CLEANTECH OPEN NORTHEAST REGIONAL FINALS 2023 

Frequently Asked Questions

This page is mostly geared towards startups. However, there is also information here regarding transportation and parking for the various finals events that will be helpful for all attendees. 

This page will be updated on an ongoing basis. Please check back for updates!

Table of Contents

SEPTEMBER 26 - PRE-FINALS RECEPTION

SEPTEMBER 27 - SEMI-FINALS

SEPTEMBER 27 - INVESTOR CONNECT

SEPTEMBER 28 - SHOWCASE & AWARDS

LODGING & TRANSPORTATION

SEPTEMBER 26 - PRE-FINALS RECEPTION

How should I get to NJIT@JerseyCity? NJIT@JerseyCity is located on the 36th floor of the Merryl Lynch Building at 101 Hudson Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302. Note: you must be registered to attend this event.

Here are some options for getting to the venue: 

• Train: You can take the PATH rail system or the Hudson Bergen Light Rail to Exchange Place station. The building is located one block from the PATH Exchange Place station and directly across from the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail's Exchange Place Station.

• Ferry: You could also take one of the following three ferry routes to the NY Waterway Paulus Hook Terminal (two blocks  from NJIT@JerseyCity): 

  • Pier 11

  • Wall St., Downtown

  • Brookfield Place, and Midtown/W. 39th St.

• Rideshare Alternatively, you could drive or use a rideshare app

Where can I park near NJIT@JerseyCity? The entrance to the parking garage at 101 Hudson Street is located at 48 York Street (on the northeast side between Hudson Street and Greene Street) and is marked with a green sign above it with a white letter “P” and an arrow. This garage is operated by Little Man Parking, and you can find more information by visiting https://littlemanparking.com/facilities/101-parking-garage/.

Push the button on the ticket dispensing machine to receive your parking ticket. Retrieve the ticket to lift the arm of the gate and follow the signage to find an appropriate parking spot, being mindful of directional traffic and reserved spaces. Please keep your ticket handy, as you will need it to resolve payment and exit the garage (cash or card at the pay stations inside the building near the garage elevators, or card only at the garage’s exit gate). Once parked, follow the signs for "Elevator to Lobby".

Take the garage elevators down to the lobby level (G). Turn right after exiting the elevator on the ground floor to continue along the corridor, passing a set of revolving doors on your left, until you see a large lobby area on your right. Turn right again into this lobby area and the building's security desk will be on your right side.

How do I check into the building at NJIT@JerseyCity? The security desk is located at the far end of the lobby, across from the Hudson Street entrance. Please have a photo ID available to present and sign in with NJIT. Once they confirm that you are in the registry, they will take your photo and print a visitor pass

sticker. You’ll then be directed to a security checkpoint to the left of the lobby where your belongings will be scanned. 

After leaving the security checkpoint, make a left and proceed to the second elevator bank (Floors 27 to 40 High Rise). Mark the 36th floor as your destination on the touchpad, paying attention to the specific elevator car it indicates for you. Upon exiting the elevator, please follow the signage to locate the designated entrance for NJIT@JerseyCity.

What if I require accessibility services at NJIT@JerseyCity? An accessible entrance is available on Hudson Street from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on business days, to the left of the revolving doors. The building has an elevator to get up to the 36th floor. 

Will there be food at NJIT@JerseyCity? Yes, appetizers and refreshments will be served at the reception. 

SEPTEMBER 27 - SEMI-FINALS 

How should I get to National Grid? National Grid’s address is 2 Hanson Pl, Brooklyn, NY 11217. Pitching rooms are on the 11th and 12th floor. You can take the City Terminal Zone train to Atlantic Terminal or the C Line subway to Lafayette Ave. National Grid will be about a 2-4 minute walk from there. 

Where can I park near National Grid? There are numerous parking garages near National Grid. A few options include: 

• GGMC Parking - Atlantic/Barclays Center ($10 for 5 hours, $20 for 10 hours)

• Atlantic Terrace - 201 S Portland Ave. ($23 for 10 hours)

• SP+ Parking - 333 Schermerhorn St, Brooklyn, NY 11217 ($20 for 2 hours, $28 for 10 hours)

My startup is changing fast! Can I update my pitch deck for my presentation on September 27? Yes. The deadline to submit an updated pitch deck is Thursday, September 21 at noon (12 PM EDT). Email your submissions to olaroche@cleantechopen.org. 

What will judges have access to before seeing my presentation on September 27? Judges will have access to all of your deliverables. They will view your final pitch deck during your presentation and not before.

Are mentors allowed to be in the room for pitching? While your mentors are encouraged to help you prepare and support you, mentors are not permitted to be in the room with you when you pitch at the semi-finals.

What are the judging criteria again? You can find the judging rubric here. 

Wait, so there's pitching on September 27 and 28? All teams that complete and upload their deliverables on time (not including CDP teams) are invited to present on September 27. Six Finalists will be selected to pitch during the Finals on September 28 and compete for $70,000 in cash prizes. All six Northeast Finalists plus two Runners up (for a total of eight startups from the Northeast cohort) are invited to pitch at the Global Forum and compete for the National Grand Prize (a $50,000 SAFE note).

Will there be food at National Grid? Light breakfast and refreshments will be provided in the morning. Lunch will be provided for judges and facilitators only. 

Startups are only required to be at the venue for their pitch time and are encouraged to enjoy the food options in the area.

What do I do when I’m not pitching? Before or after your designated pitching time slot, the day is yours to spend as you wish! Check out our Regional Finals Activity Guide for a list of fun things to do and great places to eat in Brooklyn. 

SEPTEMBER 27 - INVESTOR CONNECT

How should I get to St. Francis College? St. Francis College’s address is 179 Livingston Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201. The Investor Connect will be taking place on the 5th floor in the Dining Hall and Multipurpose Room. St. Francis College is a 15 minute walk from National Grid, where Semi-Finals Judging is located the same day. Alternatively, you can take the C line, 1 line, or 2 line subways. There are numerous bus options between National Grid and St. Francis College as well. 

Where can I park near St. Francis College? Street parking is limited; however, public parking garages are nearby. A few options include: 

• 433 Bridge St Parking ($35 for 2 hours)

• 253 Schermerhorn St

• 75 Smith St, Brooklyn

Where can I park near St. Francis College? Street parking is limited; however, public parking garages are nearby.

Will there be food at St. Francis College? Appetizers and refreshments will be provided.  

What should I expect at the Investor Connect? This is an opportunity for startups to meet with investors in speed-dating style. There will be angel investors, VCs, grant providers, social impact investors, and corporates.

SEPTEMBER 28 - SHOWCASE & AWARDS

How should I get to Newlab? Newlab is located in the Brooklyn Navy Yard at 19 Morris Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11205. Newlab is accessible via ferry, driving, the C line subway, or the #57 bus. Brooklyn Navy Yard is a ferry stop, we highly recommend taking the ferry! Please enter through the Cumberland Gate (at Cumberland Street and Flushing Avenue) and tell the guard you are here for the event at Newlab. We strongly recommend taking public transportation, a cab, rideshare, or bikeshare service, as access to parking on site is for BNY tenants and employees only. For more information, visit this page.

Where can I park near Newlab? Parking on site is for BNY tenants and employees only. However, there are some public parking garages nearby. A few options include:

• MPG Parking - 100 N Portland Ave

• 65 Park Ave Parking

• VS Parking Garage Corp - 275 Park Ave

What if I require accessibility services at Newlab? There are ramps and an elevator to get up to the Mezzanine. Accessible bathroom stalls can be found in each restroom. 

I heard I can win additional cash with specialty prizes. Is this true? Yes! If you're a member of the 2023 cohort and would like to be considered for a specialty prize(s) (worth $10,000 each), please fill out this form. 

What can I bring to the Showcase at Newlab? We ask that teams only bring items that can be easily carried. There will be WiFi available, and we will provide either a small hightop table space or half of a 9-foot table (i.e. 4.5 ft of presentation space for each startup) for you (image below for reference). We encourage you to bring your own signage, which may include computers, fliers or business cards, and any other materials that share information about your startup. Feel free to bring a prop only if it can be held in your hand. Please refrain from bringing any toxic or otherwise dangerous props into the convention center. 

What can I expect at the company Showcase? This is the largest Cleantech Open Northeast event of the year, bringing together industry professionals, entrepreneurs and innovators to celebrate the region's top cleantech startups. Finalists will pitch publicly and compete for $70,000 in cash prizes. All graduating members of the 2023 Cleantech Open Northeast Cohort are invited to showcase at this event. The audience will include  investors, corporates, and other members of the cleantech innovation community.

Will there be electricity at the company Showcase? Yes. If you’re planning to use your laptop, bring a long cord, in case your space is not right next to an outlet.

What if I’m not selected to pitch at the Finals? We encourage all Cleantech Open Northeast companies and their mentors to attend the Showcase and Awards Celebration, be part of the Showcase (if you’re graduating), hear the six finalists pitch, and celebrate the 2023 Cleantech Open Northeast cohort and the accelerator overall! We will honor all graduating companies and recognize our mentors and volunteers at this event. Register to attend here. Startups and mentors should use the codes provided in the Northeast Weekly Digest for free tickets.

Will there be food at Newlab? Yes! There will be catered food and beverages. 

LODGING & TRANSPORTATION

Where should I stay in New York? We’ve assembled a list of recommended hotels in the Brooklyn area across a range of prices to get you started when looking for accommodation.

How can I get to New York? New York is easily accessible via plane, train, bus, and driving. 

• Flying: You can fly into John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, or Newark Liberty International Airport (NJ). Upon arrival, we recommend you Uber/Lyft/Taxi/Rental Car to your final destination.

• Train: You can take Amtrak to NYC from various locations throughout the Northeast, including Boston, Philadelphia, Albany, and DC. Trains go to Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station in Manhattan, which provides easy access to public transportation.

• Bus: Many bus companies, including Greyhound, Megabus, Dartmouth Coach and Peter Pan provide routes throughout the Northeast to New York City.

How do I get around Brooklyn? NYC has a robust public transportation system, including the subway lines, commuter train lines, and buses. For more information on public transportation near you and pricing, visit https://new.mta.info/. 

What is there to do around Brooklyn? Check out our Regional Finals Activity Guide for activity and food recommendations!