GLEQ hosted its Statewide Business Plan Competition Award Ceremony on Thursday, June 10, 2010 with partner organizations Automation Alley, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, and the Michigan SmartZones, at the University Club on the Michigan State University campus.

The event culminated in the presentation of the $100,000 SmartZone Award, sponsored by the Michigan SmartZones and funded through the Michigan Pre-Seed Capital Fund, administered by Ann Arbor SPARK. The award was presented to Lansing-based InPore Technologies by Skip Simms, vice president, entrepreneurial business development at Ann Arbor SPARK and managing director of the Michigan Pre-Seed Capital Fund program. The award was received by Gerald Roston, PhD, president.

InPore Technologies is a start-up company founded by Thomas Pinnavaia, PhD, professor of chemistry at Michigan State University. The company is working on a specialized nanomaterial Silapor™ particles that provide property enhancements that can be used to save energy in the production of chemicals and to strengthen materials for auto parts, wind turbine blades and other products.

The $25,000 GLEQ Grand Prize Award in the Emerging Company category was presented to Advanced Battery Concepts, LLC, of Midland. The award was presented to Dr. Edward Shaffer, founding partner. The company was coached by Aaron Oberlin. Advanced Battery Concepts has developed battery electrode technology which enables dramatic improvements in battery performance. The introduction of this technology in the lead-acid battery market generates significant cost and weight benefits resulting in improved feasibility for battery use in electric vehicles and on-grid, peak-power management for alternative energy sources

The Runner Up Award of $5,000 in the Emerging Company category was captured by Ypsilanti-based RealKidz, Inc. and was presented to Merrill Guerra, founder and CEO. RealKidz addresses the issue of childhood obesity through a unique two-pronged approach of providing clothing to plus-size children and an on-line social network for parents that offers support in incorporating healthy lifestyle choices.