Top cities for clean technology incubation
As interest grows in developing solar and wind power technology, alternative fuels and “green” buildings, some cities are doing more than others to encourage investment in environmentally friendly businesses. San Francisco-based SustainLane Government recently researched the top five cities for “Cleantech incubation clusters,” where the public and private sectors are supporting research in low-emission or emission-free energy production and environmentally friendly products.
According to SustainLane, abundant start-up venture capital, a network of investors, collaboration with academic or federal laboratories, and active state or local participation and incentives are needed to form a cleantech incubation cluster. Based on those factors, the group identified Austin, Texas, as the strongest supporter for new businesses through its Clean Energy Incubator program. San Jose, Berkeley and Pasadena — all in California — and Boston also topped the list.