Company Information

July 2009

HealthySoil Named Semifinalist in California Clean Tech Open

HealthySoil (formerly “Highlands Soil & Water”) was named a Semifinalist in the “Air Water Waste” category of the 2009 California Clean Tech Open (www.cleantechopen.com), the world’s largest clean tech business competition. The semifinalists were selected from a talented pool of more than 150 clean tech entrepreneurs from across the state.

These teams will compete for six regional prizes of up to $50,000 in cash and in-kind services, with six of them advancing to compete at a national level for a grand prize of up to $250,000 in cash and services. Over the next few months, each team will receive expert coaching from the Clean Tech Open’s network of talented mentors, one-on-one consulting with specialists, an intensive business boot camp at the Clean Tech Accelerator, plus numerous supporting events, training and materials. Finally, they will develop a business plan and investor pitch, which they will present to professional investors and experts. The National Awards —the “Academy Awards of Clean Tech”— takes place in November.

“This year’s entries are more numerous and more innovative than ever,” said Rex Northen, executive director of the Clean Tech Open. “Semifinalists will receive help with everything from grant-writing to public relations – and the winners will walk away with a valuable ‘Startup in a Box’ of cash and services. We’re delighted to be promoting the success of such talented entrepreneurs.”

All told, the 2009 Clean Tech Open competition offers more than $1 million in total prizes, and with its “100K Jobs Challenge” aims to create 100,000 green-collar jobs in America by the end of 2015.

Clean Tech Open Press Release: http://www.cleantechopen.com/app.cgi/news/press_releases/7/view

About the Clean Tech Open

Clean Tech Open is a catalyst for clean tech innovation, and the impetus behind the Clean Tech Open’s 100K Jobs Challenge. A non-profit organization founded in 2006, it provides today’s clean tech innovators with the tools, training and connections they need to become tomorrow's viable clean tech businesses. The core of Clean Tech Open is an annual business competition, supported by expert volunteers and mentors, that provides entrepreneurs with the crucial business training, services and insights they need to go to market successfully. The Clean Tech Open has assisted over 120 companies raise more than $125 million in external funding, and has spurred the creation of hundreds of jobs in California. Fueled by a network of over 400 volunteers and sponsors, the Clean Tech Open unites the public and private sectors in a shared vision for making America's clean tech sector a thriving economic engine. Past alumni successes include Adura Technologies, Cool Earth Solar and GreenVolts. Please visit www.cleantechopen.com for more information.