Toyota Mobility Foundation becomes lead sponsor of the Pacific Northwest’s premier cleantech acceleration program
Seattle and Portland, Ore. (March 27, 2019) — The Cascadia CleanTech Accelerator, powered by VertueLab and CleanTech Alliance, today announced that the Toyota Mobility Foundation has signed on to be the $25,000 lead sponsor of the accelerator’s 2019 program.
The Cascadia CleanTech Accelerator is a 15-week program that delivers cleantech-specific training in business modeling, customer discovery, manufacturing and sustainability planning, prototyping, financing, customer delivery, branding and more to entrepreneurs and early-stage startups located in the Pacific Northwest. The 2019 application period is open through April 17, and startups working in cleantech – technology-based innovations aimed at solving earth’s most pressing environmental challenges – are invited to apply at: cascadiacleantech.org.
“As we make strides toward decarbonization and sustainable communities, it’s clear that innovators with new technologies will need to work alongside traditional players to make meaningful progress toward these goals,” said Ryan Klem, Toyota Mobility Foundation Director of Programs and Partnerships. “The Cascadia CleanTech Accelerator presents an opportunity not only to surface such innovators, but also to help create a collaborative network to tackle broad challenges and ready early-stage startups. At the Toyota Mobility Foundation, we recognize the important intersections between mobility and energy in supporting robust communities. Our hope is that we can play a role in moving that needle forward through the CleanTech Accelerator.”
“Cleantech companies have a distinct pathway to market, which often requires strategic partnerships with established industry,” said David Kenney, President and Executive Director of VertueLab. “We are thrilled to engage with the Toyota Mobility Foundation to help our startup teams gain insights into how to effectively tap into the technology pull of industry and leverage public-private partnerships.”
“Toyota Mobility Foundation will certainly bring their expertise in the mobility sector to the table,” said Tom Ranken, CEO of the CleanTech Alliance. “But even for companies not directly related to mobility, they will be able to offer excellence in supply chain management, marketing and sales, composite materials, manufacturing, proof-of-concept testing, modeling and more.”
The Toyota Mobility Foundation works to promote promising low-carbon technologies and ensure that they are well integrated into the broader mobility and infrastructure ecosystems. The Foundation’s scope is broad and includes electric vehicle micro-mobility, low-carbon energy, clean fuel production and storage, equal access to mobility and smart infrastructure.
The 2019 Cascadia CleanTech Accelerator program runs from May through September 2019. Applications will be accepted through April 17, 2019. Potential applicants can view selection criteria and program details at cascadiacleantech.org and should contact accelerator staff with any questions:
- Washington State: Rachelle Ames of the CleanTech Alliance, rachelle@cleantechalliance.org, 206.389.6390
- Oregon: Vanessa Margolis of VertueLab, vanessa.margolis@vertuelab.org, 503.740.4513
About CleanTech Alliance https://www.cleantechalliance.org
CleanTech Alliance represents more than 300 member companies and organizations across the greater Northwest region. Founded in 2007 by business leaders, the organization facilitates the generation and growth of cleantech companies, jobs, products and services to advance the cleantech economy. CleanTech Alliance offers a range of business services and benefits uniquely designed to help businesses gain visibility, access services at a lower cost and benefit from public policy.
About VertueLab http://vertuelab.org
For 10 years, VertueLab (formerly Oregon BEST) has supported and made direct program-related investments in innovative cleantech startups, connecting promising companies with state and federal resources, while preparing them for follow-on investment through a series of focused programs. VertueLab is a partner to impact investors, helping ensure their investment dollars are aligned with their values and are having a measurable impact on the planet. VertueLab is an independent nonprofit supported in part by a grant from Business Oregon.
About the Toyota Mobility Foundation http://toyotamobilityfoundation.org
The Toyota Mobility Foundation was established in August 2014 to support the development of a more mobile society. The Foundation aims to support strong mobility systems while eliminating disparities in mobility. It utilizes Toyota’s expertise in technology, safety, and the environment, working in partnership with universities, government, non-profit organizations, research institutions and other organizations to address mobility issues around the world. Programs include resolving urban transportation problems, expanding the utilization of personal mobility, and developing solutions for next generation mobility.
SOURCES:
David Kenney, VertueLab, 503.780.8736: Tom Ranken, CleanTech Alliance; 206.389.8655, Jaycie Chitwood, Toyota Mobility Foundation