Rocky Mountain Cleantech Open semifinalists announced

eQsolaris Inc. of Los Alamos and Greenwall of Rio Rancho are among 15 Rocky Mountain region semifinalists in the annual Cleantech Open business competition.

The semifinalists were selected from 50 participating companies to represent the region in the Open – the world’s biggest clean technology business competition.

Three firms will go on to the national competition to compete for more than $1 million in cash prizes and services, including a grand prize valued at $250,000.

The semifinalists will receive a blend of mentoring, business training and an opportunity to win $30,0000 in funding and in-kind donations on a regional level, said Cleantech Open Executive Director Rex Northen in a news release.

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

In addition to the New Mexico companies, the semifinalists include firms from Colorado, Utah, Montana, Texas, Wyoming and Arizona.

eQsolaris is developing technologies to lower manufacturing costs for solar photovoltaic panels.

Greenwall offers a green alternative to traditional concrete walls. It’s made with lava aggregate, filler and cement to form a block.

Read the full story in the New Mexico Business Weekly.