DURHAM, N.H. - The Green Launching Pad, a University of New Hampshire and state of New Hampshire program focused on creating new energy-related jobs in the Granite State and broadening economic opportunities, announced today that $500,000 is available to "clean tech" entrepreneurs.

The second year of funding supports new clean tech business ideas -- emerging technologies that provide energy with minimum climate and environmental impact and use resources efficiently. Examples include wind power and solar energy and other new technologies in renewable energy generation and energy, materials and resource conservation.

Individual monetary awards will be determined based on the scope of the projects.

"New Hampshire long has been a leader in the high technology sector. Now, as we emerge from this recession, New Hampshire also has the opportunity to lead the nation in the development of the clean technology sector. This second round of Green Launching Pad funding for clean tech entrepreneurs supports this effort and speaks to the University of New Hampshire's commitment to working with the state and private business to grow jobs and stimulate economic development in New Hampshire," UNH President Mark W. Huddleston said.

Last year, 71 companies applied for funding in the first year of the program, with five New Hampshire companies selected to receive funding: Revolution Energy of Dover, INNOVACENE of Durham, Green Clean Heat LLC of Newton, EnerTrac, Inc. of Hudson, and Air Power Analytics of Bedford.

The projects selected in the first year received up to $60,000 each in funding and accelerated business development support, including mentorship and coaching from technology, engineering and services industry professionals and seasoned entrepreneurs as well as professional, legal and management advice, networking with funders and supporting businesses, access to office and meeting spaces, and critical operating support from the university.

"New Hampshire is leading the region in economic recovery due to the wise investments we have made in our economy and in our people. The Green Launching Pad is one such investment, helping to nurture companies that are creating technologies of the future - technologies that will reduce pollution, reduce energy costs and grow the jobs of tomorrow," Gov. John Lynch said. "I am pleased to see this exciting, successful partnership between the state and the University of New Hampshire will continue to grow new businesses and new jobs here in New Hampshire with this second round of funding."

Founded in 2010, the Green Launching Pad is a strategic partnership of the University of New Hampshire and New Hampshire Office of Energy and Planning, with funding from the U.S. Department of Energy. The Green Launching Pad is focused on creating new energy-related jobs in the Granite State and broadening economic opportunities. The organization connects entrepreneurs and private industry with technical, scientific and business faculty, students and state-level resources to successfully launch and accelerate the growth of new green businesses. To learn more about the Green Launching Pad, visit www.GreenLaunchingPad.org

UNH is a leader in conserving energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and integrating sustainability throughout its curricula, operations, research, and engagement efforts. UNH has earned many accolades for its sustainability initiatives, including awards and recognition from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, Sustainable Endowments Institute, Sierra Club, Princeton Review, and Business NH Magazine. Highlights of its sustainability commitment include EcoLine™, an innovative landfill gas-to-energy project that will provide up to 85 percent of the university's energy needs; Green Launching Pad, partnership with the State of New Hampshire to bring green technologies to the marketplace; having the largest transit system in the state; being the first in the nation to receive an EPA Energy Star building rating for residence halls; a new EcoGastronomy dual major; a graduate certificate in sustainability politics and policy; and innovative research and engagement efforts like Carbon Solutions New England and the NH Farm to School program.

The University of New Hampshire, founded in 1866, is a world-class public research university with the feel of a New England liberal arts college. A land, sea, and space-grant university, UNH is the state's flagship public institution, enrolling more than 12,200 undergraduate and 2,200 graduate students.

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