The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority has selected 20 semifinalists as part of its annual 76West Clean Energy Competition, including one Rochester organization.
In the Finger Lakes Region, Paradigm of New York was one of the companies chosen among 183 applicants worldwide. Paradigm designs and manufactures pollution control devices for diesel and gasoline engines.
The 76West Competition celebrates emerging clean energy innovation while supporting business and economic growth as one of the largest competitions in the U.S.
“This year’s 76West semifinalists have brought forward a wide range of innovative clean energy technologies that can help New York scale up its progress with meeting our nation-leading climate and clean energy goals established by Gov. Cuomo,” said NYSERDA Acting President and CEO Doreen Harris. “This competition sets the semifinalists up for success through mentoring opportunities with Southern Tier companies as they advance their proposals. Clean energy innovation will continue to be a critical ingredient for tackling some of our nation’s most pressing environmental and clean energy challenges.”
Administered by NYSERDA, the 76West Competition was started in 2016 as a $20 million four-year initiative to grow the clean energy ecosystem in the Southern Tier with funds from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative and the Clean Energy Fund. Because of its positive impact, the competition this year is being funded by Empire State Development through the Southern Tier Soaring Upstate Revitalization Initiative.
The 20 semifinalists represent a range of clean energy companies focused on energy storage, efficiency, transportation and more. Each company will be paired with a local company for mentorship and advisement on advancing through the competition. The semifinalists will present their final pitches to a panel of judges the week of Aug. 17 at a virtual session hosted by the Southern Tier Startup Alliance.
The judges will then select four winners who will be awarded a total of $2.5 million in funding this fall. The grand prize will be $1 million, while three others will receive funding of $500,000 each.
As a result of NYSERDA’s technology investments and business development support, more than 440 new and improved clean energy products have been commercialized, officials said.
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