Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers provided more information about its green technology initiative. It said it has invested in a total of nine green technology startups. Most recently, it said in April, it participated in the funding of Altra Inc., a biofuels startup that is in the process of acquiring California's largest ethanol plant. The firm previously announced investments in Lilliputian Systems, a producer of micro fuel cells for portable and wireless devices, and Miasole, a maker of flexible, low-cost photovoltaic cells for large-scale solar energy. Six other Kleiner-funded Green ventures are in stealth mode.

More information about the Altra investment came during Kleiner's Greentech Innovation Network event, which is a gathering in San Francisco of 50 scientists, policymakers and scientists involved in green technology. Citing the power of prizes such as the Nobel Prize and the Pritzker Prize, Kleiner general partner John Doerr said for the first time the firm would fund a $100,000 annual prize for the greatest innovator around green technology. Five independent judges will award the prize each year.

Doerr said that nine of the firm's 19 partners are involved in the firm's green initiative. He added that Kleiner may increase the size of its $100 million green tech fund to $150 million.

If you still don't believe that Kleiner Perkins is committed to green technology, it's time to reconsider.

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