SEATTLE, WA -- (Marketwire) -- 06/26/09 -- In the news release, "12 Semi-Finalists Chosenin Pacific Northwest Clean Tech Open," issued earlier today by Clean TechOpen, we are advised by the company that there were numerous changes toseveral sections of this release. Complete corrected text follows.12 Semi-Finalists Chosen in Pacific Northwest Clean Tech Open
Teams to Complete Summer Entrepreneur "Boot Camp" to Finalize Business Planfor Regional Finals
SEATTLE, WA -- June 26, 2009 -- At an event held last night at Puget SoundEnergy (PSE) in Bellevue, Wash., the Pacific Northwest region of the Clean Tech Open (CTO), aninnovation catalyst that helps great ideas become viable clean techbusinesses, announced the 12 semi-finalists out of a field of 56 initialcompetitors in its clean tech business plan competition. The teams willcompete for three regional prizes of up to $50,000 in cash and in-kindservices as well as for one national prize of up to $250,000 in cash andservices. Semi-finalists will now receive focused, hands-on mentoring fromlocal and national business leaders to hone their clean tech business plansin preparation for the regional finals in September.
Given its nationally recognized Green Power Program, its ongoing regional leadership inthe advancement of energy efficiency and the development of renewableenergy, and its Silver-level sponsorship of CTO, PSE was a logical venuefor the ceremony.
"We are dedicated to fostering innovation in clean technology," saidStephen P. Reynolds, president and CEO of PSE.
The region's semi-finalists represent several distinct clean techcategories including energy storage, solar power, small-scale solar, windand hydro, transportation and renewable chemicals. The entire geography ofthe Pacific Northwest region is represented in the semi-finalist groupincluding eight teams from Washington, three from Oregon and one fromIdaho. The 2009 Pacific Northwest region semi-finalists include:
-- Clarian Technologies -Smart-grid enabled wind and solar appliances, Seattle, Wash.
-- Extreme Caps - Energy storage, Olympia, Wash.
-- GoNano - High surface areananomaterials for energy storage, Moscow, Idaho
-- Green Lite Motors - 100mpg commuter car/motorcycle vehicle, Portland, Ore.
-- Hydrovolts - In-stream hydroturbines, Seattle, Wash.
-- InnovaTek - Renewable hydrogen fuelcell technology, Richland, Wash.
-- LivinGreen Materials -Advanced solar technology, Seattle, Wash.
-- NHThree - Green anhydrous ammonia production, Richland, Wash.
-- Pangreen - Mobile and web-basedplatforms enabling green living, Kirkland, Wash.
-- Shorepower Technologies -Electric charging stations, Portland, Ore.
-- Soluxra - Low-cost organic solar cells, Seattle, Wash.
-- Veranda Solar - Plug and playsolar appliances, Portland, Ore.
The 12 semi-finalist teams will now participate in the CTO Acceleratorprogram where they will be given training and experience in all aspects ofstarting and sustaining their businesses from national experts in venturecapital, business, law, marketing and sustainability. All contestants cancontinue to be involved in the CTO community, having access to networkingevents, business tools, and other mentorship opportunities.
"The quality of entries was so high that we feel any of these12 semi-finalists could be the regional, or even national winner," saidJohn Pierce, co-chair of the CTO Pacific Northwest chapter, member, WilsonSonsini Goodrich & Rosati and one of the leaders of its Renewable Energyand Clean Tech Practice. "These entrepreneurs and more than 30 volunteermentors are anxious to get to work and turn these clean tech ideas intosuccessful businesses."
About the Clean Tech Open
Clean Tech Open is a catalyst for clean tech innovation. A non-profitorganization founded in 2006, it provides today's clean tech innovatorswith the tools, training and connections they need to become tomorrow'sviable clean tech businesses. The core of CTO is an annual businesscompetition, supported by expert volunteers and mentors, that providesentrepreneurs with the crucial business training, services and insightsthey need to go to market successfully. CTO has assisted over 100 companiesraise more than $120 million in external funding, and has spurred thecreation of hundreds of jobs in California. Fueled by a network of over 400volunteers and sponsors, CTO unites the public and private sectors in ashared vision for making America's clean tech sector a thriving economicengine. Past alumni successes include Adura Technologies, Cool Earth Solarand GreenVolts. To learn more, visit: www.cleantechopen.com.
About Puget Sound Energy
Washington state's oldest local energy utility, Puget Sound Energy servesmore than 1 million electric customers and nearly 750,000 natural gascustomers in 11 counties. A subsidiary of Puget Energy, PSE meets theenergy needs of its growing customer base through incremental,cost-effective energy conservation, procurement of sustainable energyresources, and far-sighted investment in the energy-deliveryinfrastructure. PSE employees are dedicated to providing great customerservice and delivering energy that is safe, reliable, reasonably priced,and environmentally responsible. For more information, visit www.PSE.com.
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