Ameren Corporation is accepting applications for the Ameren Accelerator, an innovative public-private partnership with the University of Missouri System, UMSL Accelerate and Capital Innovators.
The goal is the Ameren Accelerator is to make the energy grid smarter, more reliable, resilient and secure. This unique partnership, which is entering its third year, evaluates, mentors and invests in energy-technology startup companies. Applications are being accepted through May 24 at amerenaccelerator.com.
Ameren is seeking energy-focused startups to develop new energy technologies related to clean energy, the energy grid and smart communities – all of which impact how customers manage and use energy to power their lives in the future.
“As technologies continue to advance in the energy sector, we believe there is no better time to lean forward and focus on innovation so that we can meet our customers’ rising energy needs and expectations for generations to come,” said Warner Baxter, chairman, president and CEO, Ameren. “The Ameren Accelerator is proving to be an excellent way to leverage our company’s expertise and resources with entrepreneurs who are exploring innovative energy solutions to produce cleaner energy and make the energy grid smarter and more reliable. It’s also further enhancing St. Louis’ leading position in innovation and entrepreneurship as well as helping drive economic development.”
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Selected startups each will receive $100,000 in seed capital to participate in the Ameren Accelerator program. The program will be located in Cortex, St. Louis’ innovation and technology district, where participants will be able to network with like-minded individuals focused on innovative thinking and collaboration.
As part of the 12-week program, the companies will receive intensive mentoring, technical assistance, facilities and networking connections from Ameren Accelerator partners. Subject matter experts in the areas of energy, sales, marketing, pricing, technical development, operations, talent development and finance also will provide guidance.
At the conclusion of the program, participants will showcase their efforts to mentoring teams, potential third-party investors, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, students and the general public during Ameren Accelerator Demo Day in November. Ameren may select the most promising projects for ongoing mentoring and engagement beyond the accelerator program.
Since its inception in 2017, more than 500 companies have applied for the program. The 2017 program drew more than 200 applicants from 23 states and 31 countries. The 2018 program drew more than 300 applicants from 24 states and 49 countries. Overall, 13 companies have been selected to participate in the highly selective program. Selected start-ups represent some of the world’s most promising, innovative technology companies in the energy sector.
“Capital Innovators is excited to help fuel the third Ameren Accelerator cohort and source innovations from around the globe to contribute to the future of connected communities,” said Judy Sindecuse, CEO of Capital Innovators. “It is our mission to help find cutting-edge solutions for Ameren and provide entrepreneurs corporate engagement, connections and growth tactics that are unparalleled to other programs.”
