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Connecticut Innovations News:
We've Gone Live - New and Improved CI Website Launched This Month
CI Anticipates Q1 2007 Introduction of New Pre-Seed/Seed Program
Portfolio Company Spotlight: Environmental Energy Services, Inc. (EES)
Achillion Pharmaceuticals Completes Initial Public Offering
CI Reaches out to University/College Tech Transfer Offices in Metro-New York Area - Hosts Meeting at Yale Club of New York
Three CI Portfolio Companies Receive Largest Venture Capital Investments in Connecticut in Q2 2006
Over 600 Attend Alliance for Connecticut Technology Event
Staff Spotlight: Julie Rader
CI has a new look. So does CCEF. Earlier this month, CI launched its newly enhanced website located at: www.ctinnovations.com. On the recently launched site, we have combined what were previously two separate websites for CI and CCEF. The new site also features:
- Expanded and updated information;
- User-friendly and improved navigation;
- Easy access to program information;
- Downloadable applications;
- Information regarding the legislative mandate, vision, mission, governance, strategic goals, application procedures and review processes for CI and CCEF;
- And more…
Please take a moment to visit our site. Also, please note that the CCEF portion of the site may be accessed either through www.ctinnovations.com or directly through www.ctcleanenergy.com.
CI is busily working to shape a new, $3 million pre-seed/seed program that will assist entrepreneurs as they take their first steps toward establishing new high-technology businesses. The program will offer a blend of support services and funding for such companies. Companies that are successfully launched through the program would then be able to explore funding opportunities through other CI initiatives, like the Eli Whitney Fund, which provides equity investments to early-stage high-tech companies demonstrating potential for significant growth.
 One of CI's newest portfolio companies, Environmental Energy Services, Inc. (EES) of Sandy Hook, is providing combustion and emissions solutions for utilities and industries worldwide. Its clients are operators of large boilers that burn coal or oil, and its goal is to make combustion more efficient and cleaner.
Pauline Murphy (far right), CI director of investments, stands with Tanya Truax, assistant vice president of marketing and public relations manager for Newtown Savings Bank, Michael Yao, vice president, Newtown Savings Bank, and Richard Nowak, president of Environmental Energy Services at the EES open house.
A leader in the field of combustion improvement and emissions reductions, EES offers its clients a variety of innovative products and services including: performance chemical additives, advanced turn-key equipment, engineering services and diagnostics testing programs. EES uses its Proactive Combustion and Emissions Solutions (PROCESS) approach to assess each combustion system with unique diagnostic tests and thereby specifies an appropriate treatment approach to solve specific operational and environmental objectives of its customers. EES works closely with its customers to ensure that combustion processes are continually optimized.
By applying a solid scientific and technical base in fuel chemistry and combustion in large-scale boilers, EES is working to define the future of efficient treatment programs tailored to enhance operations, reduce maintenance and decrease emissions of detrimental pollutants.
Through the Eli Whitney Fund, CI invested $1 million in EES last summer to enhance the company's research efforts and market outreach activities.
 CI portfolio company Achillion Pharmaceuticals in early November completed an initial public offering, raising net proceeds of $55.3 million. The company's shares trade on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol "ACHN."
Achillion is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of innovative treatments for infectious diseases. Achillion is currently developing treatments for HIV infection, chronic hepatitis C infection and serious hospital-based bacterial infections. www.achillion.com
On October 30, CI hosted a luncheon and informational meeting in midtown Manhattan for representatives of university and college technology transfer offices in New York and northern New Jersey. Eleven universities and colleges sent eighteen representatives from their technology transfer offices to hear about CI's various funds for technology investment as well as CI's criteria for investing at various stages.
The schools represent medicine, dentistry and various engineering disciplines and, to date, have submitted 43 licensable technologies for CI's review and consideration.
CI was represented by President and CEO Frank Dinucci and the six Deal Team members. Also invited were Connecticut United for Research Excellence (CURE) President Paul Pescatello and Connecticut Venture Group (CVG) Executive Director Mike Roer.
According to PricewaterhouseCoopers' National Venture Capital Association MoneyTree Report for Connecticut for second quarter 2006, the largest investments in Connecticut went to three CI portfolio companies: Rib-X Pharmaceuticals, Inc., of New Haven, CiDRA Corporation of Wallingford, and Achillion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., of New Haven. In aggregate, the companies received nearly $90 million in investment funding.
 There was a strong showing for this year's Alliance for Connecticut Technology Innovation Day and Award Dinner, held Thursday, October 19 at the Connecticut Convention Center. The event brought together over 600 members of Connecticut's technology community.
The event featured workshops, organizational meetings, special interest meetings, exhibits, a networking reception and an award dinner. Included in the day's activities were the Innovation Fair, Mini-MEDi 2006, the Innovations Pipeline Accelerator, an SBIR Workshop and the Early Stage Venture Forum.
At the dinner, awards were presented to the following individuals and organizations:
| State of Connecticut Medal of Technology |
Gene Banucci, Ph.D. Chairman and Founder, ATMI |
| BEACON Medical Technology Award |
CyberKnife® Center at St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center
Hartford |
| Connecticut Innovations Outstanding Portfolio Company Award |
Perimeter Internetworking
Milford |
| Connecticut Technology Council Innovation Excellence Award |
Sonalysts, Inc.
Waterford |
Connecticut Venture Group
Leadership Award |
Ginger More
Oak Investment Partners (retired) |
CURE Award for
Excellence |
454 Life Sciences
Branford |
Left to right: William Stwalley, Ph.D., winner of 2005 Medal of Science; Gene Banucci, Ph.D., winner of 2006 Medal of Technology; Anthony DeMaria, Ph.D., winner of 2004 Medal of Technology.
CI President and Executive Director Frank Dinucci presents Andrew Greenawalt, Founder and Chief Technology Officer of Perimeter Internetworking, the Connecticut Innovations Outstanding Portfolio Company Award for 2006.
 If you are seeking an investment from CI or wish to participate in one of CI's programs, chances are that you will speak with Julie Rader, CI's director of business investments and analysis. Julie fields incoming inquiries - from companies, institutions and individuals - conducting initial screening and directing those seeking assistance to the appropriate CI initiative or initiatives. As the individual who maintains technology-related information resources for CI, she is also responsible for assisting the investment team with due diligence. And she tracks progress on potential investment clients.
Having been with CI for thirteen years, Julie is well versed in CI's programs and application procedures.
Prior to joining CI, Julie worked as a media specialist in the Connecticut school system and also worked in public libraries. Julie attended Southern Connecticut State University and earned her bachelor of arts degree from the College of St. Theresa.
Commenting on her experiences at CI, "From day one, it has been exciting to be a part of cutting-edge technologies in the entrepreneurial world."
 Frank Dinucci, president and executive director of CI, presents an update of Connecticut's technology sector and the State's innovative programs to support technology growth at the 12th Annual Team Connecticut Rally on December 5, 2006.
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Connecticut Clean Energy Fund News:
CCEF and SmartPower Win National Award
RFP Reissued for Round 2 of Project 100
CCEF Boosts Funding for, Modifies On-site Renewable DG Program
"Go Ahead" Given for Affordable Housing DG Pilot Program
Global Interest Expressed in Activities of CI and CCEF
Five Towns Receive Clean Energy Grants from CCEF
Newtown and Bethany Earn Designation of Connecticut Clean Energy Community
Four Towns Commit to 20% by 2010
Town of Fairfield Unveils Solar Electric System Awarded under the Connecticut Clean Energy Communities Program
Bethany "Votes" for Clean Energy - Successfully Uses CCEF Micro-grant to Secure Clean Energy Signups
Boy Scout Troop in Portland Takes Action
Staff Spotlight: Patrick O'Neill
On December 4, CCEF and SmartPower were jointly named as the winners of the prestigious national 2006 Green Power Pilot Award. The award was presented in San Francisco, California, before an audience of approximately 500, during the Green Power Leadership Awards ceremony at the Eleventh National Green Power Marketing Conference: "Renewables on the Rise - Market Momentum, Development and Innovation." This premier conference was organized by the U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Center for Resource Solutions. Each year, its Leadership Awards recognize green power marketers, suppliers and individuals whose efforts are advancing the marketplace for renewable energy.
 Bryan Garcia (far left) and Brian Keane (third from left) receive the Green Power Pilot Award from the EPA, DOE, and Center for Resource Solutions.
The Green Power Pilot Award is presented to recognize cutting-edge outreach efforts by an individual or organization to boost interest in green power within specific sectors. CCEF and SmartPower were selected as joint recipients of this award for their innovative outreach initiative in Connecticut - through the CTCleanEnergyOptions program and the Connecticut Clean Energy Communities Program.
"The Connecticut Clean Energy Communities Program is helping local leaders recognize the important role of clean energy in providing solutions to our growing energy concerns," said Frank A. Dinucci, president and executive director of Connecticut Innovations, Incorporated. "An award that distinguishes the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund as a premier organization in this country confirms that we have made some remarkable contributions in advancing innovative programs and bringing them to the market in an effective way."
On November 28, CCEF reissued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Round 2 of Project 100 an initiative promoting the development and deployment of Class I renewable energy resources. The reissuance came after the Department of Public Utility Control's (DPUC's) approval, on November 22, of the revised electricity purchase agreement, including revised pricing options as well as RFP-related documents. Some noted changes in the reissued RFP pertain to pricing options, pricing information requested from the applicant, and timetable of the review process.
In Round 2 of Project 100, CCEF seeks up to 85 megawatts of clean renewable energy generating projects in Connecticut.
Those parties interested in participating under Project 100 are required to complete a proposal consistent with the new RFP document and submit it by December 20, 2006. Interested parties may access the RFP at www.ctinnovations.com/funding/ccef/project_100.php. Anyone with questions or requests for clarification may write to CCEF or e-mail their questions to cefinfo@ctinnovations.com.
At its meeting on October 23, the Clean Energy Advisory Committee approved a number of changes to CCEF's On-site Renewable DG Program, including an increase in funding. The On-site Renewable DG Program offers financial support to encourage the installation of behind-the-meter clean energy generation technology at commercial, industrial and institutional facilities in Connecticut.
As a result of strong demand for funding through the On-site Renewable DG Program, $11.75 million in new funding was added to the program, raising the total program funding to $32.75 million. This allocation is designed to fund the program through 2008.
Other approved program modifications included:
- An increase in the maximum subsidy per project from $2 million to $4 million;
- An increase in the premium available to projects located in southwestern Connecticut from 1¢/kWh to 2¢/kWh for solar PV projects and 1.5¢/kWh for projects involving other clean energy technologies; and
- The institution of grants of up to $50,000 per installation to support site-specific technical and financial feasibility studies.
For more information regarding the On-site Renewable DG Program, please visit the CCEF website at www.ctcleanenergy.com.
At its November 20 meeting, the Clean Energy Committee approved plans for a one-year Affordable Housing DG Pilot Program that would be funded by a previously approved allocation of up to $200,000 and launched on January 2, 2007.
The Affordable Housing DG Pilot Program is being created to help stimulate interest in, and demand for, renewable energy projects in affordable housing facilities, thereby enabling low- and moderate-income people to enjoy the environmental benefits and cost savings made possible by clean energy systems.
Working closely with the Connecticut Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) and Habitat for Humanity, CCEF will identify at least three single-family residences and one multi-family development to participate in the pilot program. These are likely to be new construction projects. Under the pilot, the CCEF will approve grant funding to help defray the cost of installing solar PV installations that will generate Class I renewable energy at the identified sites. Based on the "lessons learned" from the pilot, CCEF will launch a formal program with additional funding allocations.
Objectives of the pilot initiative include:
- Establishing grant eligibility guidelines;
- Integrating energy efficiency measures;
- Developing procedures to market the program effectively;
- Increasing developers' awareness of the availability and benefits of clean energy options for affordable housing units that are under development; and
- Reducing and stabilizing operating costs for tenants living in affordable housing.
Delegations from Argentina and Sweden Visit CI
Connecticut's global leadership in promoting clean energy was underscored in late October when an official delegation from Argentina traveled to the state to learn about energy initiatives being conducted by CI through its Connecticut Clean Energy Fund.
The delegation, visiting from Argentina's Patagonia Region, included the federal agency policy coordinator for the region; a state governor; the president of the legislature and chairman of the Energy Committee for one of the three states that make up the region; and a state director of energy. The group came to Connecticut to learn about Connecticut's clean energy policy initiatives and how CI assists in the development and promotion of fuel cells and other clean energy technologies in Connecticut.
At the meeting, hosted by CI, presentations were made by representatives from CI, the Connecticut Development Authority, the Department of Economic and Community Development and the Department of Public Utility Control. These organizations discussed Connecticut's energy initiatives, business incentives and other state policies supporting economic development and clean energy development.
Also in late October, CI hosted a visiting delegation from Sweden. The delegation had requested a meeting with CI staff to learn about CI's technology investment activities and CI programs aimed at developing and promoting clean energy.
 The 11-member Swedish delegation consisted of representatives from the Swedish Energy Agency, Swedish Academy of Engineering Science, Swedish Industrial Fund, and Swedish Embassy in Washington, D.C. Delegation members met with select CI staff members including two representatives from CCEF.
This delegation's visit, like that of the Argentine delegation, demonstrates that CI and CCEF initiatives are setting an example, not just for other states, but for other governmental organizations worldwide.
CCEF Speakers Participate in Conferences in Germany and France
This fall, CCEF President Lise Dondy was invited to be a speaker at the Forum on Sustainable Energy Public Finance Instruments in Paris, France, an event organized and paid for by the United Nations Environment Programme Sustainable Energy Finance Initiative (UNEP SEFI). In cooperation with the Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA), she spoke to a delegation of 11 European countries about the value of a national states alliance to exchange best practices, leverage funding by sponsoring research on joint issues and joint work to leverage federal funding. The UN is encouraging a similar organization in Europe.
Also, in late September, CCEF Director of Energy Market Initiatives Bryan Garcia participated as a speaker at the international energy congress KyotoPlus: Escaping the Climate Trap and related events in Berlin, Germany. He was the invited guest of the Heinrich Boll Foundation and was participating as part of a delegation of four invited states, including Connecticut, California, Massachusetts and Oregon. At the conference, Bryan shared his insights about Connecticut's experiences with communities advancing clean energy.
In October and November, CCEF presented five towns - Essex, Harwinton, Meriden, West Hartford and Wethersfield - with block grants of $5,000 apiece to help their communities support local clean energy awareness and education projects through micro-grants. The CCEF program through which the grants were provided is known as the Community Innovations Grants Program. Under the program, the first 40 Connecticut cities and towns that have committed to SmartPower's 20% by 2010 clean energy campaign are being offered the block grants by CCEF.
Earlier this month, Newtown and Bethany became the newest additions to a growing list of Connecticut Clean Energy Communities, raising the number of such communities to 14. The towns earned this designation by first committing to purchase at least 20% of their electricity needs from clean and renewable sources by the year 2010 and then successfully registering at least 100 residents or a large business to make the switch to clean energy through the CTCleanEnergyOptions Program. In accordance with the Connecticut Clean Energy Communities Program, these two municipalities are now eligible to receive a solar PV system from CCEF.
Visit www.ctcleanenergy.com/communities for additional information regarding the Connecticut Clean Energy Communities Program, and the CTCleanEnergyOptions Program.
Since July, four additional Connecticut towns have committed to purchasing at least 20% of their electricity needs from clean and renewable sources by the year 2010: Meriden, Middlefield, Newtown and Norfolk. This brings the total number of 20% by 2010 towns in Connecticut to 30. Under the 20% by 2010 clean energy campaign promoted by SmartPower, cities and towns are encouraged to power their municipal buildings and facilities with clean energy.
Visit www.ctcleanenergy.com/communities for additional information regarding the 20% by 2010 clean energy campaign and other programs for communities.
 On October 30, CCEF, the Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC), SmartPower and the Town of Fairfield hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil a 2-kilowatt solar photovoltaic (PV) system installed at Fairfield Woods Middle School.
Fairfield was the third Connecticut community to qualify for and install a CCEF-provided solar PV system. In order to earn a solar PV system from CCEF, cities and towns must first become Connecticut Clean Energy Communities.
Bethany, a rural community located midway between New Haven and Waterbury, made the commitment in August of 2005 to purchase at least 20% of its municipal energy from clean energy resources. However, the town wished to go one step further and earn a solar PV system from CCEF for its town recreation center. To accomplish this, it needed to generate at least 100 sign ups for clean energy and become a Connecticut Clean Energy Community. The challenge Bethany faced was how to secure the signups.
What made the difference was a micro-grant secured through CCEF's Community Innovations Grants Program in August of 2006. The micro-grant enabled the Bethany Clean Energy Task Force to undertake clean energy promotional activities at a number of local events. Information tables - featuring clean energy literature, demonstrations and handouts - were set up at Bethany Family Day, the Senior Citizen Fair, and the Town Business Tax Abatement Meeting, as well as at the voting site for Election Day. With the assistance of students in the Amity High School Global Warming Club, the town garnered over one-third of the required 100 clean energy signups - including the 100th signup - outside the voting booths on Election Day. This was the highest number of signups generated from any single event.
As a result, Bethany was dubbed a Connecticut Clean Energy Community and will now be able to install a solar PV system on its town recreation center.
 Boy Scout Troop 2 of Portland is leading the way in clean energy promotion. It was the first recipient of a micro-grant under CCEF's Community Innovations Grants Program, a program that supports local grassroots projects promoting clean energy. Over a two-and-a-half-month period, from August through mid-October of 2006, the troop set out to convince as many homeowners as possible to purchase clean energy through the CTCleanEnergyOptions program. According to the scouts' grant proposal, approved by Portland's Clean Energy Task Force, the troop would earn $10 per clean energy signup during the grant period.
To secure as many signups as possible, the scouts staffed a clean energy information table at two local events. There they explained the benefits of clean energy and encouraged attendees to sign up for clean energy through the CTCleanEnergyOptions program. They received credit for the signup of 55 new clean energy customers, bringing the total micro-grant earned to $550.
The troop also hopes to advance clean energy potentially through the use of solar energy to power an emergency communications system that the scouts wish to purchase. The scouts would be trained on the use of such a system and could offer their services to the town in the event of an emergency. Ultimately, the troop intends to make a proposal to the town to utilize one or more solar panels to power the communication system. The $550 micro-grant they earned will be used to defray a portion of the $2,000 cost of purchasing shortwave radios and associated equipment for such a system.
Through these activities, Boy Scout Troop 2 in Portland has taken action - in both clean energy promotion and emergency preparedness.
 Patrick O'Neill, a licensed engineer, joined the CCEF team in February of 2006, bringing with him eleven years of power engineering and project management experience. He currently serves as a project manager for CCEF's On-site Renewable DG Program and Project 100. In this capacity, Patrick evaluates the technical and financial feasibility of proposed projects and assesses whether or not the projects make good business sense for the applicants and provide value to Connecticut ratepayers.
"I have been with the Fund for about 10 months, and it has been a great experience. From the start, I was impressed with the depth and breadth of experience of my colleagues," said Patrick, commenting on his initial months on the CCEF team. Patrick continued, "I hope that my contributions on the technical and project management side will help the Fund install as much renewable energy capacity as possible in the state in the years to come."
Prior to joining Connecticut Innovations, Patrick worked for UTC Power in a number of roles including PureCycle installation lead, installation project manager, test engineer and component engineer. Earlier in his career, he worked as a project engineer for Duke Engineering and Services (now Areva NP Inc.) and Yankee Atomic Electric Corporation.
Patrick holds a bachelor of science degree in nuclear engineering from the University of Massachusetts at Lowell; a master's degree in mechanical engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute; and a professional engineer's license from the State of Connecticut. Additionally, Patrick is pursuing a master's degree in business administration at New York University's Stern School of Business.
 A team of students from E.O. Smith High School in Storrs placed third in the 2006 Hydrogen Fuel Cell Model Car Challenge and Workshop held at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston on November 27.
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