Rocket Fund- helping academic innovators in the cleantech and sustainability space turn their technologies into commercial realities through grants, mentoring and education.

Rocket Fund: https://rocketfund.caltech.edu/

Email: Stephanie.yanchinski@caltech.edu

Application process and background information: https://drive.google.com/file/d/19ubtkD1ziVeXqDChnL00gP6wDFWTsQGb/view?usp=sharing

Application: https://platform.younoodle.com/competition/caltech_rocket_fund_2022

- A program that has a way to introduce startups to decision makers at utility companies, who can help discuss their needs and adopt new technologies.

- They grant $25,000- 75,000 to startups that provide much needed support for designing prototypes, buying equipment, and getting certifications, which other grants don't cover. Prefer startups with TRL 5-7 based on Department of Energy guidelines.

- Program partners like IN2 Wells Fargo and Shell Game Changer offer $250,000 of in kind support that gives you access to technology advice from The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Access to their facilities; customer validation, etc.

- The other partnership is with the Electric Power Research Institute

- A new Technology Early Deployment (TED) program in collaboration with Southern California Edison (SCE)- Brings Rocket Fund companies access to program managers at SCE.

- Lessons learnt from successful and not so successful startups

- How scientists/engineers should move away from loving their technology and working towards market adoption (Inventions turning to innovations).

- Seed funding landscape for climate tech. Prime Movers lab, Department of Energy, Loan Programs Office

- Requirements to apply and focus areas for this granting period

- 20% of grants will be made to teams with diverse leadership