Clean Energy Trust Opens Applications for 2013 Clean Energy Challenge

Best of Midwest Clean Tech Businesses to Compete for More Than $300,000 in Cash Prizes

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Clean Energy Trust is now accepting applications for the 2013 Clean Energy Challenge, which offers more than $300,000 in cash prizes. Midwest researchers, students and entrepreneurs with transformative clean tech business ideas are encouraged to submit their businesses and concepts through the Clean Energy Exchange.

“The very best clean technology innovations are being developed in the Midwest and the Challenge ensures that those ideas are presented to the venture capitalists, businesses and investors who can bring them to market”

Finalists in the 2013 Clean Energy Challenge will receive mentoring from the Clean Energy Trust in preparation for the Challenge finals April 4 in Chicago. The judging panel is comprised of nationally renowned investors and clean technology business leaders.

“The very best clean technology innovations are being developed in the Midwest and the Challenge ensures that those ideas are presented to the venture capitalists, businesses and investors who can bring them to market,” explained Amy Francetic, executive director of the Clean Energy Trust. “The cash prizes and commercialization support kick start Clean Energy Challenge Finalists, which have all gone on to receive significant venture and federal funding.”

The Clean Energy Challenge is a two-track competition for entrepreneurs with companies in different stages of development. The Early Stage Challenge is for clean tech competitors with fully-developed business plans and established startup companies. The Student Challenge is for students in the eight-state Midwest region who want to develop a clean energy business.

Applications are encouraged from Midwest entrepreneurs working in:

• Energy Storage
• Hydrogen & Fuel Cells
• Geothermal
• BioEnergy
• Solar Technologies
• Wind Energy
• Water-Energy Nexus
• Recycling and Remediation
• Energy Efficiency
• Building Materials
• Energy Management
• Smart-Grid
• Next Generation Transportation
• Manufacturing Efficiency

Over its two-year history, the Challenge has attracted more than 174 startup applicants. To date, Challenge finalists have raised more than $20 million in private investment and created over 200 high-tech jobs.

Notable Challenge alumni include Clean Urban Energy, NuMat Technologies, Hyrax Energy, Intelligent Generation, Agentis Energy, Power2Switch, and HEVT

The application deadline is December 3, 2012. Complete rules and eligibility for the Challenge are available at www.cleanenergytrust.org.

About Clean Energy Trust:

The Clean Energy Trust was founded by prominent business and civic leaders to accelerate the pace of clean energy innovation in the Midwest. The Trust is supported by federal grants from the U.S. Department of Energy, the Small Business Administration, and additional grants and donations from over 50 investors, corporations, universities, foundations and trade groups. For more information, visit www.cleanenergytrust.org