July 08, 2008

The Central Valley Business Incubator (CVBI) is accepting applications from businesses interested in developing new water and energy technologies at the Claude Laval Water and Energy Technology Incubator (WET Center) at California State University, Fresno.

The incubator, which houses five businesses, has two openings. Businesses work directly out of CVBI’s facilities, including a second location – the Launching Pad – at 1630 E. Shaw Ave.

Opened in March 2007, the WET Center is a partnership between CVBI and Fresno State’s International Center for Water Technology. It is housed in a building opened in 2006 on the Fresno State campus at Chestnut and Barstow avenues.

The program is designed to position Fresno State and the central San Joaquin Valley as world leaders in water and energy innovation and to develop businesses in the region that help the local economy.

Current incubator members are:

• OXYPRO, which is developing an oil additive that extends engine life and provides greater fuel efficiency and also a product that makes it possible for farmers to grown their own fuel for diesel-powered trucks and tractors.

• Golden State Enviro Pure Water, which is creating a marketing network to place pure-water distillation appliances in homes and businesses.

• Pure Sense Environmental, which is assembling a marketing team for a technology that reports real-time irrigation needs to farmers.

Those interested in the openings can apply by visiting www.cvbi.org. The application deadline is July 20.

The Web site also helps entrepreneurs determine their level of business readiness and links to CVBI’s range of services and programs designed to develop new businesses and sustain their early growth.