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.
As one of the largest cleantech accelerators in the world, the Cleantech Open hosts startup pitch events in many of their hubs. Most recently, eight companies were selected to pitch in Houston at the fourth annual South Central Cleantech Open Regional Finals, each chosen to demonstrate how their business will solve critical natural resource problems. Organizers said the startups span a range of business types, including: fracking pollution, renewable energy and efficiency, logistics, water conservation, green building, advanced materials, and information technology.
Tyler Ortego from ORA Estuaries, a New Orleans-based firm that provides engineering, scientific and regulatory consulting services in addition to turnkey project implementation, pitched second to last. The company not only won the South Central Finals, taking home $10,000, but also the sustainability award at the Houston event. ORA will go on to compete at the global forum to present to thousands for the top Cleantech Open prize.
ORA Estuaries says they are driving the state of practice in estuary sustainability by creating an environment where great people are empowered to do great things. .”We believe that our estuaries can and must remain sustainable resources. Our mission is to build and maintain the ecological infrastructure that allows our estuaries to remain abundant and productive in conjunction with ever increasing human presence.”
ADVANO, a nanotechnology company also from New Orleans, was one of the finalists as well. The other companies included RHS from Arkansas, and five from Texas: V-Chain Solutions, SE Rising, JSA Energy, Detonation Dynamics, and RHS.