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CTSI cleanConnect Members Take First and Third Places at Anaheim Business Plan Competition, $30,000 Prize Money
Two out of three winners of the Anaheim Center for New Energy Technologies (AC-NET) Annual Business Plan Competition belong to the Clean Technology and Sustainable Industries Organization (CTSI) in the cleanConnect program for start-up companies. Ener-G-Rotors placed first and received $25,000, while Prism Solar Technologies took third place and $5,000.
Austin, TX (12 July 2010) – Two out of three winners of the Anaheim Center for New Energy Technologies (AC-NET) Annual Business Plan Competition belong to the Clean Technology and Sustainable Industries Organization (CTSI) in the cleanConnect program for start-up companies. Ener-G-Rotors placed first and received $25,000, while Prism Solar Technologies took third place and $5,000.
“Being recognized as one of the top winners in the CTSI Utilities Technology Challenge and winning the AC-NET competition helps validate the impact Ener-G-Rotors’ technology can have on energy, the environment, and the economy,” said Michael Newell, CEO of Ener-G-Rotors. “We appreciate the opportunity to present our technology and business plan, which has helped us connect with potential investors, customers, and utilities.”
The competition took place in conjunction with the annual TechConnect World Conference on June 23 in Anaheim. Mayor Curt Pringle introduced the competition with some words about the city’s dedication to finding new clean technology solutions for growing energy crises.
"The AC-NET competition provides the kind of recognition that is essential for early stage companies to attract the right partners and investors needed to bring important game-changing technologies like Prism Solar's holographic film to market,” said Glenn Rosenberg, chief technology officer at Prism Solar. “The finalists all have technologies that will play a part in making the clean energy economy a reality, and Prism Solar is extremely honored to have been among the winning companies selected.”
Over 60 companies applied to the program, but only five were chosen as semi-finalists to attend and present in front of the Expo hall, members of the media, and the judging panel. Semi-finalists gave five-minute presentations, each followed by a question and answer session from the judges. Winners received a combined $40,000 in cash prizes and will also be invited to demonstrate their technologies in southern California.
Two out of the three winners belong to CTSI’s cleanConnect program, which supports clean technology start-up companies with an eye to commercialization. In 2009, approximately 300 companies applied and around 60 were chosen for membership. Once admitted, start-up companies have the benefit of business development support, exclusive educational programs with experts in their field, a policy voice in D.C., and countless networking opportunities for one full year. As an international organization, cleanConnect establishes unlimited relationships between its members and the clean technology industry, boosting commercialization rapidly for those who participate.