Cascadia CleanTech Accelerator Celebrates Inaugural Cohort
SEATTLE and PORTLAND, Ore. (PRWEB) September 15, 2016 -- Cascadia CleanTech Accelerator celebrated its inaugural 2016 cohort at Oregon BEST FEST on September 8. Fourteen cleantech startups took part in the 12-week program, which delivers mentorship, curriculum, connections and funding opportunities. Cascadia CleanTech Accelerator is powered by CleanTech Alliance and Oregon BEST.
The Cascadia CleanTech Accelerator companies presented their final pitches at Oregon BEST FEST in front of a panel of distinguished cleantech industry leaders and investors. Three were designated as standout companies, receiving cash and in-kind prizes exceeding $25,000 in value before moving on to the Cascadia CleanTech Prize competition.
The three standout companies included:
• EasyXAFS accelerates cleantech materials innovation by providing instant access to x-ray spectroscopies for the first time. The company’s bench-top, turnkey instruments enable measurements on demand, reducing the learning cycle from years to hours.
EasyXAFS won a prize package featuring $5,000 cash, $2,500 in legal services from Dorsey & Whitney, a $5,000 accounting due diligence package from Nth Degree CPAs, a $1,000 credit from FMYI and an invitation to present at an upcoming Element 8 Angels meeting.
• Imber Water Treatment developed an onsite, modular, turnkey water treatment and recycling system that reduces commercial building water consumption by as much as 40% with a payback period less than 28 months. Imber Water Treatment won a prize package featuring $3,000 cash and $2,500 in legal services from Dorsey & Whitney.
• SmartVineyards means smart irrigation in every vineyard block. The company delivers actionable data in real time at an affordable price. Use only the water you need, no more, no less. SmartVineyards won a prize package featuring $2,000 cash and $2,500 in legal services from Dorsey & Whitney.
In addition to EasyXAFS, Imber Water Treatment and Smart Vineyards, the full 2016 Cascadia CleanTech Accelerator cohort included:
• ArcEden is pioneering a smarter, greener way to return as nature intended through green cremation and burial opportunities.
• Limon Engineering Solutions helps small orchard farmers save water via its integrated website and automated valves that help decrease labor costs and increase water efficiency.
• Botanic Air Corp introduced an indoor air quality system built on combining natural technologies proven to virtually eliminate toxic gases and fine particulate matter, reduce carbon dioxide and increase oxygen.
• Cloud Instruments is a cloud application and battery charging station that helps battery scientists and engineers innovate cheaper and faster. Its SaaS platform streamlines data processing while the low-cost hardware serves battery startups and STEM educators.
• HydroStar enables the hydrogen economy. The company’s THOR system for diesel engines saves fuel, reduces emissions and improves lifecycle costs for diesel fleet owners.
• MiCharge offers integrated energy generation storage, and power management system designed to serve growing EV charging infrastructure deployment and local information needs.
• Möbius Microfarms grows sustainable, nutrient-dense food year-round, right in the city buildings where people live and work. The company provides live microgreens and compact, closed-loop indoor aquaponics systems to individuals and organizations.
• PolyRAP is developing concrete technology for seismic reinforcement and lifespan upgrading along with a geopolymer concrete that is better suited for harsh environments.
• Wave Engine Solutions reduces existing class 8 truck exhaust emissions and fuel consumption by 15% by reducing fuel energy lost through the exhaust system.
• ZILA Works is creating a vertically integrated supply chain by processing industrial hemp for the Pacific Northwest. The company’s flagship product processes hemp into bio-based plastics.
To learn more about Cascadia CleanTech, contact Gabe Boeckman at [email protected] or Vanessa Margolis at vanessa.margolis(at)oregonbest(dot)org.
About the CleanTech Alliance
CleanTech Alliance represents 300 businesses and organizations. Founded in 2007 by business leaders, the Alliance facilitates the generation and growth of cleantech companies, jobs, products and services to advance cleantech jobs and the cleantech economy. The Alliance offers a range of business services and benefits uniquely designed to help businesses gain visibility, access services at a lower cost and benefit from public policy advocacy.
About Oregon BEST
Oregon BEST funds and assists cleantech startups, bringing together Oregon’s significant R&D strengths to support entrepreneurs in the creation of new products and services. As the nexus for clean technology innovation, Oregon BEST builds capability, convenes collaborations and accelerates solutions to environmental challenges that deliver prosperity in all corners of Oregon. More than 250 Oregon BEST Member Researchers and a network of nine Oregon BEST Labs at four partner universities (Oregon State University, Oregon Tech, Portland State University, and University of Oregon) offer research expertise and lab equipment to industry. Oregon BEST competitively awards Early-Stage Investments to collaborations between startup companies and Oregon BEST Member Faculty at partner universities.
Gabe Boeckman, CleanTech Alliance, http://www.CleanTechAlliance.org, +1 206-389-7271, [email protected]
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