Caltech
Rocket Fund
Rocket Fund  /  Apply

Apply

Small Group of Students Collaborating
Young Entrepreneurs

Steps to Apply

Review Rocket Fund 2024 Guidelines for eligibility, scope, technologies, and tips for applying.

Also, check out the podcast "Lab to Startup" featuring Rocket Fund, where Stephanie Yanchinski, the Resnick Sustainability Institute's Director of Entrepreneurial Programs, shares information about the Rocket Fund program, the new priority areas for funding, and the process.

New: Diversity and Inclusion: In 2021 the Rocket Fund established a commitment to strengthening diversity and female leadership as well as to spreading the benefits of cleantech and sustainability to underserved communities. A significant portion of the scoring during the competition will address this challenge. Please ensure you describe fully the factors that show your company's commitment to diversity and inclusivity: e.g. current leadership profile, new recruitment initiatives, technology impact with widespread product adoption, and corporate policy changes that indicate you are considering how to enhance your approach to this challenge.

The program opens November 15, 2023. Deadline to apply: 11.59 PM, March 1, 2024. Apply here.

Close
See pre-competition sample application here.
See pre-competition sample application here.

Program Timeline (Virtual/In Person)

  • Round 1: Application Deadline: 11.59 PM, March 1, 2024; Initial Screening | March 2 – March 9, 2024
  • Round 2: Semi-Finals | April 26
    • Selected semi-finalists reviewed by the Rocket Fund Technology Advisory Committee (TAC) of industry, technical and business experts and investors
    • TAC meets, finalists selected with special reference to: technology innovation with validating data; understanding of beachhead (Serviceable Obtainable Market) market and path to commercialization; customer interaction; solid metrics for measuring impact on energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions; impact on diversity, leadership and community, and use of funds with demonstration site

  • Round 3: Finals | June 3, 8.30 am - 1.00 pm; June 4, 8.30 am - 1.30 pm
    • Team presentations to Review Panel of utility and industry experts, academics, and investors

Award Process: June: Establish Performance Agreement and Milestones; July: receive grant