Clean Technology Industry Association Launches Program to Aid Start-ups in Economic Downturn

CTSI “cleanConnect” Program Provides Advisory, Advocacy, and Resource Support for Clean-Tech Companies

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Feb. 17 /PRNewswire/ — The industry trade association for clean technology, The Clean Technology & Sustainable Industries Organization (CTSI) today announced the launch of its new cleanConnect program, aimed at assisting emerging cleantech companies during the recession.

Recognizing the effect that the Wall Street collapse is having on young companies in the sector, CTSI is offering an in-kind membership program to help companies in the areas that are most essential for surviving and growing – partnership building, policy advocacy, resource/information sharing, and funding.

The cleanConnect program provides free membership to eligible companies that are willing to work together to develop solutions to market barriers, policy roadblocks, and technology challenges. Program details can be found at: http://www.ct-si.org/services/cleanConnect.html.

“We don’t have to wait for first quarter venture capital numbers to tell us that the funding has slowed significantly,” stated Executive Director & CEO of CTSI, Patricia Glaza. “Layoffs, shut-downs and project delays have replaced financing announcements. We cannot afford to let die the wave of energy, water, and environmental technology innovation that was unleashed before the recession. The mission of CTSI is to increase the development and deployment of technologies that will lead to a more sustainable world. The cleanConnect program advances this mission by supporting the companies that are essential to our future.”

Understanding the important role that the Obama administration will have in shaping the sector, and the funding becoming available in the stimulus package, cleanConnect members will have priority access to the association’s annual Washington DC policy tour, scheduled for March 24-26. Members will have the opportunity to speak with key congressional and agency representatives regarding the policy and market challenges they currently face.

CTSI will also leverage its annual event, Clean Technology 2009 (http://www.csievents.org/Cleantech2009/) in Houston May 3-7, to provide visibility of its members to its large network of investors and Fortune 500 corporations, and to bring together executives for a community roundtable.

For more information regarding the cleanConnect program, the policy tour and CTSI, please go to www.ct-si.org.

About CTSI

The Clean Technology & Sustainable Industries Organization, a 510c6 non-profit industry association, advances the commercialization and global adoption of clean technologies and sustainable industry practices. Industry, organizations, and communities are seeking ways to create new jobs, to find new business opportunities, and to reduce environmental footprints. Clean technologies offer much needed solutions to growing sustainability concerns and are important to maintaining global competitiveness and resource stability and security.

CTSI brings together global leaders to grow the clean technology and sustainable sectors through policy advocacy, community building, networking, and information sharing. Founding members include: Austin Energy, Applied Materials, Lockheed Martin, NSTI, and Jackson Walker LLC. Visit www.ct-si.org for more information.

    Contact:
    Industry Inquiries:                    Media Inquiries:
    Patti Glaza                            Todd Keefe,
    774.245.2658                           617-262-1968, ext. 101
    pglaza@ct-si.org                       todd@firpr.com

SOURCE The Clean Technology & Sustainable Industries Organization