Challenge Overview

Challenge Overview  |  Schedule of Events  |  Awards & Prizes  |  Evaluation Criteria  |  Challenge Champions

What is the 2013 Ohio Clean Energy Challenge?

Established by the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), the 2013 Ohio Clean Energy Challenge is part of the National Clean Energy Business Plan Competition designed to create a network of student-focused clean energy business competitions. The Ohio Challenge supports DOE’s strategy to establish broader innovation and commercialization efforts, and to build a nation-wide energy entrepreneurship ecosystem. DOE selected the Clean Energy Trust in Chicago, Ill., to administer the Midwest regional competition. The winner of the Ohio Competition will receive the $10,000 state prize and go on to compete for the $100,000 grand prize at the Midwest regional competition on April 4, 2013, in Chicago, Ill., and a place in the National competition in Washington, D.C.

Six Phases of the Ohio Challenge

Phase 1: Team Development

Sept. 1–Oct. 5, 2012

During the team development phase, student entrepreneurs interested in developing a team should identify a technology to build their application around, seek cross-disciplinary team members, and should contact their school’s Challenge Champion (university or college challenge coordinator).

For a listing of Challenge Champions, click here

Phase 2: Intent to Apply

Deadline: Friday, Oct. 5, 2012

Student teams interested in applying to the 2013 Ohio Clean Energy Challenge are asked to submit an Intent to Apply form online by Friday, Oct. 5, 2012. The team lead should complete one form per team. The Intent to Apply will include the following:

• Academic institution and team name
• Short description of technology (200 words or less)
• Name and academic major/degree program of student team members
• Name and department of faculty participants and advisors

To submit an Intent to Apply, click here

Phase 3: Application Development

Oct. 5–Dec. 3, 2012

During the application development phase, student teams are encouraged to seek support from their institution. Teams should work closely with their school’s Challenge Champion, entrepreneurial centers, technology transfer offices, and faculty advisors to prepare their application. Teams are also highly encouraged to work with mentors during the application development phase.

Student teams will be required to register and submit their completed application electronically through the Clean Energy Exchange portal by Monday, Dec. 3, 2012, at 11:59 p.m. CST.

Complete applications will include the following:

• Basic company information, team information, funding history and needs, technology type, stage of venture, and source of intellectual property
• Answers to the six-part application questionnaire that will address specific areas of the business concept
• A link to your 3-minute video investor pitch
• The completed and signed Intellectual Property Disclosure Statement; signed Intellectual Property Declaration Form, and signed letter from your school’s technology transfer office or Department of Energy licensing officer

For more information on how to apply and application submission requirements, click here

Phase 4: Judging and Semifinalists Selection

Dec. 3–Dec. 10, 2012

Expert judges will evaluate applications and select semifinalists. The semifinalist teams will be announced on Friday, Dec. 10, 2012, and will advance to the Ohio Competition on Jan. 28 & 29, 2013, and participate in the Ohio Mentorship Program.

For more information on judging and evaluation criteria, click here

Phase 5: Ohio Mentorship Program

Dec. 10, 2012–Jan. 28, 2013

The semifinalist teams advancing to the Ohio Competition will be matched with experienced entrepreneurs and technical experts who will work closely with teams to refine and strengthen their commercialization strategy and live investor pitch for the Ohio Competition on Jan. 28 & 29, 2013.

For more information on the Ohio Mentorship Program, click here

Phase 6: Ohio Competition

Jan. 29, 2013

The Ohio Competition will take place on Jan. 29, 2013, at The Blackwell, located on the campus of The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. During the Ohio Competition, semifinalist teams will present their live investor pitch in front of a panel of expert judges comprised of venture capital and private equity professionals and entrepreneurs, and a live audience. The Ohio Competition will feature keynote speakers, panel discussions and multiple opportunities for interaction with the student teams — a “competition plus conference” that will draw attendance from academia, government, the private sector, and the venture capital community. The winner of the Ohio Competition will receive the $10,000 state prize and go on to compete for the $100,000 grand prize at the Midwest regional competition on April 4, 2013, in Chicago, Ill., and a place in the National competition in Washington, D.C.

For more information on the Ohio Competition, click here

For more information on live pitch guidelines, click here