14 Cleantech Start-Ups Join Clean Energy Trust's Accelerator Class to Compete for $1 Million at 5th Annual Clean Energy Challenge

Chicago, IL, February 27, 2015 --(PR.com)-- Clean Energy Trust has selected a promising group of 14 cleantech start-ups from across the Midwest to compete for $1 million in investments at the Clean Energy Trust’s 5th Annual Clean Energy Challenge on April 14. Of the 14 innovative companies battling it out for funding, four focus on advanced transportation, three focus on energy storage, two focus on smart buildings and devices, two others focus on biomass, two on solar power, and one on wind energy.

Clean Energy Challenge is a nationally recognized accelerator program and pitch competition that has helped jumpstart more than 60 start-ups in the Midwest including popular cutting-edge brands like LuminAID, AMPY and SiNode Systems that have continued their successes on ABC’s “Shark Tank,” Kickstarter and SXSW Eco respectively. These companies that participate in the Challenge are given the opportunity to learn from mentors in the cleantech industry, while competing for a chance to win much needed early-stage funding.

“The future of cleantech energy depends on unique start-ups like the 14 companies competing in CET’S Clean Energy Challenge this April and we’re excited to provide the support they need to propel them forward,” said Amy Francetic, CEO of the Clean Energy Trust. “It’s become extremely valuable for these young entrepreneurs with innovative ideas to gain access to investment funding and proper industry-leading mentoring in order to succeed in the industry.”

The 2015 Clean Energy Challenge Class:

· Advanced Renewable Technology International (ARTi) - ARTi manufactures activated char and carbon membranes for water filtration using Midwestern agricultural residues, like corn stocks, soybean remnants and grasses, which are the building blocks for renewable carbon-based filtration media and outperform the existing purification technologies.

· Atlas Energy Systems - Atlas Energy Systems is developing the Atlas Power Cell, a patent-pending novel energy conversion device that takes the energy from spent nuclear waste and converts it directly into usable electricity.

· CrystalE - CrystalE is developing a wireless sensor node system, consisting of mechanical energy harvesting components, multiphysical sensor components and wireless communication units with ultra-low energy consumption.

· FGC Plasma Solutions - FGC Plasma Solutions has developed a process of injecting fuel into jet engines by using plasma to modify the actual combustion reaction, simultaneously increasing safety while decreasing fuel consumption.

· SOFI Automotive - SOFI Automotive uses atmospheric carbon dioxide, water and sunlight as inputs to produce methanol. Carbon dioxide is separated from ambient air via air capture and hydrogen is produced through an electrolyzer, which uses water as an input.

· Accio Energy - Accio Energy is developing turbine-free wind energy generation systems offering 50% lower cost offshore, 20% more energy and a multitude of siting advantages. Accio’s sustainable solution can achieve unsubsidized cost parity with new coal and natural gas plants.

· Design Flux Technologies - Design Flux Technologies has produced the world’s first software-defined power management system.

· Glucan Biorenewables - GlucanBio is commercializing a solvent-based biomass conversion platform that delivers cost-disruptive production of specialty and commodity drop-in chemicals.

· Igor - Igor is a Power-over-Ethernet lighting, sensor, and data platform that licenses its technology and services to manufacturers, leading to 80% savings towards installation and 60% savings towards energy.

· Mercurius Biorefining - Mercurius Biorefining has developed a non-fermentation, non-alcohol based, cheaper, faster method of producing profitable drop-in biofuels (jet fuel and diesel) from non-food biomass feedstocks.

· NETenergy - NETenergy is an energy storage and management service provider that combines intelligent energy management software with a unique thermal storage technology using phase change composites.

· Rahtmobile - Rahtmobile is producing The Raht Racer, a human-hybrid vehicle with amplified pedal power, enabling the driver’s legs to propel up to highway speeds.

· Sun Number - Sun Number has developed an automated process that aims to lower the cost of customer acquisition across the solar industry by analyzing rooftops and the impact of shade for every square meter of the roof.

· The Light Sentry - The Light Sentry is developing a patented smart lighting technology using a combination of time and natural light levels to trigger lighting events, creating an individual lighting experience based on the natural light available for one’s unique location.

The Clean Energy Challenge will take place at Venue SIX10 at the Spertus Institute located at 610 South Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL 60605 on April 14th. Tickets are available for purchase at www.challenge.cleanenergytrust.org.

About Clean Energy Trust

Clean Energy Trust (CET) fuels clean energy innovation in the Midwest. A Chicago-based nonprofit, CET helps launch, fund and grow Midwest clean energy companies to ensure a more prosperous, sustainable future for generations to come. CET does this through direct investment, commercialization assistance, mentorship, access to its broad partner network and the promotion of a supportive clean energy community and business climate. For more information, visit www.cleanenergytrust.org.