Venture capitalists expect investment in the clean technologies sector to increase over the next three years, according to a survey by Deloitte Research and the National Venture Capital Association.

From 725 venture capitalists surveyed, 63 percent said investment in this area will increase, while 32 percent thought it will remain the same and only 6 percent thought it will decrease.

Advances in new technology, growing consumer demand in alternative energy

and the ambitious plans of governments worldwide to invest in clean technologies have made this sector a key focus for the venture community, the NVCA stated.

Venture capitalists were more positive on medical devices, new media , consumer business, biopharma and software but less optimistic about more mature sectors, such as the telecommunications and semiconductor industries.