Region's collegians among finalists in statewide business plan contest

Twelve teams from the University of Nevada, Reno, Sierra Nevada College and Truckee Meadows Community College are finalists in the annual Donald W. Reynolds Governor's Cup Collegiate Business Plan Competition.

More than 90 collegiate teams entered the competition, which offers nearly $200,000 in cash prizes. Winners will be announced at an awards dinner and gala on April 22. It's sponsored by Nevada's Center for Entrepreneuership and Technology.

Northern Nevada finalists include:

* Biometric Recognition Inc., a UNR team that's developed a hand-based recognition and authentication system.

* Glyzen Technologies, a UNR team that created a process to remove waste generated from the biodiesel industry and converts them into clean energy sources and products such as glyceric acid.

* Sludge2Power, a UNR team that proposes design of power production facilities that utilize waste biosolids from wastewater treatment plants.

* Bioethanol Today, a UNR team that developed a business plan for production of bioethanol.

* Green Ethos, a TMCC team that proposes a a solar-powered evaporative water purification system.

* Innovative Protection Systems, a UNR team the advanced handheld devices to identify criminal suspects.

* Nevada Paper Fuels, a UNR team that developed an industrial process to convert waste paper into cellulosic ethanol.This process is green because it uses waste paper instead of corn to produce cellulosic ethanol.

* Outbox Records LLC, a UNR team that seeks to combine digital music sales, social networking and environmentally friendly products and services.

* Phoenix Recycling Solutions, a UNR team that seeks to supply recycled silicon concentrate and a cadmium-rich concentrates.

Finalists for the Lt. Governor's Award, which recognizes business plans in the fields of the environment and clean energy, include NOVAE Nanotechnology, a UNR team focused on development of carbon nanotubes; Postcom Energy, a SNC team that seeks to develop bio-fuel heating systems for homes; and SolAir, a UNR team that's developed solar heating and air conditioning systems.

The competition for the Lt. Governor's Award also includes Sludge2Power, Green Ethos, Nevada Paper Fuels and Bioethanol Today.