Cleantech Open Kicks Off 2025 Accelerator with National Academy Events in Los Angeles and Boston

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — June 6, 2025 — Cleantech Open, the world’s largest and longest-running cleantech startup accelerator, has officially launched its 2025 Accelerator Program, welcoming a cohort of 97 early-stage companies developing solutions for energy, water, waste, agriculture, transportation, and beyond.

This year’s program begins with back-to-back National Academy events designed to equip founders with critical business-building skills and meaningful connections.

• National Academy West: May 30–June 1 at USC Hotel in Los Angeles

• National Academy East: June 3–4 in Boston

“The National Academy is our version of startup bootcamp,” said Ken Hayes, Executive Director of Cleantech Open. “It’s where the entrepreneurs meet their tribe and kickstart their journey toward commercialization and scale. With an exciting new cohort and a powerhouse lineup of speakers and mentors, 2025 is shaping up to be one of our most impactful years yet.”

Learning, Community, and Momentum Across Two Coasts

The West Coast Academy brought together nearly 100 cleantech founders, mentors, and partners for three days of interactive programming. Activities began with a casual pre-event mixer and an optional sustainability walking tour of the historic LA Memorial Coliseum, giving participants a look at local climate leadership in action.

The main programming featured Business Model Canvas and Customer Discovery workshops led by Farzin Samadani, Principal at Curious Me and NSF I-Corps Instructor; a keynote by Ellen Dux, Assistant Director of the USC Office of Sustainability; and a high-impact marketing strategy talk from Michael Eckhardt, Director at Chasm Institute. Sessions on storytelling for founders led by Tom White (Storytellers Institute) and a sustainability strategy session with Marsha Willard (Presidio Graduate School). Additional sessions included pitch coaching, fundraising panels, and sustainability strategy discussions with experts from TCA Venture Group, StartEngine, Deep Blue Academy, and others. Sunday’s capstone focused on building strong mentor relationships, legal strategy for startups, and insights from Cleantech Open alumni.

The East Coast Academy featured a robust lineup of cleantech leaders and educators, including Suzanne Graves (The Janus Company), Mitch Tyson (Tyson Associates), and Barry Reaves (ACT). Startups also gained insights from Jim Goudreau (Takeda), Beth Zonis (Cleantech Open Northeast), Erica Harrington (Foley Hoag LLP), and Dan Goldman (Clean Energy Ventures). Additional sessions covered legal strategy, climate messaging, GHG emissions reduction, inclusive innovation, and fundraising. The event concluded with inspiring alumni messages from Shiv Bhakta (Active Surfaces) and Elise Strobach (AeroShield), and a mentor best practices session moderated by Trish Fleming.

2025 Cohort Snapshot

• 97 companies from 83 cities, across 21 U.S. states and 6 countries

• 8 technology sectors represented:

  • Energy Distribution & Storage (25%)

  • Agriculture/Water/Waste (18%)

  • Energy Generation (13%)

  • Chemicals (12%)

  • Energy Efficiency (11%)

  • Green Buildings (8%)

  • Transportation (6%)

  • Information & Communications Technology (5%)

• 69% of executive teams include at least one BIPOC member

• 50% of teams include a female or non-binary leader

View the full list of participating startups here

New Expansion to Gulf Coast Backed by GCxN Award

In addition to its national programming, Cleantech Open was recently selected as a recipient of the Shell GameChanger Accelerator Powered by NREL (GCxN) Channel Partner Strategic Award. With this support, Cleantech Open will expand its footprint to New Orleans and the Greater Gulf Coast region in partnership with Deep Blue Institute. The new initiative will deliver five months of tailored training, mentorship, and customer engagement for entrepreneurs working on energy, water, and resiliency technologies—culminating in pitch events that connect founders to a national network of investors and partners.

Looking Ahead

Over the next 12 weeks, the 2025 cohort will take part in Cleantech Open’s rigorous accelerator curriculum, refining their business models, investor pitches, and sales-aligned marketing strategies. Regional judging will determine which companies advance to the Global Forum, held October 27–30 in San Jose, CA, co-located with VERGE25.

About Cleantech Open

Since 2005, Cleantech Open has helped more than 2,200 startups raise over $3 billion in funding, scaling solutions that mitigate climate change and drive sustainable economic growth. The program is powered by a national community of over 1,000 volunteers, including mentors, judges, alumni, and partners.

The 2025 accelerator is made possible with support from national sponsors including Wells Fargo, Breakthrough Energy Fellows, and the Innovation Incubator (IN2), alongside numerous regional sponsors.

Learn more at: www.cleantechopen.org