Clean technology entrepreneurs go through bootcamp in West Michigan

Grand Valley State University recently was the site of the first entrepreneurship "bootcamp" in the Midwest focusing on "green technology."

According to one of the organizers, Tim Streit of Huron River Ventures, "green technology" (also referred to as clean technology) is a specialized sector of technology focused on tech solutions that enable businesses to use less energy through efficiencies or to create energy from alternative sources.

For Streit, this type of event is another piece in the rapidly emerging "startup culture" in West Michigan. Though his seed venture fund, Huron River Ventures, is based in Ann Arbor, Streit spends a great deal of time in West Michigan and is very positive when it comes to the entrepreneurial scene here.

"It's a very exciting market with lots of opportunities," he says. "With all the battery companies that are coming to west Michigan, the area is developing many competitive advantages and a core knowledge in that important sector."

The week-long bootcamp was primarily targeted at university researchers and had attendance from all over the state. The event was co-organized by Growth Capitol Network and supported by various local sponsors.

Streit is optimistic that events like this, when combined with investors, mentors and education, will only add to the entrepreneurial renaissance that many organizations in West Michigan are nurturing.

For information about the services provided by Huron River Ventures and to learn more about green technology opportunities, you can visit their website here.

Source: Tim Streit, Huron River Ventures
Writer: John Rumery, Innovation and Jobs Editor