Clean Tech Experts, Entrepreneurs and Policy Makers Discuss Current Trends and the Future of Transportation

Clean Tech Open Transportation Symposium Thursday, October 9, 2008 at UCLA, Los Angeles

Over 150 clean tech enthusiasts, industry experts, policy makers, venture capitalists and Clean Tech Open contestants and alumni will gather this evening for a symposium at Tom Bradley International Hall on the campus of UCLA to address the current challenges and changing future of the transportation industry. Sponsored by Lexus, with venue sponsorshop by the UCLA Vice Chancellor for Research, the transportation symposium creates an event that melds industry and academic perspectives on the automotive industry.

The evening will open with a keynote from Paul Williamsen, National Manager of Lexus College and the University of Toyota, a subsidiary of Toyota U.S.A., on the changing face of transportation and the difficult decisions that transportation consumers face in light of rising gas prices, air pollution, and traffic congestion. A panel will immediately follow, moderated by Jack Rosebro of Green Car Congress, a new source for timely, high-quality editorial about the full spectrum of energy options, technologies, products, issues and policies related to sustainable mobility. Panelists include Sean Arian, Director of Economic Development Strategy for the Los Angeles Mayor's Office; Kimberly Gardiner of Toyota Motor Sales; Robb McLarty, Partner at clean tech investing pioneer NGEN; and two experienced entrepreneurs, Dale Hill, CEO and Founder of clean transportation solutions provider Proterra; and Josh Bigelow, CEO of Syncromatics, creators of a fully integrated bus tracking, analysis and passenger information system and the 2007 Clean Tech Open Transportation Winner.

"Syncromatics' route analytics and passenger counting technologies have been deployed in 13 transit systems nationwide, consistently producing return on investment by balancing demand between riders and operators through empirical data," said Bigelow. "Our technologies have been recognized by several customers including the University of California for substantially reducing cost and emissions while improving the image and utility of transit for riders."

As with all Clean Tech Open events, there will be a showcase of current Finalists and Alumni companies pertaining to the transportation sector with an additional exhibit from Proterra, who will be displaying their brand-new Hybrid-Electric bus. Refreshments will be served throughout the extensive networking time.

The symposium will be held Thursday, October 9, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Tom Bradley International Hall on the UCLA Campus in Los Angeles, Calif. The cost is $20 pre-registration, and $30 cash at the door. Contestants of the 2008 Clean Tech Open and students receive free admission. Visit www.CleanTechOpen.com for registration and additional information on the event.

About the Clean Tech Open:

Clean Tech Open is an innovation catalyst, helping great ideas become viable cleantech businesses. The core of Clean Tech Open are annual regional business plan competitions that help entrepreneurs and early stage companies creating clean, environmentally sustainable technologies go to market. Clean Tech Open provides contestants every resource possible, including support, education, expert mentoring, access to potential customers and funding sources, high profile events, press and publicity. In the process, Clean Tech Open has created a unique network of corporations, angel and venture capital firms, entrepreneurs, inventors, business professionals, universities, national and private labs, governmental agencies, and over 400 volunteers. To learn more, please visit: www.cleantechopen.com.

The Clean Tech Open is under the fiscal and administrative sponsorship of Acterra: Action for a Sustainable Earth, a California 501(c)3 non-profit public benefit corporation. Acterra is located at 3921 East Bayshore Road, Palo Alto, CA 94303-4303.