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Ameren seeking startups to participate in ‘Accelerator’ program – Daily Energy Insider


Ameren seeking startups to participate in ‘Accelerator’ program

Published on April 15, 2019 by Daily Energy Insider Reports

Ameren Corp. is accepting applications for a its
public-private partnership called the Ameren Accelerator, which was created to make
the energy grid smarter and more reliable.

The program, now in its third year, mentors and invests in
energy-technology startup companies. Ameren and its partners are seeking
energy-focused startups to develop new energy technologies related to clean energy,
the energy grid and smart communities. Applications are being accepted through
May 24 at amerenaccelerator.com.

The partnership includes the University of Missouri System,
UMSL Accelerate, and Capital Innovators.

“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,” Warner Baxter, chairman, president
and CEO at Ameren, said. “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.”

Each startup that is selected will receive $100,000 in seed
capital to participate in the program, which will be located at Ameren’s
facilities in St. Louis. During the 12-week program, the companies will receive
mentoring, technical assistance, facilities and networking connections from
Ameren Accelerator partners. Experts in the areas of energy, sales, marketing,
pricing, technical development, operations, talent development and finance also
will provide guidance.

“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,” Judy Sindecuse, CEO of
Capital Innovators, said. “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.”

More than 500 companies have applied for the program since
it was launched in 2017. Last year the program drew more than 300 applicants
from 24 states and 49 countries. Overall, 13 companies have been selected to
participate in the program.  

The Ameren Accelerator program is one of the first of its
kind in the United States. It aims to better position Ameren to meet its
customers’ future energy needs. It also attracts startups to St. Louis and
provides university students with internships and opportunities to be more
involved in the energy business. Six of the startups that have participated in
the Ameren Accelerator now maintain a St. Louis presence.

“As a University-led Accelerator, we bring brilliant
scientists, faculty and researchers to amplify the program, mentors and alums
to coach and connect, as well as eager students who work hard for the selected
companies,” Dan Lauer, founding executive director, UMSL Accelerate, said.
“What energy entrepreneur would not want to participate?”



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