E2Tech, a group that tries to build and support companies within Maine’s clean technology and energy sectors, won regional recognition for its efforts on Thursday.

The group was named Startup Supporter of the Year at the Green Tie Gala, a Boston trade event for clean energy companies in the Northeast.

The award recognizes an organization or individual who has gone above and beyond in supporting clean tech startups, entrepreneurs and the growth of clean tech innovators in the Northeast. The two other finalists this year were the Massachusetts Manufacturing Partnership and the co-chairs of the Cleantech Open Northeast.

Last year, E2Tech was a finalist for the award, which went to Greentown Labs in Cambridge, Massachusetts, a renowned business incubator.

“This is yet another validation beyond our border that Maine’s alternative energy cluster is one of the fastest-growing technology sectors and our startup community is raising awareness of their innovations throughout the region and across the country,” said E2Tech director Jeff Marks in an email.