Fredericton-based Energia Ventures, the accelerator for energy, cleantech, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence companies, has named six startups to its Spring 2021 cohort.

The accelerator, which is operated by the University of New Brunswick’s J. Herbert Smith Centre for Technology Management and Entrepreneurship, or UNB TME, has held annual cohorts for the past four years. This year, for the first time, TME will hold two Energia cohorts of three months each, as well as its Summer Institute, which is aimed at consumer-oriented businesses.

“The world is still in lockdown and that remains a challenge for many entrepreneurs,” Joe Allen, the UNB TME Director of Accelerators, said in a statement. “Over the last year, businesses have had to learn how to navigate the difficult terrain of being a startup while also managing COVID-19 restrictions. Our program is no different, but we’ve learned to adapt to bring our unique programming to entrepreneurs and help them grow their businesses that will create a better world.”

The upcoming cohort, which will be held virtually and conclude with a demo day in June, will host the following companies:

• SWTCH (Toronto) – SWTCH provides end-to-end electric vehicle charging and energy-management solutions. Its platform streamlines the charging experience for drivers while optimizing usage and revenue for owners of buildings.
• Drinkable (Halifax) – Drinkable aims to improve access to water testing by developing a nano-material-based sensor system. It also helps users more fully understand various aspects of water quality and treatment.
• PLAEX Building Systems (Fredericton) – This company converts difficult-to-recycle plastic waste into durable, interlocking bricks that can be used in low-rise construction. Structures made from these bricks can withstand storms, floods, earthquakes and insects. and reduce electricity usage.
• Picketa Systems (Fredericton) – Picketa is developing a handheld scanning device that allows farmers to quickly analyze plants and soil to asses their health and maximize profits. It aims to reduce the uncertainty of farming.
• MADA Analytics (Jerusalem, Israel) - MADA Analytics reduces the uncertainty of cash flows in renewable energy projects caused by weather and other factors. The system analyzes the costs and benefits and improving returns of integrated performance guarantees and/or energy storage solutions.
• Smart Helio (Ecublens, Switzerland) – This company develops a deep-data analytics and decision-making tool for solar energy projects. It aims for continuous improvement in asset performance and financials and business insights.

“It’s so exciting to continue to be able to offer this despite the challenges we are all facing”, said UNB TME Chair Dhirendra Shukla. “The talent that submitted for this cohort was outstanding, and it’s great to be able to give an opportunity to take part in this program twice this year.”