Five cleantech startups were named finalists at the 2013 Southeast Region Finals of the Cleantech Open, the world’s largest cleantech accelerator. The five finalist companies were selected from among 20 companies founded by innovative cleantech entrepreneurs that entered the Southeast regional accelerator of the Cleantech Open this year.
Tampa, Fla.-based, Trash 2 Cash Energy, received both finalist and sustainability awards. Knoxville, Tenn.-based Fiveworx received a finalist award. Three finalists – Bio- Adhesive Alliance Inc., Nova Synthetix and Tethis – are located in North Carolina and the Research Triangle Park area.
As regional finalists, the startups will receive a “Startup in a Box” package that includes cash and donated services worth up to $20,000 and will advance to compete at the Cleantech Open Global Forum next month for a chance to win a $200,000 award package and the title of 2013 Top Cleantech Entrepreneur.
“We have a technology that bridges the gap between cleantech and other industries. Sustainability is an area that our customers and investors are interested in and the Cleantech Open provides us an opportunity to build that competency,” said Scott Bolin, CEO and co-founder of Tethis.
The Cleantech Open is a nonprofit organization that fosters the most promising startups in clean technology fields through a nine-month program that includes education, relationship building and funding opportunities. The proven program encourages cleantech entrepreneurs from around the nation to compete for local recognition, and have a shot at part of the overall $1 million purse for the national winners.