EarthClean Corp. was named the grand prize winner in the Minnesota Cup, an annual entrepreneurship competition.
The Minneapolis-based developer of a nontoxic gel to kill fires, beat out 1,000 applicants in the contest. EarthClean will receive $20,000 as the grand prize winner, in addition to the $20,000 it already won as a winner in the clean tech and renewable energy division.
"The winner always seems to have a 'wow' factor," said Doug Ramler, who was on the competition's grand prize review board. "Their idea was very innovative."
Ramler, a principal at law firm Gray Plant Mooty, said he was also impressed with the company's management, their presentation and a video that showed Earth Clean's product in use.
CEO Doug Ruth said the company is very excited about its win and plans to use the prize money toward sales and marketing. The company is in the process of fundraising.
"We hope investors will...recognize that innovation is alive and well in Minnesota," Ruth said.
