Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator And MaRS Cleantech Announce A New International Partnership In Support Of Cleantech Entrepreneurs
Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) November 04, 2015 -- Tuesday was the dawning of a new international collaboration as the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) and MaRS Cleantech, a division of MaRS Discovery District in Toronto, have announced a co-operation agreement aimed at increasing the adoption of clean technologies and the advancement of a sustainable future for both cities.
LACI and MaRS Cleantech will focus on several joint programs aimed at advancing cleantech innovation globally, including the development of a reciprocal “Landing Pad” program, enabling cleantech entrepreneurs to access programming, networks and platforms to assist companies in both Canadian and California markets.
In addition, the partnership will concentrate on projects such as the development of LACI’s Network for Global Innovation (NGIN), which brings together innovation institutions around the world to provide access to customers and investors worldwide, share best practices and accelerate the commercialization of clean technology on a global scale.
The agreement was signed at the new La Kretz Innovation Campus in Downtown Los Angeles in an event co-hosted by VerdeXchange and LACI that featured remarks by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne.
“We’re delighted to announce this collaboration between hubs in Toronto and Los Angeles during Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne’s visit to California,” said Dr. Ilse Treurnicht, CEO, MaRS. “Partnering with LACI will create opportunities for innovative cleantech companies in Canada and California to collaborate and grow globally.”
“We are thrilled to be entering into this co-operation agreement with one of Canada’s premier innovation institutions,” said Fred Walti, CEO, LACI. “Both LACI and MaRS are dedicated to helping cleantech innovators get their ideas to market — no matter where in the world that market is. This is an exciting example of the best kind of collaboration between two technology leaders and important trading partners.”
About MaRS Cleantech
MaRS Cleantech works closely with entrepreneurs and investors to build globally competitive companies that are creating solutions for smart cities and addressing key challenges in energy, water, agri-tech, advanced materials and manufacturing. The industry looks to MaRS Cleantech to help grow high-impact businesses by connecting innovators, potential partners, customers, investors, talent and capital. MaRS Cleantech comprises three main entities — Venture Services and its network of advisors; ArcTern Ventures, a $30-million privately funded venture fund; and the Advanced Energy Centre, whose team facilitates commercialization and drives exports. Together they offer a one-stop shop for industry stakeholders. MaRS Cleantech is part of MaRS Discovery District, one of the world’s largest urban innovation hubs, supporting a new generation of makers and innovators. For more information please visit: https://www.marsdd.com/
About LACI
LACI is a nonprofit formed by the City of Los Angeles in October 2011 to build a world-class cleantech innovation hub and to accelerate LA’s green economy. To date, LACI has helped 40 companies raise $60M in investment capital, and delivered more than $150M in long-term economic value for the City of Los Angeles. LACI was ranked the #6 incubator globally by the UBI Index of over 800 incubators and was selected by the DOE as their California Cleantech Incubator. During the past four years, LACI has evolved its focus from the operation of a premier cleantech incubator in Los Angeles to the building, operating and connecting of cleantech ecosystems globally. LACI now operates two incubators in the Los Angeles region, has two more under development in California and is working with the State of Washington and Mexico City to build out their respective ecosystems. LACI also hosts GLOSHO, an annual international cleantech summit, which attracts more than 500 people from around the world. For more information please visit: http://laincubator.org/
Lolo Siderman, Gypsywing Media, http://www.gypsywing.com, +1 310-696-9155, [email protected]
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