About The Cluster
Overview
The Smart Grid Cluster is supported through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as one of the 10 “Innovative Economies” selected in a national competition in September, 2010. The Cluster provides a platform to promote business growth and entrepreneurial activity by providing technical and business support to smart grid start-ups and small businesses, continuously identifying and disseminating technical and product needs, and connecting innovators to market opportunities and capital in order to speed the path to commercialization. The Cluster also engages leading corporations, investors and policy makers to ensure the regional smart grid cluster grows in a deliberate and sustainable manner.
IIT
The Illinois Institute of Technology manages the project and provides technical support through access to its Perfect Power smart microgrid and researchers from Wagner Institute for Sustainable Energy Research (WISER) and Center for Electricity Innovation. The IIT Stuart School of Business provides business support for early stage companies and entrepreneurial training for the next generation of smart grid engineers. IIT’s University Technology Park provides a home for both smart grid start-ups and research and testing operations of larger firms. www.iit.edu
Energy Foundry
Energy Foundry is an impact venture fund created to support game changing energy-tech companies, and to empower consumers to harness the benefits of the energy-tech revolution. Energy Foundry was initially funded by Illinois utilities as part of the Illinois Energy Infrastructure Modernization Act. www.energyfoundry.com
ISTC
The Illinois Science & Technology Coalition fosters the growth of the cluster by working to attract research and development (R&D) to the region, engaging larger corporate support, working to advance large-scale project deployment and pursuing policies that support the smart grid ecosystem. www.istcoalition.org
Clean Energy Trust
The Clean Energy Trust provides commercialization support through access to capital and management of the smart grid innovation marketplaces, which connects innovators with technology buyers, funders and market opportunities. www.cleanenergytrust.org
O-H Community Partners
O-H Community Partners provides SBIR and private financing strategies and information to all businesses in the cluster. In addition, O-H Community Partners engages and supports minorities, women and other historically under-represented groups seeking to participate in the smart grid cluster. www.ohcommunitypartners.com
