Mankato hosts international and local bioenergy companies in search of deal flow and market creation
Ames, Iowa (September 17, 2008) — Robert C. Brown is speaking at the International Bioenergy Days (IBED) traveling congress Sept. 28 – Oct. 3, 2008. Appearing for the first time in the U.S., IBED is an innovative congress designed to jump-start bioenergy commercialization and technology transfer initiatives between the U.S. and Sweden.
The congress begins at Minnesota State University, Mankato with exciting presentations from Will Steger and international experts in bioenergy programs. Through a unique company matchmaking system, demonstration of European bioheat technology not yet available in the U.S., and study tours, the congress aims to address the next generations of technology in numerous areas of biomass energy and renewable alternatives. The exhibit hall features more than 60 organizations and companies from Sweden, Norway, Ireland, and the U.S.
“IBED is about deal flow and market creation,” said Dale Wahlstrom, CEO of BioBusiness Alliance of Minnesota. “Sweden has perfected the company and community matchmaking process to create business relationships that have immediate applicability and mutual economic and social benefit. This congress dramatically speeds up the commercialization process and will likely result in realistic implementation strategies for communities and growth of new markets for clean and green product manufacturers.”
Technology demonstrations at the congress and the Oct. 1‐3 study tours throughout Minnesota will show participants examples of how the technology is applied. “IBED is not a traditional conference, it is a traveling conference. We are trying to highlight Minnesota as a state and to do so, participants of the conference need to see the state and view the different assets and companies that are leading Minnesota in our renewable energy efforts,” explained Bob Ryan, 2008 IBED Conference Chairman.
Additionally, on Sept. 29 Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak and St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman are inviting community leaders to a bioenergy community best practices workshop to learn from experts and each other on how to implement clean and green policies. Contact Amy Johnson to register for the community session (ajohnson
biobusinessalliance.org).
We are honored to host IBED, especially as it connects our exciting applied research work with the International Renewable Energy Technology Institute (IRETI),” commented John Frey, Director for Business and Industry Partnerships, Minnesota State University, Mankato. IBED was established through a larger Sweden‐U.S.
technology transfer system that includes IRETI, the institute awarded to Minnesota in April. The goal of IRETI is to encourage the exchange of ideas and technologies in renewable energy and energy efficiency between Sweden and the U.S.
To register for the conference or to find out more information on IBED, go to www.bioenergydays.com or contact info@bioenergydays.com.