Hardware Product Accelerator Focuses on Climate Tech Solutions
Rev: Ithaca Startup Works is pleased to announce the launch of the ClimateTech Prototyping Hardware Accelerator, supported by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) through its Accelerate Southern Tier program announced in early April, which will recruit and train clean energy startups, while connecting them to the rapidly growing climate and cleantech hub in the Southern Tier of New York state.
The new ClimateTech Prototyping Hardware Accelerator, which will operate in tandem with Rev’s successful Prototyping Hardware Accelerator this summer, is designed for hardware and physical product entrepreneurs working on innovations that support the decarbonization of the economy.
“Rev’s hardware accelerator is the perfect place for early-stage product startups to access the equipment and materials they need to build, test, and refine many rounds of prototypes while learning about customer discovery, business model validation, and funding,” said Steve Supron, assistant director of Hardware Programs at Rev: Ithaca Startup Works.
“Offering a version of the program focused on climate tech solutions will enable us to coach clean energy founders through some of the biggest challenges they face and help more of them be successful.”
During the intensive 11-week summer program, selected participants will engage in curriculum, mentorship, and prototyping to determine if their climate tech hardware solutions are commercially desirable, technologically viable, and economically feasible. The program offers prototyping lab space, access to state-of-the-art equipment and materials to build many rounds of prototypes, training, workshops, mentorship, one-on-one coaching, and pitch training. The program culminates in a public Demo Day event with investors and potential customers in attendance.
Rev’s Prototyping Hardware Accelerator is celebrating its 7th year of training hardware product startups and program alumni have raised over $15 million in venture capital as of last year.
A key value for ClimateTech Prototyping Hardware Accelerator participants, especially those joining the program from outside the Southern Tier, will be an introduction to the robust resources and connections the region holds for cleantech startups, including suppliers, manufacturers, scaleup programs, mentorship programs, and working space.
“With additional public funding and support to spur climate tech innovation, the time is ripe for cleantech and climate tech hardware companies to see unprecedented growth and Ithaca, New York and the Southern Tier is the best spot for clean energy startups to join a thriving, leading-edge community of like-minded companies,” said Ken Rother, Director of Rev: Ithaca Startup Works and its Hardware Accelerator.
“NYSERDA, 76West, and our partners at For ClimateTech have created an ecosystem that truly accelerates the growth of climate tech solutions, and this accelerator will further empower innovators to launch and grow their startups.”
“With our partners, we recognize the importance of customer discovery, technical prototyping, and business training in the development of high-quality climate technology solutions,” said Katie MacDonald, NYSERDA’s Assistant Director Technology to Market.
“We are excited about the ClimateTech Prototyping Hardware Accelerator’s plan to ensure founders entering this sector get the resources they need to scale their hardware solutions for climate impact.
Applications for Summer 20201 of the ClimateTech Prototyping Hardware Accelerator, and Rev’s general Prototyping Hardware Accelerator, are open now and will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The program is free, and anyone can apply.
Rev will also be hosting an information session devoted to the new ClimateTech Prototyping Hardware Accelerator on May 4 at 6:00 p.m. EDT. Register for the information session.
For more information, visit www.revithaca.com/hardware or email [email protected].