US-based Energy utility Ameren has selected the first cohort for its energy sector-focused accelerator, which is supported by University of Missouri System.
Ameren Accelerator is a public-private partnership that also includes UMSL Accelerate, the entrepreneurial hub of University of Missouri – St Louis, as well as consultancy Capital Innovators.
The selected companies include several US-based companies, such as Blossom, a developer of a tool for businesses to control energy resources remotely; Omega Grid, a producer of software to make distributed grids financially viable; and Rebate Bus, a platform offering incentives to save power.
Other US-based participants include SensrTrx, an industrial analytics application provider, and Switched Source, which has created technology to make the grid more resilient and efficient.
Canada-based Hyperion Sensors has developed technology to bring the internet of things to the grid, while UK-based WifiPlug has created a smart plug that learns about a user’s habits and helps reduce energy bills.
The 12-week scheme will award up to $100,000 in seed capital to the startups and will also offer mentoring, technical assistance, access to facilities and networking opportunities. It will take place at UMSL Accelerate and Capital Innovators’ co-working space.
Ameren may choose to provide additional mentoring and support to the most promising companies beyond the program. The seven participants were selected from a pool of more than 200 applications.
– The original version of this article appeared on our sister site, Global University Venturing.