History

In 2002, the Wisconsin Department of Administration (WDOA) recognized the need for a new type of non-profit organization to help entrepreneurs with energy efficiency technologies get them commercialized. As a result, the Center for Technology Transfer, Inc. was founded, and by March of 2004 became a fully staffed organization.  Shortly thereafter, the Center for Technology Transfer was granted 501(C)(3) status.

The term "cleantech" is now widely used to describe technologies that improve productivity and efficiency while reducing energy costs or pollution. The cleantech concept can apply to any number of industries or operations from manufacturing to transportation to agriculture to water management.

In June of 2006 the Center for Technology Transfer changed its name to CleanTech Partners, Inc (CTP). This name change better reflects CTP's mission of facilitating and funding innovative, energy saving technologies,.

Emphasis

While open to inquiries for any energy saving initiative (including renewable energy) that will benefit Wisconsin, CTP focuses its efforts on the state's most energy intensive industry clusters:

  • forest products
  • metal casting
  • food processing
  • printing
  • plastics

Mission

The mission of CTP is to help businesses implement new and emerging technologies that help Wisconsin save energy.  This includes businesses with technology ready for commercialization, business with commercialized technology that is not currently offered in Wisconsin and certain renewable energy projects.

Technology Investment

CTP's technology investment funds are aimed at companies with technologies that will have a significant impact on energy use in Wisconsin, with an emphasis on those in the forest products (paper), metal casting, food processing, printing and plastics industries.  Businesses that have technology ready for commercialization, as well as business with commercialized technology that is not currently offered in Wisconsin, are especially encouraged to contact CTP.

Value

CTP is unique due to its ability to provide capital in the form of loans or equity to companies not typically served by traditional financial resources.  This capital, coupled with CTP's technical, business and financial expertise can help bridge the gaps preventing the adoption and commercialization of new technology. CTP mentors its investment partners along their commercialization path and helps them to leverage state, federal and other private resources.  CTP also helps its partners identify and apply for appropriate state and federal grants that will facilitate meeting strategic business goals. 

Credentials

CTP has a staff of six professionals and is capable of completing comprehensive business and technical due-diligence on a wide variety of business opportunities.  Staff expertise includes: entrepreneurship, commercial banking and venture investment, economic development, executive management, professional engineering, manufacturing engineering, agricultural economics and PhD's in chemistry and microbiology.  In addition, four of CTP's staff have been entrepreneurs: starting, securing financing and running their own businesses.

To learn more about CTP Staff, please visit our biographies page.