Second Consecutive Clean Energy Challenge Finalist Wins National Competition

Chicago – June XX, 2013 – The Clean Energy Trust congratulates SiNode Systems, which won first place in the 2013 U.S. Department of Energy National Clean Energy Business Plan Competition. SiNode Systems, a finalist in Clean Energy Trust's 2012 Clean Energy Challenge, earned a spot at the national competition after winning the 2013 Rice Business Plan Competition.

"SiNode's game-changing battery technology will change the way we use cell phones, computers and even electric cars," said Amy Francetic, CEO of Clean Energy Trust. "We are enormously gratified that we could help advance such a dynamic and creative company since its initial formation through the 2012 Challenge."

SiNode, a cleantech startup from Northwestern University, is commercializing an anode for lithium-ion batteries that allows the battery to charge more quickly and hold a charge 10 times longer than current technology. SiNode's anode could greatly enhance battery life for electric vehicles and smartphones. The startup won first prize and more than $800,000 at the 2013 Rice Business Plan Competition

"These wins validate the Midwest's clean energy ecosystem and demonstrate its ability to launch viable businesses with homegrown technology from our world-class research institutions," Francetic said. "We are thrilled to have a Clean Energy Trust company win the national title two years in a row."

The 2013 National Clean Energy Business Plan Competition welcomed applications from student clean energy businesses from across the country. The Department of Energy awarded six $100,000 grants through the regional clean energy competitions and more than $100,000 in cash and services for the national grand prize winner.

About Clean Energy Trust:

The Clean Energy Trust was founded by prominent business and civic leaders to accelerate the pace of clean energy innovation and commercialization in the Midwest. The trust is supported by grants from the U.S. Department of Energy, the Small Business Administration and donations from more than 60 investors, corporations, universities, foundations and trade groups. For more information, visit www.cleanenergytrust.org.