Launch Client Solargystics Receives Ignite! Grant

TOLEDO, Ohio – A Launch client making strides in the alternative energy industry was
recently awarded grant funding to enhance its early-stage activities.
Solargystics Ltd., an early-stage developer of flexible solar panels, received a $50,000
grant through the Rocket Ventures Ignite! program. Formed in 2007, Solargystics is developing
an efficient, superior and lowest cost thin film product which can be offered as a buildingintegrated
photovoltaic product.

The Rocket Ventures Ignite! Development Grant provides funding to assist companies
with specific initiatives, ultimately enhancing their credibility in seeking further investment.
Solargystics became eligible for this grant by taking advantage of business assistance services
through the Launch program. As a client, the company received assistance in developing its
business plan, writing a proposal for a $1 million state of Ohio Third Frontier grant, and
successfully submitting an application for the state’s Technology Investment Tax program.

“The purpose of our Launch program is to not only provide essential business assistance
services to start-ups, but also to prepare these early-stage companies for future potential
investment funding,” said Tasha Hussain Black, director of Launch. “It is rewarding for us to
help companies like Solargystics further develop their technology to receive venture capital, and
ultimately grow their business.”

Solargystics intends to use the grant to complete its prototype which will advance the
technology from incubation to demonstration by achieving efficiency, scale and continuous
manufacturing capability for commercial viability.

“The Ignite Grant will allow Solargystics to procure critical capital equipment that will allow us
to accelerate our development of lowest cost, thin-film photovoltaic modules,” said Jeff Culver, president
and CEO. “We appreciate the Launch team’s diligence in helping prepare us for this funding.”
Launch is a technology-based business incubation program of the Regional Growth
Partnership. Launch provides comprehensive business assistance for entrepreneurs and start-up
companies that are commercializing revolutionary, world-class technologies, to accelerate
company growth and time to-market-entry.

The Regional Growth Partnership is a private nonprofit development corporation
dedicated to fostering local, national, and international economic growth opportunities for
Northwest Ohio. The Regional Growth Partnership acknowledges the contribution of the state of
Ohio, Department of Development and Thomas Edison Program, which provide funding in
support of the Launch program.