ANAHEIM, CA - (May 10, 2011) - The Anaheim Center for New Energy Technologies (AC-NET) announces the launch of its 2011 Clean Tech Business Plan Competition.

The Competition, which is entering its third year, seeks business plans from early stage (Seed and Series A) companies that present the most promising clean technology solutions to Southern California’s energy and water challenges. The Competition offers a $10,000 prize for first place and a $5,000 prize for second. The deadline to enter is Thursday, June 30.  

“I am pleased to announce the launch of this year’s Competition, which continues to build the foundation for a clean tech community in Anaheim.  By helping start-up companies become successful businesses, this event will generate jobs, stimulate new growth, and elevate the City’s economy,” said Anaheim Public Utilities General Manager, Marcie Edwards.
In addition to the prize money, the 2011 Competition will offer potential entrants greater visibility and development expertise, thanks to new partnerships with CleanTech OC and OCTANe.   

The top 10 finalists in the Competition will be evaluated using OCTANe’s LaunchPad process, which provides detailed, quantitative, and actionable feedback on business plans and investment presentations. To date, 56 companies have received more than $ 150 million with the support of OCTANe's LaunchPad program and Signature Event Investment Conferences.

"OCTANe is wholeheartedly focused on building Orange County's high technology infrastructure - and clean technologies are a vital component of our local and national economy's future.  We are pleased to work with the City of Anaheim and CleanTech OC as part of this important initiative and hope that this process serves to further catalyze the development of clean technology start-ups in Southern California," said Matthew Jenusaitis, CEO of OCTANe.  
The winners of the 2011 Competition will then be recognized before an influential audience of business, academic, and government leaders during CleanTech OC’s second annual conference, on Monday, September 12, at the Hyatt Regency in Irvine, CA. 

“CleanTech OC is honored to work with some of our founding members, the City of Anaheim and AC-NET, to promote up-and-coming clean tech companies and demonstrate how they can thrive in Orange County,” said Taylor Honrath, Director of Development and Programs for CleanTech OC.

To learn more about AC-NET and how to participate in the 2011 Clean Tech Business Plan Competition as a contestant, judge, volunteer, or sponsor, please visit acnet-anaheim.net, or contact Steven Chun at 714.765.4457 or schun@anaheim.net. 
  

Media Contact: Ruth Ruiz 714.765.5060more city news

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