University students and alumni to participate in the management of a highly successful accelerator program,…
Q: How do mentors benefit from volunteering with the Cleantech Open?
A: Every mentor has a unique experience. Generally, however, we find that mentors have enjoyed making the connection to new exciting start-ups in their field, keeping up with current industry trends, connecting with other members of our network, and paying it forward. Most successful entrepreneurs and experts have received help from key advisers in their past and understand that it is now their opportunity to do the same. At the core of our mission, we seek to support innovation and disruptive solutions, you will be able to interact with cutting-edge concepts and refresh your own perspectives. As they say, the best way to learn is to teach!
For many, the satisfaction of giving something back is enhanced by making a concrete impact on moving our economy forward, and doing so in a sustainable way. If you would like to speak with a past mentor and hear about their experience firsthand, please contact us at mentoring@cleantechopen.org.
Q: Can I mentor teams in a different region from which I live?
A: Yes. Just indicate your interest when you complete your online profile. Your preference will be noted. We will do our best in the matching process to accommodate the preferences of both mentors and participating companies.
Q: As a mentor, how much time will I be expected to give?
A: In general, you should expect to spend one hour per week with your assigned company. Based on company needs and your expertise, the interactions may differ depending on the stage of the process. If you and your team are willing and interested in spending more time together, it is completely up to you.
Q: How many weeks will I be a participating mentor in the program?
A: The mentoring program launches after the application deadline in early May through the conclusion of the Accelerator in November. Many mentors recognize a beneficial bond with their matched start-ups after the Accelerator year has concluded and continue as valued advisers to their team. The option is at the discretion of you and your team.
Q: What events am I required to attend, and are they in my region?
A: General mentors working with companies accepted into the Accelerator are invited to attend the renown boot-camp Academies in June (in the Bay Area or Boston). The latest concepts in launching a business are covered and offer mentors an opportunity to stay updated on these topics as well. Mentors are also invited to join their companies to additional in-person events including regional clinics/workshops (Jul-Aug), regional innovation summits (Oct), and the national Global Forum (Nov). Mentors are entitled to participate in many of the programs for discounted or free admission rates.
Q: I would like to take in as much as possible. Is there a schedule of events available for the next Cleantech Open session?
A: Yes! Stay up to date on upcoming events across our programs by Cleantech Open calendar. Also, visit the Key Dates & Fees to become familiar with the key dates during the Accelerator. In addition, you will be receiving regular email communications from the Mentor Committee with updates and event notifications.
Q: What are the different types of mentors?
A: Please visit Mentor Positions for a list of mentor types.
Q: What sort of qualifications are we looking for in a mentor?
A: We are looking for experienced entrepreneurs and cleantech professionals (retirees welcome!) who are willing to spend some time and energy with a young company. There is no exact time limit on what we consider to be ‘experienced,’ but we ask that at the very least, you are very familiar with the areas you plan to provide mentor-ship and have several years of industry or functional specific knowledge.
Mentors come from various walks of life, experience, and disciplines. It is required that you have a strong desire to help others, and share your knowledge without the expectation of monetary or other concrete reward. Prior entrepreneurial endeavors, experience with start-ups, young companies, and emerging technologies are of great value to participating companies.
Q: What if I don’t get matched up with a team? Am I still in the mentor program?
A: We engage unmatched mentors in a variety of other opportunities. Our companies are typically matched with general mentors in May – June while other types of mentors are engaged throughout the accelerator time-line (May – November).
Matched Mentor Replacement – based on historical experience, a certain level of mismatches, mentor availability, or team conflict may lead to a change of mentors originally selected for teams in the program. These situations are typically apparent early on in the accelerator cycle (July) but may occur at any time as situations evolve and change.
Project Specific Work – projects will occasionally arise for teams who have special requirements or are in need of additional help to get them past specific hurdles. Expertise required and length/time of engagement can vary widely. These needs should become apparent early on the program cycle but may be identified later in the process as well.
Business Clinics/Workshops – these clinics are consulting sessions on a variety of topical areas and take place in each region in the summer. We need several mentors to help us execute on these sessions.. Please let us know if you have an interest in working and providing your expertise at one of these regional workshops.
Mock Judging – Prior to submitting their final deliverables and presenting to expert panelists, each company is offered a chance for a test run. Mock judging mentors offer to listen to the Accelerator company’s presentations and offer feedback. Outreach for this aspect of the mentor program typically takes place in July and August.
University students and alumni to participate in the management of a highly successful accelerator program,…
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