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16 HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | August 15, 2022 (Above) Connecticut Innovations CEO Matt McCooe says in-person events like the VentureClash pitch fest are important to grow the state's startup ecosystem. (Photos right) Connecticut Innovations held a VentureClash event in Israel during Gov. Ned Lamont's visit to the country earlier this year. Emerging Sector Amid launch of CT's $100M clean energy startup fund, VentureClash pitch fest returns with green focus By Skyler Frazer sfrazer@hartfordbusiness.com For the first time since 2019, Connecticut Innovations' pitch compe- tition VentureClash is returning this October and bringing a renewed focus on clean and green energy technolo- gies. The state's global venture series for early-stage companies, thematically named VentureClash Climate Edition, will take place in New Haven on Oct. 27, with a full day of panels, networking and presentations from companies hoping to bring their climate-related technologies or business ideas to the state. This year's program will coincide with the launch of CI's new $100 million ClimateTech Fund, which Gov. Ned Lamont announced in July. That fund is earmarked for early- stage businesses that have a focus on clean energy, environmentally safe manufacturing, and climate resiliency, with a goal of making Connecticut a leader in the green tech industry. The application window to present VentureClash business ideas closes Aug. 20, and six to eight companies will pitch at the event, organizers said. "Getting people together, we've found, is an important way to build out the startup ecosystem," said Connecticut Innovations CEO Matt McCooe. "To build a community, you've got to find ways to get people out of their offices and out of their houses — you can't build a community that's lasting and meaningful online." VentureClash Climate Edition is being hosted collaboratively by CI, Connecticut Green Bank, the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), and Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA). Green focus CI Chief Marketing Officer Lauren Carmody said VentureClash is looking for international and domestic compa- nies working to solve climate-related issues across the board, but particularly related to the power grid, water, waste and mobility. Carmody said the goal is to find the top "green" companies looking HBJ PHOTO | STEVE LASCHEVER