Clean Tech Road Show proves a success in USA

The Isle of Man is able to offer a Gateway to the European market for US businesses looking to expand.  The clean tech road show is sponsored by Caledonian Trust (IOM) Limited, Laurence Keenan Advocates Limited and ITM Power plc and the aim is to build on the success of the TT Zero motorcycle race and recent growth in the sector to attract further inward investment.

Laurence Skelly, Political Member with responsibility for clean tech, Dr Ken Milne, the Department of Economic Development’s Senior Manager for Energy Policy and Courtenay Heading, Advisor on Emerging Technologies for the Department, travelled to the USA, along with Dr Koen Matthys, who was a panel member for both USA events.  Dr Matthys is in the process of establishing his company, Komatti, on the Isle of Man and took the opportunity to use the road show to launch his new business.

They attended meetings with some of the most innovative organisations on the East and West coasts of America, including the Cambridge Innovation Center (CIC), home to more than 450 start ups from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) with investment of greater than 1.7 billion US dollars.  Meetings were also held with Foster City Council and Chamber of Commerce to discuss opportunities to build a strong relationship and explore synergies between the Isle of Man and Foster City.  There was also an opportunity to meet with San Francisco Bay area based Charles Adams, Chief Financial Officer for Isle of Man based Manna Energy Limited.

This was just the first of a series of events in the road show planned during September, October and November and the next locations the Department will be visiting are Edinburgh, Manchester, Lincoln and London.  Further details and registration is via the website at http://www.cleantechroadshow.im.

The events consisted of a presentation on the benefits of the Island for clean tech businesses; screenings of a one hour version of the TT Zero movie ‘Charge’, which is narrated by Ewan McGregor; and a panel question and answer session, followed by a networking opportunity. 

Laurence Skelly MHK, Political Member for the Department of Economic Development with responsibility for Clean Tech, explained:

‘I am pleased that the events went well. The USA is an important country with which to further develop business relationships and I am encouraged by the positive reaction to the Isle of Man by those who attended.  We highlighted the significance of the clean tech sector to the Island’s economy and explained its unique selling proposition to attract businesses, the key benefits being an ideal location to trial technology and to protect and maximise financial benefit from intellectual property.

‘The meetings were very productive and well received and I hope that they will lead to a good working relationship between both countries moving forward.’

Lennon Rodgers, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), stated:

‘We are delighted that the Isle of Man started their successful clean tech road show at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.  The event was well received and clearly demonstrated the Isle of Man’s commitment to innovation.  It was my great pleasure to visit the Island in 2011 and participate in the TT Zero race, which is serving as a catalyst for electric motorcycle technology.’

Sandra Georgeson, Managing Director, Caledonian Trust (IOM) Limited, said:

‘Caledonian is delighted to sponsor the Isle of Man Clean Tech road show.  Energy is vital to a modern economy and the Isle of Man is at the forefront of nurturing and promoting clean tech investment.  The innovative approach of the Isle of Man Government, together with the well developed business networks, flexible investment schemes and world-leading professional services support, means that the Isle of Man is an ideal base for those working to develop tomorrow’s clean tech solutions.’ 

Isle of Man businesses interested in participating in the road show should contact: