Competition heats up as judges select 30 semi-finalists from pool of 61 entrants

Cambridge, MA - (March 26, 2007) - The judging committee for the Ignite Clean Energy (ICE) Competition announced today the 30 semi-finalists who will continue in the three month long contest to win a total of $250,000 in cash and services, including public relations services, legal services, professional coaching and office space.

Following presentations by the teams at the semi-finals on April 5, the judges will narrow down the teams to 10 to compete in the finals on May 1.

Each team will be paired with industry mentors, enabling them to gain the knowledge and skills needed to attract investors and to build a sustainable company that will bring jobs and clean energy products or services to the region.

The competition aims to add to New England's reputation for building new economic clusters in High Tech and Bio Tech industries by making the Northeast a capital of innovation and commerce for clean energy.

"This year's competition drew the largest number of entrants in ICE history, with 50 percent more than last year," said Dr. Linda Plano, Competition Chair. "Each of the 30 semi-finalists was chosen based on its executive summary that not only described a viable business concept based on clean energy, but presented it as a compelling investment opportunity."

The semi-finalists represent several clean energy categories, including bio- and other alternative fuels, enabling technologies, energy efficiency, energy storage, green buildings and systems, renewable energy and transportation. For more information, visit www.ignitecleanenergy.com.

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About Ignite Clean Energy

Sponsored by the MIT Enterprise Forum Energy Special Interest Group, the Ignite Clean Energy (ICE) Competition began in 2004 to stimulate the growing clean energy industry in New England. It provides start-up clean energy companies and entrepreneurs with the opportunities and resources to develop business skills, network with industry professionals and the chance to attract potential investors. The winners will be awarded a total of $200,000 in cash and services.