Arkansas Startup Silicon Solar Solutions Winner in North Central Regional CleanTech Open

Online, October 8, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Silicon Solar Solutions LLC was announced as a winner at the North Central CleanTech Open Gala held at Nicollet Island in downtown Minneapollis on Wednesday. The CleanTech Open is the world's largest clean-tech competition and has regional competitions that span the entire United States. Five regions held competitions to select the best three teams to send to the finals in in November to compete for a grand prize of $250,000 in cash and in-kind prizes. The North Central region had over 50 entrants that went through a rigorous judging process to select the top three business ventures.

Over the last three months, the teams went through a rigorous accelerator program in which they were paired with mentors from their respective industries and the investment communities. The goal of these activities was to refine their business plan and investment pitch to enhance their chances of raising capital.

Silicon Solar Solutions, represented by CEO Douglas Hutchings and Senior Scientist Seth Shumate, won the regional competition which provides $30,000 in cash/services and secures a coveted spot in the national competition in November. This represents the first time an Arkansas based company has made it to the finals. "We very excited to be selected for this great opportunity and will try our best to bring the trophy, and investment, back to Arkansas," said Dr. Hutchings.