At CleanTech Forward, we are operational co-founders dedicated to transforming breakthrough sustainable energy and material inventions into high-growth companies. Our mission is to ensure high-potential, low-carbon innovations never stall in the lab. The Challenge Europe’s top universities are the world’s engine for decarbonization science. However, many high-potential patents remain dormant due to the "founder gap" - the lack of a dedicated operational team to navigate the complex journey from the lab to the market. Our Solution We act as the operational co-founder for Principal Investigators (PIs) and universities. We don't just provide advice; we take the lead. We identify underutilized IP and handle the heavy lifting of company formation, institutional fundraising, and technology commercialization. This allows inventors to remain focused on their research while retaining an advisory role and equity in a market-ready venture. Why CleanTech Forward? We combine deep technical fluency with strategic execution: - Elite Engineering: Our leadership holds PhD and MSc credentials from ETH Zurich and Utrecht University in Chemical and Energy System Engineering. We speak the language of the lab. - Commercial Rigor: With a background in McKinsey’s Green Business Building practice, we bring a proven toolkit for scaling startups and navigating the global energy transition. - High-Moat Focus: We specialize in "hard tech" and materials with significant IP protection, ensuring long-term defensibility and value creation.
| Website | https://cleantechforward.eu/ |
| Employees | 2 (2 on RocketReach) |
| Founded | 2026 |
| Industry | Venture Capital and Private Equity Principals |
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Willem Simons is the Co-Founder of CleanTech Forward.
2 people are employed at CleanTech Forward.
CleanTech Forward is based in Amsterdam, North Holland.