Photos: Clean-tech start-ups swing for the fences

Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick spoke during the conference about his commitment to developing the clean-energy industry. The governor has supported a number of initiatives favored by clean-technology businesspeople and environmentalists. In particular, Patrick said Massachusetts would meet rising demand for electricity in coming years through efficiency, rather than building new power plants.

Patrick is also an advocate of developing wind power in the state. He reiterated his support for Cape Wind, the controversial large-scale wind project planned for offshore Cape Cod. "We don't have to choose between economic developments and environmental stewardship," Patrick said.