As part of its drive to grow its Clean Tech sector, the Isle of Man Government, in conjunction with the Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce and energy networking service UbrainTV, will be hosting the inaugural UbrainTV 1st Anniversary Conference and Energy Tech Awards 2011 on the 10th October on the Isle of Man. A number of ‘green’ businesses from Japan are looking to expand globally and the conference and awards will showcase the Isle of Man as a centre of excellence for R&D, innovation and financial services. The Island is committed to growing its Clean Tech sector and just last month, launched a 0% Green Business Loan Scheme, designed to help businesses operating on the Isle of Man lower energy costs as well as increase overall operational efficiency. The event will be held at the Villa Marina in Douglas and will mark the Japanese company’s first anniversary. The conference will host guest speakers from the UK and Japan including distinguished professors, leaders in the not-for-profit sector and developers of renewable technologies such as world renowned biofuel producer, Revo International. The conference programme will focus on the current status and future plans for clean energy from Japan and will include a lecture on Next Generation Energy from Japan by Dr.Yuzuru Ashida, Professor Emeritus of Kyoto University. The award ceremony is designed to recognise pioneering, sustainable technology which has recently been brought to market, as well as an innovative environmental project which has engaged a local community and contributed to a more sustainable future. Minister for Economic Development, Allan Bell commented: ‘It is fantastic that we are able welcome UbrainTV to the Island and to play host to the inaugural conference and awards ceremony. The decision to host the conference on the Isle of Man demonstrates the Government’s commitment to embracing and encouraging new technologies and innovation.’ Isle of Man Department Member for Economic Development, Alex Downie, OBE, MLC said: ‘The Clean Tech sector on the Island is growing rapidly with over 100 businesses currently active. Significant future growth is expected and the Ubrain TV first anniversary conference and Energy Tech Awards is certainly a great boost for the Island.’ Dr Ken Milne, senior manager for energy policy, added: ‘This event is the perfect opportunity for the Island to demonstrate to international businesses why it is an ideal location to trial technology whilst also offering protection to intellectual property generated by businesses. We are very excited by the collaboration with UbrainTV and look forward to exploring further opportunities to work with companies across the globe , cementing the Isle of Man’s position as a world centre for cleantech business.’ Web: http://www.gov.im/ded/Energy/cleantechwelcome.xml ENDS