Technology-based start-up companies in the energy sector will be aided in their growth and development from a strategic alliance formed between the Austin Technology Incubator and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).

ATI - a program of the IC2 Institute of The University of Texas at Austin - will provide qualified companies with strategic, financial and management services while immersing them in an energized business setting. NREL will build upon this expertise and bring its relationships with international institutions, the venture capital community, multi-lateral lending institutions and national, state and local governments to help ATI jumpstart clean energy businesses in Texas.

A variety of Texas state agencies - including the State Energy Conservation Office, the General Land Office, the Texas Natural Resources Conservation Commission, the Texas Energy Coordination Council and the Texas Department of Economic Development - are participating in the effort, as is the Texas Renewable Energy Industries Association.

NREL and ATI are looking for companies that are technology based, poised for strong growth and less than 24 months from market entry. NREL said the alliance is interested in a broad range of company types, from technology-based spin-offs and fledgling start-ups to research-based companies. Technological areas of interest include renewable power generation, distributed generation and storage, power quality, communications and controls, fuel cells, energy conservation, clean energy-related information technology, end-use consumer products and distribution automation.

"We're asking potential businesses to review the selection criteria and submit an executive summary or business plan that demonstrates an innovative, technology-based product idea or business concept," said Dr. Joel Wiggins, director of ATI's operations. "If the information looks like it's a good fit for the clean energy initiative, ATI will help the candidate refine its plan for consideration into the incubator."

The Texas electric utility restructuring law passed last year mandates 2000 megawatts of new renewable energy generation by 2009. This makes Texas one of the most attractive markets for renewable energy in North America.

ATI is an internationally recognized business incubator with a solid reputation for transforming fledgling, technology-based companies into successful market-based enterprises. Since 1989, ATI has graduated more than 50 companies, five of which have gone public. These businesses have created more than 2,000 jobs with revenues approaching $900 million.

NREL is the US Department of Energy's premier laboratory for renewable energy and energy efficiency research, development and technology deployment. NREL plans several similar renewable energy and energy efficiency incubator alliances around the country.

For more information about the ATI/NREL Clean Energy Incubator, contact

Dr. Joel Wiggins, ATI: (512)305-0033
Dr. L. Marty Murphy, NREL: (303)275-3050

http://www.ic2-ati.org/index.asp