NREL Industry Growth Forum brings together energy innovators.
Press Release Summary:
Hosted by NREL, Industry Growth Forum attracted ~400 investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, and thought leaders to Denver, CO. In addition to hearing business case presentations from 30 clean energy companies, participants were engaged by speakers, panel discussions, and organized networking opportunities. Three entrepreneurial companies were singled out from 30 competitively-selected presenters to win 2014 Clean Energy Venture Awards: HiQ Solar, Inc.; ClearCove Systems; and Wetzel Blade.
Original Press Release:
NREL Industry Growth Forum Brings Together Energy Innovators
Event recognizes the top clean energy technologies and startup businesses
The Industry Growth Forum hosted by the Energy Department's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) this week attracted nearly 400 investors, entrepreneurs, scientists and thought leaders to Denver. Last night, three companies where honored with Best Venture and Outstanding Venture Awards.
The two-day forum highlighted clean energy technology and business developments. In addition to hearing business case presentations from 30 clean energy companies, participants were engaged by a comprehensive lineup of speakers, in-depth panel discussions and organized networking opportunities.
"A high level of technical and business innovation will be necessary to solve our future energy challenges," Richard Adams, NREL's Director of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center said. "This forum brings together the entrepreneurs, investors and policymakers that will be critical to nurturing that innovation and bringing it to market."
Since 2003, the presenting early stage, pre-commercial, and expanding cleantech companies that have presented have collectively raised more than $5 billion in growth financing.
Three entrepreneurial companies were singled out from the 30 competitively-selected presenters to win the 2014 Clean Energy Venture Awards. Award winners will receive in-kind commercialization support to help increase their chances of becoming commercially successful.
HiQ Solar, Inc. received the top prize, the Best Venture award. This Santa Clara, California based company has developed a new generation photovoltaic string inverter which promises to reduce the cost of commercial solar installations.
An Outstanding Venture award went to ClearCove Systems. This Rochester, New York company is focused on renewable energy resource recovery in wastewater treatment processes.
An Outstanding Venture award also went to Wetzel Blade. This Pflugerville, Texas company has developed an innovative, field-assembled, component-based wind turbine blade.
NREL is the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) primary national laboratory for renewable energy and energy efficiency research and development. NREL is operated for DOE by The Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC.
For a list of participating companies and sponsors, please visit the Industry Growth Forum online at www.industrygrowthforum.org
Visit NREL online at www.nrel.gov
Media may contact:
David Glickson
303-275-4097
david.glickson@nrel.gov
