Fredericton startup accelerator Energia Ventures held a demo day for its spring cohort Tuesday, showcasing a roster of six companies that focused heavily on sustainable technology.
Energia is overseen by the University of New Brunswick’s Technology, Management and Entrepreneurship program. It is open to startups involved in energy, smart grids, cleantech and cybersecurity.
Now in its fifth year, the 12-week accelerator was originally created as an annual program. For the first time, it will run twice this year, with a second cohort coming in the fall. Applications for the fall cohort closed Sunday.
Four of this spring’s companies were from Canada, and two were based in other countries, continuing a trend of Energia attracting startups from as far away as Europe and the Middle East.
“This is an awesome program, connected to the global accelerator network,” said Technology Management and Entrepreneurship Program Chair Dhirendra Shukla during the event. “So, you have access to knowledge and know-how from around the world.”
This pitching companies were:
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.
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.
Fredericton
PLAEX converts difficult-to-recycle plastic waste into durable, interlocking bricks that can be used in low-rise construction. Structures made from these bricks are durable enough to withstand storms, floods, earthquakes and insects.
Fredericton
Picketa is developing a handheld scanning device that allows farmers to quickly analyze plants and soil to assess their health and maximize profits. It aims to help farmers manage the risk and uncertainty that comes with an industry dependent on climactic conditions.
Jerusalem, Israel
MADA is developing a platform to help manage weather-and climate-related risk in renewable energy projects by performing cost-benefit analysis on energy storage solutions and other expenditures.
Ecublens, Switzerland
Smart Helio is developing a data analytics and decision-making AI system for solar farms, which can be integrated into projects’ existing SCADA, or supervisory control and data acquisition, software.
