The opening day of the
Austin
Clean Energy Venture Summit was fodder for those fearful of global
warming, with the temperature hovering at 95 degrees Monday afternoon. The
cloudless sky also nicely exhibited Austin, Texas’ abundant solar resources,
which, along with wind and biomass, are some of the reasons
Austin
Clean Energy Incubator director Joel Serface moved from Silicon Valley to
try to make Austin a third hub for clean energy startups. Judging by Boston’s
success, however, abundant solar power or nearby agriculture isn’t as
important as access to a crop of brilliant scientists.
Serface believes Austin’s existing infrastructure for semiconductor and
software companies, as well as its proximity to Houston’s oil and gas giants,
make it a great place for green startups to converge. The dearth of local
venture investors was a “sore spot,” he acknowledged, but added that
with time that could be overcome. With the three-day conference showcasing
cleantech startups attracting 400 participants to an event designed for 300,
he might be right.
—Stacey
Higginbotham
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