MILWAUKEE, WI, Feb. 27, 2015 -- The BREW, a first-of-its-kind place-based global seed accelerator for water technology startups led by The Water Council (TWC), is launching Round III of the program. The application process opens March 1 at 8 a.m. CST and is accepting applications from around the world through March 31 at 11:59 p.m. CST. Up to eight winners will be selected by June 23 to participate in Round III beginning in September.
The BREW was created by TWC and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), a demonstration of Milwaukee and Wisconsin's reputation as a global epicenter for water-related research and industry. Its accelerator program debuted in 2013 and is also managed by the Council (see "WI opens first-of-its-kind water business, research facility"). The focus of The BREW is to unleash unique water technology startups, expand Milwaukee's Global Water Hub by accelerating results and inspire action to create further opportunity in the water industry.
Startups with commercialization potential will receive up to $50,000 in investments in exchange for a small percent of equity. Past winners of The BREW include businesses focused on water quality and quantity, from sensors and laboratories to software and hydropower. This year, the organization strongly encourages startups with agriculture water solutions to apply. During the 12-month accelerator program, winning entrepreneurs will receive:
- A suite in the Global Water Center for 12 months
- Business model and operations training through TWC and University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (UWW) Institute for Water Business
- Access to faculty and students from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) School for Freshwater Sciences and Marquette University
- Access to the Global Water Center's Flow Lab
- Mentorship from dozens of area water technology experts, plus direct access to BREW Preferred Partners, including: WIPFLI, Michael Best & Friedrich LLP, University of Wisconsin-Madison Law & Entrepreneurship Clinic, and Global Water Center Executive in Residence
- Attendance to conferences and pitch sessions with TWC
- Access to investment capital funding sources
- Access to Pilot Project funding
- One-year membership to TWC providing access to the water technology network
TWC and a separate panel of global expert judges will rank entries using multiple criteria including commercialization potential. Grants will fund startup costs, which could include lab supplies, research and product development expenses, and professional services. Participants in Round II graduate at the Water Summit on June 24 at The Pfister in Milwaukee. Batch II graduates include: Cadens LLC, Hydro-Lite, Pellucid Water, pHinding Solutions, WatrHub, and Wellntel (see "Water Council announces Batch II winners of BREW Accelerator").
"Through the efforts of The Water Council and its many partners, Milwaukee has truly become a world leader in water technology and has developed a strong reputation for innovation in this growing sector," said Reed Hall, secretary and CEO of WEDC, the state's lead economic development organization. "The BREW provides emerging water technology companies with unparalleled support and services in a dynamic environment that we believe will lead to even more innovation in this increasingly important industry."
Dean Amhaus, president and CEO of TWC, added, "The Global Water Center has become a magnet, attracting over 14 startups in the water space who want to be close to the resources and energy. Coupled with the number of large global businesses and academic presence, this provides a multi-faceted ecosystem for entrepreneurs to collaborate and grow their business."
See also:
"Water Council names first director of finance and operations"
"Water Council earns Wells Fargo National Clean Technology and Innovation Grant"
About The Water Council
The Water Council, the only organization of its kind in the U.S., was established in 2009 by Milwaukee-area businesses, education and government leaders. With more than 150 water technology companies in the Milwaukee area, the region's water industry is a $10.5-billion market and accounts for 4 percent of the world's total water business. The non-profit organization, consisting of more than 160 members, is linking together global water technology companies, innovative water entrepreneurs, acclaimed academic research programs and some of the nation's most intelligent water professionals. The Water Council is capturing the attention of the world and transforming the Milwaukee region into a World Water Hub for freshwater research, economic development and education. For more information, visit www.thewatercouncil.com.
###
