Monday, September 20, 2010

Grow Utah Names Finalists In Energy Contest

Grow Utah Ventures announced Monday that it has selected seven companies in its latest competition, focused on responsible energy production. The group--which has been running a series of events to encourage entrepreneurship in Utah--said that the seven firms will compete for $43,000 in a combination of cash and consulting services in its Responsible Energy "Concept to Company" contest. The seven finalists include: Clay Park and Rob Gines; MAETEC; Aaron Gilcrist; Celestia; Paragon Automation; Mountain West Energy; and Hydrolum Energy. Park and Gines are working on a vessel for enclosing oil pipeline valves; MAETC develops offshore wind turbines; Gilchrist is developing hydroelectric power generation systems; and Celestia has a system for improving the flow of oil inside pipelines. Paragon Automation is focused on electronic pressure testing devices for oil pipelines; Mountain West Energy is working on devices to evaporate dirty production water form oil and gas fields; and Hyrdolum Energy is developing a membrane to extract hydrogen from saltwater.