Cleantech UP 2017
Midwest Showcase Winners

Congratulations to RVS Rubber Solutions from Case Western Reserve University - and runner-ups BluSolar from Millikin University and Purpled from Northwestern University!

Yesterday we were pleased to present eight of the most innovative student-led cleantech startup teams in the Midwest.

We are thrilled to announce this year’s winning companies!

RVS Rubber Solutions, from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio won the $50,000 Cleantech University Prize. RVS Rubber Solutions has created a new solution to recycle components of rubber tires that have previously just been a waste product.

We also selected two runner ups. The runner up teams were BluSolar from Millikin University in Decatur, IL and Purpled from Northwestern University.

All three teams will go on to complete in the National Cleantech UP competition sponsored by the Department of Energy in June. Additionally, all three teams will be showcased at our annual CET Challenge investment program event in May.

Our finalists came from schools all over the region including small universities like Millikin University, large public schools like University of Minnesota, and private schools like Northwestern University. The startups represented sectors within cleantech like advanced batteries, blockchain technology, bladeless drones, and industrial recycling.

The diverse cross-section of universities and technologies represented by the finalist teams demonstrate that the Midwest continues to lead on using science and innovation to solve some of the biggest challenges we face.

 

By Emily Achler | February 10, 2017