Clean Tech Open Announces California Competition Semifinalists

REDWOOD CITY, CA, Jul 06 (MARKET WIRE) --
The California region of the Clean Tech Open (www.cleantechopen.com)
business competition announced that 49 semifinalist teams have been
selected to represent the region in the world's biggest clean tech
business competition. The semifinalists were selected from a talented
pool of more than 150 clean tech entrepreneurs from across the state.

These teams will compete for six regional prizes of up to $50,000 in cash
and in-kind services, with six of them advancing to compete at a national
level for a grand prize of up to $250,000 in cash and services. Over the
next few months, each team will receive expert coaching from the Clean
Tech Open's network of talented mentors, one-on-one consulting with
specialists, an intensive business boot camp at the Clean Tech
Accelerator, plus numerous supporting events, training and materials.
Finally, they will develop a business plan and investor pitch, which they
will present to professional investors and experts. The National Awards
-- the "Academy Awards of Clean Tech" -- takes place in November.

"This year's entries are more numerous and more innovative than ever,"
said Rex Northen, executive director of the Clean Tech Open.
"Semifinalists will receive help with everything from grant-writing to
public relations -- and the winners will walk away with a valuable
'Startup in a Box' of cash and services. We're delighted to be promoting
the success of such talented entrepreneurs."

All told, the 2009 Clean Tech Open competition offers more than $1 million
in total prizes, and with its "100K Jobs Challenge" aims to create 100,000
green-collar jobs in America by the end of 2015.

The semifinalists from the 2009 Clean Tech Open California Competition
are:

Air, Water & Waste category

Driptech, GoGoVerde, Highlands Soil & Water, InnoSepra, Micromidas,
NanoBrane, OndaVia, Solar Alchemy Inc., Solum Inc.

Energy Efficiency category

Alphabet Energy Inc., Core4 Systems, HydroCoal Technologies LLC,
Lightwave, Lunescent, Powerzoa, SunCool, Synergy Conscious

Green Building category

All Solar, ArcTrio, Ecolithic Homes, GreenPyro, HOMErgent, New Avenue,
Parco Homes, RoofRay, tru2lif

Renewables category

Armageddon Energy, ISIS Energy Solutions, PlasmaSi, Renewable Fuel
Technologies LLC, ISIS Energy Solutions, Siverde, SolarNexus Inc., soltac,
SunPods, ZERE

Smart Power category

dot UI, EcoFactor, EnerVault, Fenix, Lenopsys, LimeAmps, Velkess

Transportation category

Evans Engines, EVIN, FuelSaver, GigEVolt Technologies Inc., itMoves,
OpticLanes, PowerSTAR

About the Clean Tech Open

Clean Tech Open is a catalyst for clean tech innovation, and the impetus
behind the Clean Tech Open's 100K Jobs Challenge. A non-profit
organization founded in 2006, it provides today's clean tech innovators
with the tools, training and connections they need to become tomorrow's
viable clean tech businesses. The core of Clean Tech Open is an annual
business competition, supported by expert volunteers and mentors, that
provides entrepreneurs with the crucial business training, services and
insights they need to go to market successfully. The Clean Tech Open has
assisted over 120 companies raise more than $125 million in external
funding, and has spurred the creation of hundreds of jobs in California.
Fueled by a network of over 400 volunteers and sponsors, the Clean Tech
Open unites the public and private sectors in a shared vision for making
America's clean tech sector a thriving economic engine. Past alumni
successes include Adura Technologies, Cool Earth Solar and GreenVolts.
www.cleantechopen.com.

Copyright 2009, Market Wire, All rights reserved.

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