Water technology startup accelerator The BREW has announced it is launching Round II of the program.
The BREW, formerly known as the Global Freshwater Seed Accelerator Program, will accept applications through April 4 at 11:59 p.m. The Water Council and a panel of independent expert judges will choose up to six participants by June 16, and Round II will begin in September.
Formed by The Water Council and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., The BREW offers $50,000 investments for up to six water technology startups that have commercialization potential. The WEDC investments are augmented by investments from industry experts and The Water Council.
“This accelerator program provides a great opportunity for emerging water technology companies to take the next step in their development by utilizing many services offered by The Water Council and by working side by side with others in the industry, as well as university experts,” said Reed Hall, secretary and chief executive officer of WEDC. “WEDC is pleased to be part of this partnership once again and to be able to offer these companies this opportunity.”
The six-month accelerator program gives entrepreneurs access to a suite in the Global Water Center, business model and operations training from The Water Council and the University of Wisconsin –Whitewater Institute for Water Business, a network of faculty and students from the UW-Milwaukee School for Freshwater Sciences, use of the Global Water Center Flow Lab, mentorship from water technology experts, invites to conferences and pitch sessions with The Water Council, introductions to investment capital funding sources and access to the Water Technology Network.
“There is definitely something brewing in Milwaukee and it’s not just beer,” said Dean Amhaus, president and CEO of The Water Council. “Our accelerator is a place to unleash water innovation, accelerate results and inspire action.”