One of the main goals of the Green Chamber of Commerce is to establish San Diego as a hub for green and utilizing it to the whole country. On Saturday, October 16th the Green Chamber will be sponsoring a stimulating evening with 30 brilliant innovators, investors, and leaders in the field of sustainability. The question is how many green start-ups can actually take place in San Diego, and how will AB 32 influence green ventures funding in San Diego?
San Diego County has many clean-tech businesses that are developing innovative green- developing alternative fuels, finding alternatives to petrochemicals, and providing renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions. As a result, the San Diego area has a large network of non-profits, trade groups, government agencies, universities, and investors with a common interest in cultivating a green economy. These diverse groups share the vision of investments in clean-tech innovation resulting in more green businesses and new jobs.
As a green entrepreneur, it might be challenging to find support for green innovations to commercialize. San Diego has a few groups to help entrepreneurs find resources to execute their ventures, and consequently help San Diego’s green economy. The main groups you might consider contacting are The California Center for Sustainable Energy (CCSE), Clean-tech San Diego, San Diego Clean Enterprise Program, and San Diego Gas & Electric.
“San Diego offers many opportunities for green entrepreneurs and start-ups. We still need to invest in environmental education in order for more green ventures to happen. Also, better organization can help make it happen faster. The real challenge is to come together and to make green the standard choice for entrepreneurs,” says David Steel, CEO of the Green Chamber.
Last June, the SANYO Electric Group and UC San Diego have announced a research collaboration agreement designed to lead the next generation of solar energy systems and energy management. SANYO will contribute $3 million over three years to fund the collaborative research projects. The agreement is the first of its kind that SANYO has made with a university regarding energy. According to Mike Lee of the San Diego Union-Tribune, the Sanyo partnership aims to make San Diego “the most advanced green city in the world”.
The AB 32 effect
Whether or not AB 32 will pass in California can have a huge impact on the future of green investments, creating new jobs in the green sector, and funding for ventures. At the moment, strong clean-tech investments continue in California despite the conflict over AB 32–the state’s landmark climate change legislation. The fate of the bill is a central issue in the upcoming November elections. Therefore, it’s important to see the figures tracked by the Clean-tech Group that show California has become the clear dominant U.S. state for clean-tech investment in 2006, when AB 32 was signed into law.
Invest Green
Join us for an inspiring evening with 30 of San Diego’s most brilliant innovators, investors, and leaders in the field of sustainability on Saturday, October 16th. In an interactive and participatory atmosphere, get involved and be motivated by the new generation of entrepreneurs presenting clean technology and sustainable solutions. For more information visit the event page.
With so many people and organizations working, effective collaboration continues to be one of the keys to realizing the potential in green investment. The developing hub of green groups and clean-tech companies in San Diego has come a long way, but there are still massive opportunities as the challenges ahead with our environment are as pressing as ever.
