Energia Ventures, the University of New Brunswick’s cleantech accelerator, launched its second cohort on Tuesday, welcoming six teams from across Canada and the U.S.
The UNB Technology Management and Entrepreneurship program launched Energia about two years ago to help energy, cleantech, and smart-grid companies bring their products to market. The first cohort in the winter of 2017 featured such high-fliers as Stash Energy and Beauceron Security.
For the second cohort, which will last three months, the TME team recruited companies from across the continent, and has welcomed participants from as far away as California. Energia combines industry mentorship with classroom-style teaching so the participants will learn several aspects of launching a modern startup. The goal is that each company will be in a position to attract investment when they graduate.
“We’re extremely excited to be working with six very impressive companies, each of whom brings their own unique skillsets and experiences to the program,” TME Managing Director of Accelerator Programs Joe Allen said in a statement. “We are also very proud to be hosting companies from across North America in Fredericton, where they will have a chance to experience Maritime hospitality and grow their businesses within our very supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem.”
The companies participating in the 2018 Energia Ventures program are:
• ReJoule, California – ReJoule is developing intelligent battery management systems, with a primary focus on electric vehicles. Its technology has already attracted the interest of several leading automobile manufacturers.
• Potential Motors, Fredericton – This company is developing conversion kits to turn internal combustion engine vehicles into electric automobiles. Founded at UNB, Potential Motors has already converted two consumer vehicles.
• DeepCryo, Halifax –DeepCryo is developing a cryogenic treatment system to improve the lifespan of metal parts and tools by mitigating corrosion and wear. (Cryogenics refers to the production and behaviour of materials at extremely low temperatures.) DeepCryo is scaling up the capacity of its system for larger equipment.
• Hygge Power, Colorado – Hygge is building uninterruptible power supply (UPS) devices for consumers in partnership with U.S. utilities. These devices are WiFi-enabled to provide feedback to the consumer and utility on how much power has been consumed. Hygge Power’s first product, OPO, offers a suite of features beyond just power supply that will give homeowners peace of mind during outages.
• Autonom, Quebec – Another company involved in the uninterruptible power supply market, Autonom is building UPS systems for telecoms companies to more accurately pinpoint battery failure and prolong device lifespan. Autonom’s product has a smaller footprint than traditional telecom UPS devices and self-installs in seconds.
• Aurea Technologies, Halifax – Aurea is developing innovative wind turbines for consumer and commercial clients. Its commercial product, Flare, aims to offset energy use for highrise buildings and allow building owners to divert energy on to the grid.
“Energia Ventures is a big opportunity to grow specifically as an Atlantic Canadian cleantech company,” said Aurea CEO Cat Adalay in the statement. “We’re excited to learn more about our market as our company gets ready to begin taking pre-orders.”
The 2018 Energia Ventures program will conclude in late November with a demo day for investors, stakeholders, and community leaders.
Disclosures: UNB is a client of Entrevestor. Cat Adalay is the daughter of the owners of Entrevestor.
