Cleantech Forum Emerging Sectors: Next Generation Biofuels
The Prospects and Challenges of
Non Food Crop Energy
January 28th, 2009 | 6:00-9:00 PM | 4269 El Camino Real (Trader Vic's) | Palo Alto
Series Sponsor and Event Host: Morrison & Foerster
Series Sponsor: RoseRyan 
 

Morrison & Foerster, in conjunction with the VC Taskforce, is launching a six-part panel discussion series entitled Maximizing Returns in Emerging Cleantech Sectors: The Interplay of Regulation, Intellectual Property and Investment. The series will aim to achieve three simultaneous goals:

• Provide an in-depth view into emerging sectors of the Cleantech economy
• Elaborate areas for VC consideration in due-diligence with regard to each sector
• Highlight areas for business planning/strategy development for emerging companies in the space

The events, to help held every other month, will cover various topics in other emerging sectors in the burgeoning Cleantech market.

The format for this series will minimize formal presentations and highlight audience interaction. Each forum is designed to gather experts who will delve into the details about the technology, challenges and opportunities. Attendees will leave with practical knowledge that will help in their strategic development and decision-making. Come to one event, all six or any combination thereof. This is a great opportunity to meet, mingle with, and learn from the luminaries and leaders of these emerging sectors. 

Our Second Forum: Advanced Biofuels

The forum will host a panel of biofuel experts to discuss the promises and challenges of the scientific breakthroughs that are reshaping the biofuel industry.

With the development of second and third generation technology to convert plant-matter and non-food crops into fuels, the biofuels industry has quickly expanded beyond the "conventional" first generation biofuels made from sugar, starch, vegetable oil and animal fat. Second generation biofuels use biomass to liquid technology while third generation technologies convert algae into fuel.   

These ground breaking developments promises to overcome the inherent problems associated with using food crops for fuel, but as the panel will discuss, business models and supply chain issues still need to be ironed out before the prospects of advanced biofuels can be realized. Despite the challenges, investors are pouring money into second and third generation biofuels hoping to ride the wave of biofuel enthusiasm. What can we expect to come out of all this, and how will it effect you?  Come join us to find out! 

Moderator:
Michael Ward, Partner, Morrison & Foerster 

Panelists:
Jim Mullen, Partner, Morrison & Foerster
Michael Burnside, President & CEO, Catchlight Energy 
Will Coleman, Partner, Mohr Davidow Ventures 
Neal Gutterson, President & CEO, Mendel Biotechnology 

Agenda:
6:00 - 7:00 Registration, Networking, Buffet
7:00 - 8:00 Panel Discussion
8:00 - 8:30 Q&A
Enjoy hors d'oeuvres, wine and soft drinks

Location:
Trader Vic’s at Dinah’s Garden Hotel
4269 El Camino Real
Palo Alto, CA 94306

Registration Fee:
VC Taskforce Member $45
Affiliate Organization Member $65
General $85

Emerging Sectors in Cleantech Series Committee

Chair Person:
Ben Franks, Cleantech Practice Manager, Morrison & Foerster
Program Manager
Rose Mortilla, Vice President, Yes Partners