One hundred companies participated in Cleantech Open’s 12-week accelerator program, receiving mentorship, business training and contacts with investors and partners. Ninety-five teams participated in regional competitions across the US, with 18 finalists advancing to compete nationally at the Global Forum.

The top six finalists pitched their companies on October 25th, and Tyfast was crowned as the winner at the awards luncheon.

Tyfast uses a new combination of electrode materials and electrolyte chemistry to enable a high-energy density, ultrafast-charging battery with a long cycle life for the next-generation EVs and equipment.

“For 19 years, we have supported over 3,500 entrepreneurs through business training, mentoring, and networking. We congratulate Tyfast on their achievement and look forward to seeing the company succeed in revolutionizing battery technologies for heavy-duty vehicles,” said Ken Hayes, Executive Director, Cleantech Open. 

GJ la O’, CEO of Tyfast, said, “Cleantech Open has been incredibly valuable to us regarding strategy development, customer exploration, and investor connections. Our mentors supported us in refining our approach, and the guidance and consultation we received from Cleantech Open’s ecosystem was unparalleled. With these resources, we are well equipped to succeed in commercializing a new class of high-performance batteries to obsolete diesel in heavy-duty vehicles.”

The U.S. National Runner-up is Active Surfaces of Salem, MA. The company unlocks terawatts of dual-land-use solar applications through its patented, ultra-thin-film flexible solar technology. Active Surfaces also won the National People’s Choice Award, which was voted for by the attendees of CTO’s Global Forum event.