As we wrap up our focus on Cleantech, it’s good to see that the industry is still going strong. According to a study recently released by the Cleantech Group, a San Francisco research and strategy firm, investment in the industry continues to grow at a furious pace.
As reported today on Reuters.com,
Venture investments in environmentally focused “cleantech” companies rose to a record $2 billion in the second quarter, led by funding for solar-thermal and new biofuel technologies. That’s up 58 percent from the same period last year and 48 percent from the first quarter.
Solar-thermal technology, which uses the sun’s heat to create steam to power a turbine, attracted $278 million of venture capital during the quarter. That funding went to companies such as: BrightSource Energy, SkyFuel, Infinia and Sopogy, Cleantech Group said.
The excitement around cleantech is clearly growing around the world, as the upcoming conference in Denmark, COPENMIND, announced today that their exhibition spots for universities are full, and new applicants will be placed on a waitlist. COPENMIND provides a forum for institutions to present their cleantech innovations to companies and investors, creating a necessary interface between industry and the global research environment in this field.
Solar-thermal and new biofuel technologies can be considered best for long term investments as it holds exciting possibilities for growth.