More than 150 people turned out last night in downtown Bellevue to watch as 12 companies were chosen to participate in the final rounds of the Pacific Northwest's Clean Tech Open. This is the first time that the national business plan competition -- which started in California and has assisted more than 100 companies get off the ground -- has held an event here. 

The 12 finalists -- listed below -- will now compete for three $50,000 regional prizes. Later this year, they will have the chance to secure a $250,000 national prize, which includes cash and services.  Along the way, the companies receive training and support to help take their ideas to the next level.

Here's the breakdown of the 12 companies, which included eight Washington companies, three Oregon companies and one Idaho company.

Clarian Technologies -- Smart-grid enabled wind and solar appliances, Seattle.

Extreme Caps -- Energy storage, Olympia.

GoNano -- High surface area nanomaterials for energy storage, Moscow, Idaho.

Green Lite Motors–- 100 mpg commuter car/motorcycle vehicle, Portland.

Hydrovolts -- In-stream hydro turbines, Seattle.

InnovaTek-- Renewable hydrogen fuel cell technology, Richland, Wash.

LivinGreen Materials-- Advanced solar technology, Seattle.

NHThree -- Green anhydrous ammonia production, Richland, Wash.

Pangreen -- Mobile and web-based platforms enabling green living, Kirkland, Wash.

Shorepower Technologies -- Electric charging stations, Portland.

Soluxra -- Low-cost organic solar cells, Seattle.

Veranda Solar -- Plug and play solar appliances, Portland.

The companies were chosen from a field of 56, with the next round of winners picked in September. In addition to business seminars and mentoring, the final 12 also get to participate in a weekend training program in Palo Alto, Calif.