The Challenge is for university students only, and is targeted at those currently undertaking a postgraduate degree (Masters or Doctoral) in a business, science or engineering discipline at a recognized Higher Education Institution anywhere in the world. “Current” means students who were enrolled in a degree programme as of the start of the competition.

We do accept ideas that have been developed in collaboration with individuals who are not students (or no longer students). However, each team of 2-5 people that competes in the Challenge must entirely be comprised of students. We allow — and encourage — participants to seek external input into the development of their ideas, as the aim of the competition is to help students further develop and refine their idea

Most business plan competitions focus on the output – often an elaborate document that does not focus on the core risks and challenges faced by a new venture. This competition is different.

To begin with, students have to base their ventures on real technology opportunities and market needs. In addition, students are required to put together ‘teams’ that are explicitly short-term – whose sole objective is to take the opportunity through to the next stage of investment by a process that we call ‘de-risking’. Third, students work with mentors to refine their ideas.

In short – the CleanTech Challenge aims to create sustainable ventures.

We seek ideas that have the “potential to make a significant environmental impact.” If your idea falls in this definition, it can be considered “clean tech.” CleanTech includes (but is not limited to) the energy, waste treatment and agriculture sectors. A good characterization of the ideas we would expect to fall in the CleanTech category is provided here.

The winner(s) of the Dutch CleanTech Challenge will receive price money including a ticket to the finals in London, offering an opportunity to win an additional cash award of £10,000. All winners from the first round will get:

• Feedback on their ideas from world class clean technology venture capitalists
• Certification of your participation in the CleanTech Challenge 2020
• Introduction to a network of clean technology entrepreneurs, investors and potential partners
• Mentoring by experienced professionals
• Access to exclusive seminars

Note that this prize may be split among teams upon the recommendation of the Judges and at the discretion of the CTC Organizing Committee, for instance in the case of a tie.

For each round there will be a panel of judges comprised of various experts in the field with regards to innovation and cleantech.

 

You’ll need a team in order to participate in the CleanTech Challenge 2020, this team can contain anywhere between 2-5 people as they’re eligible for the challenge. During the kickoff on the 16th of December the official registration will be opened up after which you can sign up with your team and idea! Afterwards you will receive an email containing a confirmation and the next steps in the process, depending on your type of registration.

 

We do accept ideas that have been developed in collaboration with individuals who are not students (or no longer students, but your team that will be competing in the Challenge must entirely be comprised of eligible students. We allow — and encourage — participants to seek external input into the development of their ideas, as the aim of the competition is to help students further develop and refine their idea!

 

We strongly encourage you to try to create your own ideas, even if they are rough sketch, and submit for Phase 1. Do some research and see what is being said about CleanTech – maybe you will find some inspiration.

Option 2 is to find a team that has already formed an idea over here. The kickoff and the speeddating session give you the opportunity to get know possible teammates and interesting ideas you could work with. You can always get in touch with us at info@cleantechchallenge.nl if you’re looking for additional teammates!

If you still don’t have a sketch of an idea by Phase 1, you can technically join in Phase 2 if you get recruited by someone who has made it through Phase 1. That would be the third option. Of course it’s more fun to try your hand at Phase 1, though, so we recommend you to do so.

You should also like the Challenge Facebook page, so that we can keep you updated on the competition.

Of course this is still possible through the signup link available after the kickoff! The signup process will be the same through the online form. If you’re having difficulties forming a team, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@cleantechchallenge.nl!

Make sure you’ve registered yourself and your team (if applicable) before January 24th!