In a live, web-based simulation (Links to an external site.), you'll play the role of a founder of a new startup company in the exciting and competitive clean tech sector. As part of the simulation, you'll set prices, determine how many engineers and sales people to hire, establish set compensation, including salary, stock, options, and profit sharing. As part of your experience, you'll explore how you can build your technology into a successful company. You may choose to pitch your firm to venture capitalists, or to bootstrap and remain 100% employee owned. You may win customers and become cash flow positive before you run out of funds. You succeed and take your firm public. There are many opportunities as the founder of the company. There are many opportunities to explore in this project! The purpose of this activity is to explore the challenges of a startup company in a demanding competitive environment, including financial, human resource, strategic and other decisions.

Step 1: Participate in a simulation environment called CleanStart: Simulating a Clean Energy Startup. (Links to an external site.) To start, watch the CleanStart Simulation Instructional Video (Links to an external site.) and then select Play Simulation.

Step 2: Submit a report or reports about your experience using the simulation.