San Francisco, Sept. 9 - Today, The California Israel Chamber of Commerce (CICC) announced it is seeking 10-15 Israeli Clean Technology companies to participate in a delegation to meet with the leading industry, investment firms and utility giants November 10-13, 2008 in California. The Israeli companies chosen to participate will be selected in a competitive review process and hosted by industry giants representing organizations such as GE, Google, PG&E and the California Public Utilities Commission.
To participate in this first-of-its-kind mission, interested Israeli companies will be required to apply to participate by September 22, 2008. Applications will be reviewed by members of the CICC Cleantech Steering Committee, including representatives from some of California's leading cleantech companies, venture investors, utility giants, and corporations active in clean technology. Companies interested can access the application form at http://www.cicc-cleantech.com .
"We are looking for the highest quality companies. Ideally, companies will represent a broad range of sectors, such as renewables, energy efficiency, pollution control and water. They will also range in size from seed to late stage," said Eric Weiss, Chair of the CICC Cleantech program.
The CICC always works with the leaders in selected industries to form meaningful partnerships. Notable industry leaders joining the CICC's Cleantech initiative include: Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E), Google, General Electric (GE), California Public Utilities Commission, Applied Materials, the Cleantech Group, Israel Cleantech Ventures, US Venture Partners, Greylock Partners and more.
"We are looking for the best new ideas to help us continue to generate clean energy for our customers. We recognize that innovations come from around the world, and Israel has proven time and time again, to be a great resource for what comes next," said Hal LaFlash, Director of Emerging Clean Technology Policy at PG&E.
Participants in the 4-day November delegation will have the opportunity to present their company to and meet privately and engage in roundtable discussions with leading investors, corporate partners, policymakers, as well as scientific and academic experts. Participants will also enjoy exclusive tours of California cleantech companies and facilities. Israeli cleantech investors will also be invited to participate in a special cleantech investment track with their California counterparts.
"The CICC has consistently demonstrated that it can ignite innovation and cooperation between California and Israel -- and we've proven it with successes in semiconductor, software, telecommunications and Internet technologies." said Isaac Applbaum, President of CICC and Special Limited Partner with the Westly Group, a leading cleantech venture fund. "We know cleantech is next," he added.
The CICC, a non-profit, industry supported organization, launched its cleantech initiative to accelerate collaboration, co-investment and
partnership between the two states. This effort builds on its proven model of success in creating networking and partnership opportunities in the technology sector. California and Israel are both leaders in the cleantech industry and natural partners. The status California enjoys as one of Israel's largest trading and R&D partners bodes well for partnerships between the California and Israel in the burgeoning field of cleantech. In 2007 alone, according to the Cleantech Group, California had 109 of the 264 U.S. cleantech deals and $1.8 billion of the $3.7 billion invested in U.S. firms involved with alternative energy, pollution control, recycling and other efforts considered environmentally friendly.
About The California Israel Chamber of Commerce:
The California Israel Chamber of Commerce (CICC) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to strengthening business, investment, technology and trade relations between California and Israel.
http://www.ca-israelchamber.org |
