonstrate a high degree of success in establishing clean energy business ventures in five categories: energy efficiency and infrastructure; renewable resources; clean non-renewable resources; transportation; and deployment (clean energy-related services or processes).

A sampling of this year’s proposed innovations include a low-cost, easy-to-install home energy meter that integrates energy-efficiency strategies with online social networks; an “airborne” wind turbine that is cost-competitive with non-renewable energy sources; solar powered heating and air-conditioning systems; and a process that efficiently produces synthetic diesel fuels from natural gas and carbon dioxide.

The semifinalists will undergo rigorous mentoring by volunteer business, legal and technology experts, and then will submit detailed business plans. On May 3, the teams will showcase their innovations at an NSTAR-sponsored public event at which five finalists will be awarded $15,000 each by a panel of prominent clean energy venture capitalists, policymakers, academics and executives. These finalists will then move on to compete for the $200,000 grand prize, to be announced at an awards ceremony at MIT on May 11.

For more information, visit www.mitcep.org.

Links

Did you enjoy this article? Click here to subscribe to Ceramic Industry Magazine.

You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Multimedia

Videos

Podcasts

Thermal Processing Optimization: Using Advanced Rotary Tube Internals

Mike Maggio of Harper International discusses rotary tube internals with Susan Sutton, editor-in-chief.

More Podcasts

THE MAGAZINE

Ceramic Industry Magazine

CI May 2013 cover

2013 May

The 2013 May Ceramic Industry includes articles on treating heat like light, recycling, solar energy, and more. Check it out today!

Table Of Contents Subscribe

THE CERAMIC INDUSTRY STORE

M:\General Shared\__AEC Store Katie Z\AEC Store\Images\Ceramics Industry\handbook of advanced ceramics.gif
Handbook of Advanced Ceramics Machining

Ceramics, with their unique properties and diverse applications, hold the potential to revolutionize many industries, including automotive and semiconductors.

More Products

Clear Seas Research

Clear Seas ResearchWith access to over one million professionals and more than 60 industry-specific publications,Clear Seas Research offers relevant insights from those who know your industry best. Let us customize a market research solution that exceeds your marketing goals.

Directories

0711ci_cover.gif

Ceramic Industry's Directories including Components, Equipment Digest, Services, Data Book & Buyers Guide, Materials Handbook and much more!

STAY CONNECTED

facebook_40px twitter_40px  youtube_40pxlinkedin_40