Advano CEO and co-founder Alexander Girau will take the New Orleans-based startup to the regional and possibly national Cleantech Open competitions.
The Cleantech Open is a national accelerator and networking program works with technology companies focused on sustainability, energy and the environment. The ultimate goal is to have a global startup network in which mentoring, raising capital and networking can cross continents.
New Orleans startup Advano is a nanotechnology company that specializes in the manufacturing of advanced materials called nanoparticles. The company has been named one of 12 regional semi-finalists for the 2014 accelerator, which is considered to be the world’s largest.
Advano will participate in mentoring and business clinic programs throughout the summer, leading into the fall where the company will compete with the other semi-finalists throughout the southern region. $20,000 is up for grabs within the regional crowd, in addition to a chance to pitch at the national competition in November, which will award $200,000 to the winner.
“The Cleantech Open is an invaluable opportunity to receive mentorship, business training, and networking opportunities with investors and industry firms,” said Advano’s Founder and CEO, New Orleans native Alexander Girau. “The accelerator will help us access capital, build our visibility, and position ourselves for future success as we grow into a leading Louisiana technology company.”