CONTACT: Deborah Shapiro Marketing Manager 410-455-1509 dshapiro@umbc.edu Mahi Reddy, President and CEO of SemaConnect, an affiliate company of bwtech@UMBC’s Clean Energy Technology Incubator was recognized as the Maryland Clean Energy Center’s (MCEC) Entrepreneur of the Year at its Clean Energy Summit on October 4. The award recognizes an individual or new company that brings new clean energy technologies, products or services to the market in Maryland. SemaConnect, based in Annapolis, produces the ChargePro, a charging station for electric cars as well as web-based software for both station owners and drivers that allows them to register users, monitor use and make payments. The stations are being marketed to property managers, parking lot owners and corporations as a means of providing residents and employees with a means to recharge their electric vehicles. The company hopes that the increased availability of charging stations will encourage more people to purchase electric vehicles. Founded last year by Reddy, a serial entrepreneur who previously owned a healthcare information technology company, the company has gained much recognition for its innovative ideas and sales potential. In addition to being honored by the MCEC, the company was a finalist in the Greater Baltimore Technology Council’s recent “Hottest Tech in Town” competition. While its headquarters are in Annapolis, SemaConnect has a strong relationship with bwtech@UMBC’s Clean Energy Technology Incubator (CETI). As an affiliate company, SemaConnect receives guidance and networking opportunities from CETI’s entrepreneurial services staff, including Entrepreneur-in-Residence Bjorn Frogner. Said Frogner: “Mahi Reddy impressed me as a serial entrepreneur with a successful track record in starting, growing and selling a prior IT company. This experience will help him make SemaConnect successful and it will also benefit other CETI companies, since he will act as a business advisor for the CETI.” “I am very excited and honored to have received the award,” said Reddy. “I am grateful for the support SemaConnect has received from bwtech@UMBC and the Maryland Clean Energy Center for our efforts to produce an innovative product such as the ChargePro." “SemaConnect’s innovative work will no doubt have a positive impact on our climate and society. The Maryland Clean Energy Center is proud to recognize Mahi Reddy for his leadership in this endeavor,” said Katherine Magruder, executive director of the MCEC.