Alum’s Startup Wins $1M at Clean Energy Competition

Arun Gupta PhD’12, CEO and founder of Skyven Technologies, speaks at the 76West Clean Energy Competition. (Photo by Allison Usavage via Skyven.)

A big “Whoosh!” to Jonsson School alumnus Arun Gupta PhD’12, whose Dallas-based startup Skyven Technologies won $1 million as the grand prize winner at the 76West Clean Energy Competition in Binghamton, New York.

Skyven is a renewable energy company that “uses solar heating techniques to reduce fossil fuel consumption in agriculture and other industries.”

The competition, which focuses on supporting and growing clean-energy businesses and economic development, included two rounds of on-stage pitching in front of a panel of judges. Six awardees were named from 15 semifinalists, with Skyven claiming the grand prize.

Gupta and his team pitched Skyven’s Intelligent Mirror Array, “a technology that produces industrial heat without the need to burn fuel.”

“We’re honored to be chosen for this award, especially among a field of so many highly-qualified competitors,” Gupta said. “The prize money will enable us to have greater impact in the fight against climate change while growing a vibrant business.”