Starfire Systems Wins Business Plan Competition: Captures $100,000 Prize at Tech Valley Summit II

At Tech Valley Summit II held in Albany on April 30, 2002, Starfire Systems won the coveted Business Plan Competition. The prize is $100,000 to the winner among the top five finalists.

Watervliet, NY -- May 1, 2002-- Starfire Systems, Inc, a producer of novel polymeric materials solutions for the manufacture of advanced ceramics located in the RPI Incubator, today announced that it captured the prestigious $100,000 prize for the best business plan presented at the second annual Tech Valley Summit in Albany last evening. One of five finalists culled from 36 business plans submitted by high tech companies in the Capital Region, Starfire Systems CEO, Richard Saburro, presented the plan in front of Summit attendees and a five-person panel of prominent venture capitalists from New York City, Boston, and Connecticut.

Prior to the presentations finalists had been through a series of competitive reviews that narrowed the field to ten semi-finalists and then to the final five: two software companies, two in advanced materials, and one in energy efficient transmissions.    

Tom Brokaw, who has chaired similar high tech events in Californias Silicon Valley and New York Citys Silicon Alley, was the marquee speaker at Tech Valleys Summit. He also chaired two panels of leading companies and research institutions located in the area, which covers 17 counties in New York State extending from the Canadian border south to Dutchess and Ulster counties above New York City. The Summit was a sold out event with about 410 participants.

About Starfire Systems, Inc.
Starfire Systems, Inc. offers a unique family of patented silicon carbide forming polymers for the manufacture of advanced ceramic materials applications with unequalled cost, performance and environmental advantages. Starfires range of Matrix Polymers and Silicon carbide CVD Precursors greatly simplify the formation of advanced ceramic materials for new applications in aerospace, power generation, microelectronics, and other 21st century industries. Its team of materials scientists and polymer chemists, with more than 60 years of accumulated experience, work with customers to solve their process and product challenges required for the next generation of higher performing advanced ceramic materials. For more information on Starfire and its enabling technologies and products, visit www.starfiresystems.com.

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