NECEC Institute’s Cleantech Navigate Northeast program, today launched the Navigate Explorer, a new digital platform to help cleantech entrepreneurs throughout the northeast connect to the resources they need to grow. The Navigate Explorer is a one-stop-shop where entrepreneurs can access resources, request support and connect to Cleantech Navigate Northeast’s community and resources, including experts, mentors, support organizations and funding opportunities throughout the Northeast.

“Access to mentors, state partners, universities, private sector innovation experts, service providers, lab and testing facilities, funding opportunities, and events are essential to the success of cleantech entrepreneurs at all stages of development,” said NECEC and NECEC Institute President Peter Rothstein. “Cleantech Navigate Northeast’s web platform will bring awareness to existing resources and build vital connections for more entrepreneurs in the region.”

Cleantech Navigate Northeast is the only region-wide resource network in the cleantech industry helping entrepreneurs across the Northeast make quality, targeted connections year-round on a regional scale. Cleantech Navigate Northeast’s Navigate Explorer web platform includes a regional database with information about more than 350 early-stage cleantech company resources across the Northeast, a private mentor directory, valuable cleantech events and funding opportunities, and a directory of early-stage cleantech companies.

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC), New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), Wells Fargo, National Grid, Commerce RI and the Maine Technology Institute are funding partners helping to shape the program. NYSERDA provided support for the site as part of a diverse portfolio of programs designed to grow innovative clean energy technologies.

“The Northeast is a hotbed of clean energy entrepreneurship, and Navigate Explorer will serve as a great resources for companies in Massachusetts’ thriving clean technology sector, connecting them with the support they need to prosper in the region,” said MassCEC CEO Alicia Barton.

The Navigate Explorer web platform features an interactive dashboard where cleantech entrepreneurs and other professionals in the Cleantech Navigate Northeast program can connect with each other. Registered users are able to add or edit resources, and entrepreneurs and professionals gain access to a private suite of networking events and connections to investors, customers, mentors, and emerging companies.

“Cleantech Navigate Northeast’s network is already serving as a living bridge between cleantech entrepreneurs and the resources and people ready to help them commercialize their products and services,” said NECEC Senior Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alexandra Adler, “This new web platform allows us to publicly share our network and scale our current operations to reach more companies in the cleantech innovation community across New England and New York.”

Cleantech Navigate Northeast is actively recruiting entrepreneurs, connectors, mentors and experts to participate in its year-round program, which includes Investor Connect events, Strategic Partner forums, and direct connection services. Visit the Navigate Explorer to learn how to get involved.

About NECEC (New England Clean Energy Council and NECEC Institute)

NECEC is a regional non-profit clean energy business, policy and innovation organization whose mission is to accelerate the region’s clean energy economy to global leadership by building an active community of stakeholders and a world-class cluster of companies. NECEC works with clean energy businesses and entrepreneurs, policymakers and other stakeholders in the clean energy sector in New England and the Northeast through programs and initiatives that advance clean energy markets and help clean energy businesses access the resources they need to grow. NECEC includes New England Clean Energy Council, a 501(c)(6) trade member organization, and NECEC Institute, a 501(c)(3). New England Clean Energy Council is the lead voice for hundreds of clean energy companies across New England, influencing the energy policy agenda and growing the clean energy economy. NECEC Institute leads programs that support Innovation & Entrepreneurship and Industry Research & Development.