Investing in California Energy Entrepenuers
Application Package
2017 Program
The California Sustainable Energy Entrepreneur Development Initiative—CalSEED—is a funding and professional
development program for innovators and entrepreneurs working to bring early-stage clean energy concepts to market.
CalSEED is based on a simple premise: Recruit, Invest, Deploy.
• Recruit California’s most promising innovators
• Invest in testing, demonstration and validation
• Deploy a suite of programmatic innovations designed to accelerate the development of disruptive,
breakthrough clean energy solutions
Our unique program represents an innovative public-private partnership between the California Energy Commission
(CEC) and a diverse group of leaders leading California’s energy transformation. Together, these industry leaders are
investing in today’s most promising energy entrepreneurs and supporting their efforts to develop novel and
cost-effective solutions capable of fundamentally transforming the state’s energy economy into a new era of growth,
equity, and sustainability, while providing critical improvements—including cleaner air, greater reliability, lower costs, and
increased safety—to California’s energy consumers.
Table of Contents
Application dates
Program
CalSEED benefits
Types of Innovation CalSEED Funds
Regional Innovation Clusters
Access and Inclusion
How It Works
Who Can Apply
Process
Application Process
Application Review Process
Scoring
Innovation
Project Summary Slide
Impact
Readiiness
Team
Application
FAQ’s
About Us
Contact
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About
Important Application Dates
There will be a maximum of 3 Concept Award cohorts per year. In the event there are too many
applications to review for one Cohort, applications will be reviewed in batches. No further cohorts will
be held until all original applications have been reviewed. Potential Cohort dates are as follows.
2017 Cohort 1 – January 16 – February 10, 2017
2017 Cohort 2 – May 22 – June 9, 2017
2017 Cohort 3 – August 21 – September 8, 2017
The amount of cohorts as well as specific dates and application review timelines are subject to change.
Cohort Application Dates
Intent to Apply
By filling out the Intent to Apply webform, you will be notified of
important program dates like the application opening and application
workshops and webinars.
Ongoing
Applications Open
The Concept Award application will be available on the CalSEED.fund website.
January 16, 2017
Los Angeles Workshop
Fresno Workshop
Berkeley Workshop
San Diego Workshop
Application development workshops ensure you develop the highest quality
application possible. Workshops may be held at the Regional Innovation Clusters
but will almost always be broadcast as a webinar. Additionally, recordings,
questions and comments, and presentations will be posted on the CalSEED.fund
website. Detailed information about the location of each Application Workshop
can be found on the Events page of the CalSEED website.
January 24, 2017
January 25, 2017
January 26, 2017
January 31, 2017
Application Due
Deadline for all applications. Mail-in applications must be
postmarked by this date.
February 10, 2017
Announcements
Prospective Applicants should confirm dates and deadlines at www.CalSEED.fund.
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Program
How it Works
Who Can Apply
Process
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Application
FAQ’s
CalSEED Benefits
As a CalSEED Awardee, you will gain access to a number of benefits. These benefits will help you develop
your concept and prepare you for the Prototype Award Business Plan Competition.
• Grant dollars to fund development of your concept (non-dilutive; no equity stake)
• A powerful network of technical and industry experts, investors, prospective partners, and utilities
• Mentorship from experienced clean energy entrepreneurs
• Access to operational and technical resources throughout California
• Webinars and online training to enhance your business building and fundraising skills
• Legal counsel to support business formation and intellectual property
• Potential access to cutting edge facilities through the Regional Innovation Clusters
• Participation in Clean Tech Open’s Accelerator
• Opportunity to be featured in Energy Excelerator’s Silicon Valley Week
• A community of fellow CalSEED awardees
Concept Award
Prototype Award
$150,000
$450,000
Concept Development & Assistance
Successful Concept Awardees
prepare for Commercialization
Mentorship from entrepreneurial
experts and industry leaders
Introduction to resources to advance
the concept
Business Plan Competition to push
awardees to think in a
commercialization area
About
Contact
Dates
Program
How it Works
Who Can Apply
Process
Scoring
What Types of Innovation will CalSEED Fund?
CalSEED is looking for very early stage innovations
• Before the prototype has been fully developed
• Ideas that have not been market tested
• Concepts that haven’t begun to earn revenue
A broad spectrum from science and tech to market-based innovations
• Applied research
• Innovative applications of existing technology
• Solving energy problems in disadvantaged communities
Creating greater reliability, lower cost and increased safety for California’s
electricity grid. For example:
• Storage solutions
• Energy efficiency
• Heating/cooling
• Smart grid components
• Solar
• Wind
• Bioenergy
• Geothermal
• Lighting
• Consumer adoption
• Power plant improvements
• Smart inverters
• System and/or home modeling tools
In the future, CalSEED may highlight priority technology areas that are of
importance to advancing clean energy in the state.
Application
FAQ’s
About
Contact
Dates
Program
How it Works
Who Can Apply
Process
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Application
FAQ’s
About
Contact
Regional Innovation Clusters
CalSEED is part of California’s Clean Energy Innovation Ecosystem. Together with CalSEED, the Regional Innovation
Clusters work to advance clean energy innovation and entrepreneurship. Recipients of CalSEED Concept Awards will be
introduced to the Regional Innovation Clusters for information on how to tap into the vast array of services they offer.
These resources may include the following.
• Testing and demonstration facilities, plug-and-play office space, laboratory space, research resources, proving
grounds for resources, and access to public buildings and spaces;
• Commercialization assistance, such as market analysis, customer introduction and feedback, investor
networking, demonstration centers, business assessment reports, identifying the correct market, access to
industry databases, and pilot project support; and,
• Advisory support, such as grant writing assistance, assistance in applying for other accelerators, executive
level mentoring, technical feedback, business plan advice, and assistance in preparing customer and
technical presentations.
Activation Energy (Bay Area Regional Innovation Cluster)
LACI (Los Angeles Regional Innovation Cluster)
Activation Energy assist hard technology innovators bridge the
science-to-product gap to develop groundbreaking energy products.
http://www.activationenergy.org/.
LACI is located in the Cleantech Corridor, Los Angeles’ cornerstone of the
green economy strategy.
http://laincubator.org/.
BlueTechValley (Central Valley Regional Innovation Cluster)
Cleantech San Diego (San Diego Regional Innovation Cluster)
The Bluetech Valley Innovation Cluster is located in the heart of the
San Joaquin Valley, a unique water-scarce ecosystem. visit
http://bluetechvalley.org/.
Cleantech San Diego works directly with cleantech entrepreneurs to develop
a customized plan that includes access to advisory support, technology
commercialization services, and proof-of-concept and pilot testing.
http://cleantechsandiego.org/san-diego-regional-energy-innovation-clust
er/.
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Access and Inclusion
California is recognized as a leader in progressive clean energy and climate policies as well as technology innovation.
Many communities in the state, however, still lack access to clean energy resources.
As California continues to promote clean energy and sustainable innovation, we must ensure that clean energy solutions
address the interests and needs of our most underserved populations, and that these communities can fully participate in
the benefits and opportunities of a clean energy economy.
To this end, CalSEED is committed to making equity a key component of the CalSEED Initiative:
EQUITY IN:
Attract a diverse pool of applicants
CalSEED is committed to making sure that diverse communities
across California fully participate in the development and
implementation of clean energy solutions. To achieve this,
CalSEED is working to bring in applicants from small,
woman-owned and diverse-owned businesses as well as from
underserved, low-income, LGTBQ, rural and veteran communities.
EQUITY OUT:
Encourage the development of clean energy
solutions that lead with equity
Underserved and low-income communities are in need of
clean energy investments that create healthier environments
and innovative programs that reduce the cost of basic
necessities. CalSEED addresses these issues by encouraging
entrepreneurs to discover innovative ways to bring equitable
clean energy solutions to our most vulnerable populations.
CalSEED encourages projects that:
• Target air pollution reduction benefits to underserved and
heavily polluted communities.
• Respond to a clean energy or sustainability need within
underserved and low-income communities including:
_ prioritizing community-owned and operated
clean energy projects
_ increasing low-cost energy efficiency programs
in low-income communities
• Increase access to green technologies and resilient
infrastructure within underserved and low-income
communities.
• Create health benefits and economic opportunities in
underserved and heavily polluted communities.
• Include meaningful community engagement with
underserved and low-income communities throughout the
development of the project.
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About
Who Can Apply?
CalSEED accepts applicants working on early stage innovations – from concept to basic prototype. Designed to provide
benefit to California residents, entrepreneurs in California are especially encouraged to apply.
Your team must meet a few basic requirements:
• The proposed innovation should benefit California ratepayers
• The project should be early stage and pre-demonstration scale
• If you are applying as a business, your business should be registered in California.
Those who can apply include:
• Individuals/Teams: Apply without an organization affiliation
• Businesses: Startups, small businesses and large companies
• Nonprofit organizations: Those with official non-profit tax exemption
• Academic Institutions: Public and private post-secondary institutions
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Application Process
Filling out the Intent to Apply is your first step in the CalSEED application process. To do so, following these easy instructions.
1. Head to the CalSEED.fund website and click on the “Apply” button.
2. Scroll down to find the “Apply Online” button.
3. Fill out the Intent to Apply form. CalSEED will use this information to contact you about the application.
When the Application goes live, you will be notified by email. This email will direct you to the SmartSimple hub where you will
create your log in. SmartSimple’s user friendly, web-based application is easy to use and will allow you to develop your
proposal in the most efficient manner. Your application will continue to be developed in the SmartSimple program and, when
the time comes, you will submit your proposal through the SmartSimple Submission Portal.
As part of the application process, you will be asked to
• Provide basic information on you (your team, entity, or organization)
• Provide a description of your clean energy concept and the benefit it provides
• Attach any supporting documentation
Need additional help completing your application or want to find out how to apply by mail? Email us at [email protected].
Award recipients will be required to agree to certain contractual terms and conditions.
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Impact
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Readiness
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Application Review Process
Submitted proposals will be reviewed by the CalSEED Technical Advisory Committee (TAC). The TAC is comprised of
representatives from industry leaders, California’s leading energy agencies, academic institutions, and investor owned
utilities. During the review process, the TAC will take 4 major criteria into consideration (Innovation, Impact, Readiness,
Team). Once the review process has been completed, the TAC will convene with the California Energy Commission to
determine the CalSEED Concept Award Awardees. At that time, CalSEED will reach out to you to let you know if you
were awarded the grant.
The scoring criteria is discussed in detail in this Application Package. You are encouraged to review this criteria to
ensure you are aware of the expectations of your application.
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Innovation
The Innovation Criterion is your opportunity to describe your innovation in detail while also describing your goals for the
project. In addition to the detailed description of you project, the application will require you to shed light on any competitor
analysis previously performed by you or your team. Your ability to show that your project is truly innovative will be weighted
heavily throughout the review process. If similar projects have been previously developed, discuss the aspects that make
your project different. You will also be required to discuss existing obstacles preventing the private market from addressing
the issue and how you intend to overcome such obstacles.
Criterion 1: Innovation
• Is the major project goal achievable?
• Extent to which the proposed innovation is consistent with the objectives of the CalSEED Initiative
• Sufficiency of detail in the application to assess whether the proposed innovation is meritorious and revolutionary
• Extent to which the applicant discusses and demonstrates an understanding of the key technical and commercial
challenges involved in the proposed work
• Extent to which solving the stated problem represents a significant market improvement with respect to existing
commercial products or solutions.
Key Points
• Your ability to describe, in detail, why your project is innovative is key.
• CalSEED wants to hear your opinion on the state of the current market.
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Project Summary Slide
This is your opportunity to quickly discuss the project
and shed light on your team, project goals, and the
benefits your concept provides to California
Ratepayers and Underrepresented Communities. The
Project Summary slide may be used to promote your
project during CalSEED, California Energy
Commission, and Regional Innovation Cluster
presentations. The slide will also act as a tool for you
and your team when introducing the project to
potential investors, partners, and clients.
Project Summary
Describe your project in one sentence.
Project Goal
Explain what you will accomplish during your
participation in the CalSEED program.
Benefits
Describe the proposed benefits to California
Ratepayers and Underrepresented Communities.
Project Team and Key Partners
List important team members and key partners.
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Impact
In addition to California Ratepayer benefits, CalSEED is devoted to increasing access to clean energy or sustainability
technologies within disadvantaged communities. This includes job development, contracting, supplier diversity, and
economic development. You will be expected to discuss your projects involvement with disadvantaged communities and the
impact it will have.
The CalSEED team understands that many innovative projects will not see an immediate impact on California electricity rates
so be sure to discuss the long term impact of your project.
Criterion 2: Impact
• The applicant clearly understands the communities that will benefit from the proposed innovation
• Extent to which the innovation increases access to clean energy or sustainability technologies within disadvan
taged or low-income communities
• Extent to which the innovation creates opportunities for job creation, contracting, supplier diversity and economic
development in disadvantaged or low-income communities
• Applicant or project site is located in a California Disadvantaged Area Community
• Degree to which project letters of support demonstrate the applicant’s understanding of project equity, feasibility
and viability.
Key Points
• You must display how the project benefits California Ratepayers.
• CalSEED looks for entrepreneurs who have a positive impact on California’s disadvantaged and underrepresented
communities.
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Readiness
Criterion 3: Readiness
A key component of the Readiness Criterion is the Scope of Work. The application requires a very simple Scope of Work
that demonstrates your project development plans over the course of the program. The Scope of Work is one of the most
telling aspects of the application as it shows the level of thought and preparation from your team. The Scope of Work will
be used to judge the efficiency of the proposed work and allow the CalSEED team to better understand how much your
project will progress throughout the entirety of the program. While this Scope of Work is not contractual, it is important to
be as accurate as possible. This information will be used to develop tasks and deliverables for Awardees before the funds
are distributed.
• Extent to which the applicant understands
who their customers are
• Extent and clarity with which the applicant
has described what it will do with a CalSEED
award
• Degree to which the task descriptions are
clear and reasonable and result in a high
likelihood that the proposed workplan will
succeed in meeting the project goal
• Degree to which the applicant understands
and will address market obstacles
Key Points:
• Clearly show the major activities you will
undertake as part of the project.
• Be sure the tasks are achievable given the
funding that is available.
Sample Scope of Work
Task 1: Complete and submit ratepayer benefit evaluation form
(Required)
—Establish the appropriate metrics for quantifying and reporting the
potential benefits of the project to California ratepayers
—Calculate potential impact for various levels of market penetration
Task 2: Complete market research, customer profiles, and value
proposition
—Develop questions to test core assumptions about the market and
customers
—Prepare target customer profiles & value proposition for each target
audience (e.g., user groups, industries, company size, income and other
demographics)
Task 3: Secure resources for innovation testing; submit development
plan
—Establish environment for concept testing or prototype development
(lab, field testing, developers, etc.)
—Develop a strategic plan based on your findings (i.e., what will you do
with the discovery? how will it affect the product development?)
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Team
Criterion 4: Team
A well-established team is crucial to the success of a project. For that reason, you must present your team to CalSEED. This
includes sharing experience, qualifications, and project roles for each key member.
CalSEED invests in California’s most promising energy entrepreneurs and it is imperative that you and your team are a right
fit for the program. You are encouraged to discuss the motivation behind your team’s involvement and how that drive will
affect the success of the project. During the application process, you will be asked various questions to determine whether
your team is prepared for the program and if you have the appropriate experience to succeed in the program. You will be
asked to include detailed information about key project team members including a short narrative explaining why each
member is the best person for the project.
• The ability of the proposed team to address all aspects of the proposed work with a good chance of success
• The facilities available to the proposed team are sufficient for the proposed scope of work
• The applicant demonstrates an understanding of the importance of its innovation to contributing to California’s
climate objectives
• Degree to which the proposed team demonstrates the ability to facilitate and expedite further development and
commercial deployment of the proposed innovation
• Extent to which the applicant shows potential for continued success after CalSEED
Key Points
• Explain why you and your team are best qualified for this project.
• CalSEED looks to fund project teams that truly believe in the project. Share what it is about you and your team that
would suggest you believe in this work.
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Application
2017 Cohort 1 Application (subject to change)
Full Application
Preliminary Questionnaire
1. Project Name:
2. Contact Information:
3. Which categories most apply to your proposed innovation?
a. Advanced materials
b. Agriculture
c. Data analytics
d. Demand response
e. Energy efficiency
f. Electric vehicles
g. Energy generation
h. Energy storage
i. Grid technology
j. Internet of Things
k. Microgrids
l. Transportation
m. Water
n. Other:
4. Which of the following best describes the current state of your innovation?
a. Basic Research
b. Applied Research and Development
c. Basic Prototype or Alpha Product
d. Testing Prototype at Demonstration Scale or Beta Product
e. Product Launched
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5. Grant Funding Requested (In the CalSEED Concept Round, Applicants may
request up to $150,000): $___________.
6. Proposed Project Duration (up to 18 months):
7. Please choose the selection that best describes how you are applying:
a. As an individual or team of individuals
b. As a sole proprietorship
c. As a corporation, LLC, LP, or LLP (this includes universities and nonprofits)
8. If you own a business, does it have any classifications or certifications from the
state? If so, what classification?
9. How did you hear about the CalSEED Initiative?
a. Referral
b. Event
c. Webinar
d. News article
e. Blog article
f. Social Media
g. Other
10. Have you or members of your team applied to the CalSEED program previously
whether with this organization or another?
a. Yes
b. No
I have reviewed the sample contract and understand that I will be required to
agree to the terms and conditions should I receive an award.
FAQ’s
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1.0
How it Works
Who Can Apply
Process
Scoring
Application
Innovation
1. What is the goal of your innovation? (500 characters)
2. Please complete a one-page Project Summary Slide. Use the attached Project
Summary Sheet to create your own and upload here.
3. What specific innovation or idea will be explored or tested with this project?
Provide enough detail for the review team to understand the nature of the
innovation or idea you propose. (5,000 characters):
4. Are there existing alternatives or competitors that attempt to address the
same problem? If possible, provide a comparison of two or three existing
products, processes and/or services that meet the same or similar functions as
your concept. Include comparison data if available. (1,000 characters)
5. What problem are you trying to solve? (1,000 characters)
6. What is preventing the current market from solving this problem? Why hasn’t
the private market addressed this obstacle? (1,000 characters)
7. Please describe any obstacles that you currently face and how this project
seeks to overcome those obstacles (1,000 characters):
8. What is unique about your innovation or approach that may not be
immediately obvious? (1,000 characters)
9. What is the status of development? (1,000 characters)
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2.0 Impact
1. Who will benefit from your proposed innovation? (1,000 characters)
2. How will your innovation increase access to clean energy or sustainability
technologies within disadvantaged or low-income communities? (1,000 characters):
3. What economic impact does your project have on disadvantaged or low-income
communities? Take job creation, contracting, supplier diversity, and economic
development into account when answering this question. (1,000 characters):
4. Applicants can provide up to 5 letters of support and commitment. Letters from
technology partners, prospective or existing customers, environmental justice
organizations, site hosts and other partners that demonstrate project equity,
project feasibility, and commercial viability are most helpful. The Applicant is
attaching a single PDF with letters from the following:
NAME
ORGANIZATION
ROLE
About
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3.0 Project Readiness
1. Have you discussed your innovation with a California Regional Innovation
Cluster? (See Instructions)
a. Yes
b. No
2. If so, which one?
a. Central Valley Regional Innovation Cluster (Bluetech Valley/CSU
Fresno Water Energy Technology Center)
b. Bay Area Regional Innovation Cluster (Cyclotron Road)
c. Los Angeles Regional Innovation Cluster (Los Angeles Cleantech Institute)
d. San Diego Regional Innovation Cluster (Cleantech San Diego)
3. If so, please tell us with whom you discussed your innovation and the outcome
or result. (500 characters):
4. Tell us what you plan to do with a CalSEED award and define what you expect
to have accomplished at the end of your project (2,000 characters):
5. Applicants are expected to present a simple Scope of Work that will be
accomplished if an Applicant receives a CalSEED award. The Scope of Work will
be accomplished within your project duration and includes tasks, subtasks and
expected deliverables. See instructions for more information.
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6. Which of the following best describes the state of your innovation you
anticipate at the end of your project if you receive a CalSEED award?
a. Basic Research
b. Applied Research and Development
c. Basic Prototype
d. Testing Prototype at Demonstration Scale
e. Product Launched
7. What type of assistance might be of most value for you and your team?
a. Mentorship
b. Business Plan development
c. Concept development
d. Technical support and development
e. IP and legal assistance
f. Other (200 characters)
8. If you have received outside funding, what is the source? Be specific. Example:
ARPA-E GRIDS program provided $250,000 to fund prototype in 2012. Jack Jackson (angel investor)
invested $100,000 in 2013. Raised $15,000 via Kickstarter for pre-sold subscriptions. Founders
contributed $35,000 of seed capital. Total raised to date: $400,000. (500 characters)
4.0 Team
1. Why are you or your team the right team to advance this innovation? (1,000
characters)
2. How many team members will be participating in this project?
a. 1-2
b. 3-5
c. 6-10
d. More than 10
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3. Please provide a summary of qualifications for up to five project team
members. Describe what contribution each team member will make to the project.
a. Project Manager:
i. Name:
ii. LinkedIn:
iii. Project Role:
iv. Why are they right for the role? (500 characters)
b. Team Member:
i. Name:
ii. LinkedIn:
iii. Project Role:
iv. Why are they right for the role? (500 characters)
c. Team Member:
i. Name:
ii. LinkedIn:
iii. Project Role:
iv. Why are they right for the role? (500 characters)
d. Team Member:
i. Name:
ii. LinkedIn:
iii. Project Role:
iv. Why are they right for the role? (500 characters)
e. Team member:
i. Name:
ii. LinkedIn:
iii. Project Role:
iv. Why are they right for the role? (500 characters)
4. Please describe the facilities that you will utilize to execute your scope of
work? (1,000 characters)
5. What have you or your team done before that will help make this project a
success? (1,000 characters)
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Questions
How much do you invest?
Can I contact CalSEED partners about other projects?
CalSEED invests in 5 to 10 projects per Concept Award
funding round with a maximum of $150,000 per project.
With up to three funding rounds per year, CalSEED
typically invests around $3.6 million annually in California’s
most promising sustainable energy entrepreneurs.
Additionally, the CalSEED program holds an annual
Business Plan Competition for all Concept Awardees.
Winners of the Business Plan Competition will receive up
to $450,000 in additional funding.
For many of our partners, CalSEED is only a small portion of
what they do. To find out more about those involved in the
CalSEED program, check out our partners’ websites.
Why California and why energy?
CalSEED is funded by the California Energy Commission –
specifically, the Electric Program Investment Charge (EPIC)
Program. The EPIC Program was developed to create
new energy solutions, foster regional innovation, and
bring clean energy ideas to the marketplace. To find out
more about the California Energy Commission and the
EPIC Program, visit www.energy.ca.gov/research/epic.
Is there a specific technology that will score higher
than others on the application?
CalSEED might develop technology-specific funding
rounds but for the time being, all ideas are welcome.
CalSEED is not opposed to investing in multiple
companies with similar technologies. The most important
aspect of the application is the benefit your technology
has on California Ratepayers.
Does CalSEED just give us money?
No. The CalSEED program not only includes grant money
but an assortment of mentorship, training, and technical
assistance to help develop your project. Some of the
benefits for awardees are listed below.
• A powerful network of technical and industry experts,
investors, prospective partners, and utilities
• Mentorship from experienced clean energy
entrepreneurs
• Access to operational and technical resources
throughout California
• Webinars and online training to enhance your
business building and fundraising skills
• Legal counsel to support business formation and
intellectual property
• Potential access to cutting edge facilities through
the California Energy Innovation Ecosystem
• Introductions to investors, corporates, and customers
• Participation in Clean Tech Open’s Accelerator
• Opportunity to be featured in Energy
Excelerator’s Silicon Valley Week
• A community of fellow CalSEED awardees
• Access to incubator and accelerator programs
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Questions
Does CalSEED have an office?
CalSEED is managed by multiple partners throughout
California. While there is not an official CalSEED office,
you can find CalSEED affiliates and partners across the
state.
The application isn’t available. Is there anything I can
do now?
Because CalSEED is funded by California ratepayers and
with the mission to benefit California ratepayers, your
presence in California and/or proposed benefit to California
ratepayers will be considered when evaluating your
application.
Can I ask for help with the application process?
Yes. Check out the Intent to Apply form. This will make
sure you are in the CalSEED system. We will contact you
when the application process begins.
The CalSEED team will provide assistance in the form of
online webinars, presentations, and the application manual.
CalSEED staff cannot assist individual applicants with the
development of their application.
Will I need to write a business plan?
How long does it take to complete the application?
No. CalSEED does not require a separate business
plan. All information needed for the review process can
be found in the Application and Application
Attachments.
The application will take about 90-120 minutes to complete
if you are a familiar with your project and the grant
application process. Expect to spend additional time
gathering the necessary documents and completing the
few supporting attachments.
Do I have to be in California?
CalSEED is open to all individuals and public and
private entities (except for local publicly owned electric
utilities). If you are a sole proprietor doing business
under a fictitious name, you must be registered with the
appropriate county in California in order to win an
award. If you are applying as a corporation, LLC, LP, or
LLP, and plan to conduct business within California, you
must be registered and in good standing with the
California Secretary of State in order to win an award.
Will CalSEED request more information after the
application process?
If you are selected as an Awardee, the CalSEED team will
perform due diligence to ensure the project goals are
achievable. The team will also assist awardees with the
development of the budget and a detailed Scope of Work
before a contract is signed by you and the California
Energy Commission.
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Questions
When does the next application begin?
Current application dates can be found on the Current
Application Page, located at the beginning of the
Application Package. For more information, visit page 4.
How can I make sure I am notified about important
upcoming dates and deadlines?
Make sure to fill out the Intent to Apply form found at
calseed.fund/apply. This will ensure you receive all
emails regarding application openings, information
sessions, and deadlines.
I have two ideas. Can I submit two applications?
Yes. Just make sure different applications have different
Project Names.
I’ve already been funded by CalSEED. Can I apply
again?
What happens if I accidentally submit an incomplete
application?
All applications will undergo a preliminary review to ensure
each application meets the minimum requirements. The
CalSEED team will contact any applicant who submits an
incomplete application. At that time, you will be notified and
will have 48 hours to fix the issue.
What happens if my project is awarded the funds?
If you become a CalSEED awardee, you will be contacted
by CalSEED to handle all due diligence, budget
development, and legal items. From there, you will receive
your funding and access to the many other benefits of
being part of the CalSEED team. You will have up to 18
months to complete the milestones discussed in your
scope of work.
Does this program require any match funding?
CalSEED will not award two separate projects with the
same lead applicant. However, past awardees can serve
as project team members on multiple projects.
No. To prevent bias towards projects or teams who have
already acquired funding, the CalSEED application does
not require or score any amount of match funding.
I can’t log in to SmartSimple. What do I do?
How do I know if my project addresses California energy
objectives?
Contact us at [email protected].
Visit the EPIC Program Objectives to determine if your
project addresses any of the objectives.
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How do I know if my project is increasing access or
removing barriers for people and businesses from
disadvantaged and underrepresented communities?
For more information about California equity goals, see
“A Study of Barriers and Solutions to Energy Efficiency,
Renewables and Contracting Opportunities Among
Low-Income Customers and Disadvantaged
Communities”.
Will you sign an NDA?
CalSEED will not sign an NDA.
Do you only fund startups?
No. CalSEED will fund anyone with a good idea that
benefits California Ratepayers and Disadvantaged Area
Communities.
Can I apply for funding without being a company?
Yes. CalSEED is open to awarding individuals,
businesses, non-profit organizations, academic
institutions, and research institutions.
Do I have to be a US citizen?
No. Any individual, company, or organization is eligible to
apply. Entities that are planning to conduct business in
California must be registered in California in order to win
an award.
How long does it take for CalSEED to review the
applications?
Depending on the amount of applications, the CalSEED
team expects the review process to take 1-2 months.
How will I be notified of my application status?
Whether you are awarded the funds or not, CalSEED will
contact you by email.
Can I apply with the same idea in the next funding
round?
Yes. If your project was not funded, you are free to apply
again.
Contact
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About
About Us
CalSEED is administered by the California Clean Energy Fund.
California Clean Energy Fund (CalCEF) connects money to investments, ideas to support and issues to solutions. CalCEF is
driven by the immense opportunity that clean energy represents to accelerate climate protection and are committed to
creating 100% clean energy for all people. CalCEF works across the entire lifecycle of clean energy development,
commercialization and deployment. Since being founded in 2004, the team’s work has leveraged $1.5 billion in
investment, supported over 100 clean energy enterprises and launched industry leading centers for solution collaboration.
The CalCEF team is proud to administer the CalSEED program with the tremendous ecosystem of partners that bring the
program to life.
Our Partners
CalSEED is delivered in partnership with other initiatives to catalyze and support entrepreneurs. This amazing ecosystem
of incubators, accelerators, nonprofits, companies and universities works together to deliver resources, mentoring and
business building support to our participating entrepreneurs.
Contact
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[email protected]
Scoring
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California Clean Energy Fund
CalSEED Grant Manager
5 Third Street, Suite 900
San Francisco, CA 94103
About
Contact