Ameren Corporation is launching an energy accelerator with the help of the University of Missouri system, UMSL Accelerate and Capital Innovators.
President and CEO Warner Baxter said on Friday the utility will invest $100,000 each in five to seven startups chosen to participate in the Ameren Accelerator program.
“It’s designed specifically to accelerate the identification, assessment and investment in energy technology companies for the long-term benefit of our customers and the communities that we serve,” he said.
The program will be housed in the @4240 building within St. Louis’ innovation district Cortex.
It’s the first corporate initiative for UMSL Accelerate, a program the University of Missouri-St. Louis began within the last year. Chancellor Tom George pointed out that Baxter is an alum of UMSL and has been working with the university for years.
“It was just a natural for us to have this kind of a partnership,” George said.
The goal is to foster entrepreneurism inside and outside the classroom. George said they hope to draw upon faculty, student and alumni to make the program a success.
The University of Missouri System’s new president, Dr. Mun Choi, was also on hand for Friday’s announcement at Cortex. He said he expects the accelerator will provide new technologies for the state and push economic development forward.
“We’re going to be looking for breakthroughs from companies that are going to be supported in areas ranging from grid-skill batteries, to renewable energy, to resilience, and to conservation,” Choi said.
Capital Innovators, the St. Louis-based accelerator program, will help shepherd the Ameren Accelerator program. CEO Judy Sindecuse said entrepreneurs from around the world are trying to tackle energy issues. She expects many applications to the accelerator program will come from outside the region.
“The idea that they could get help from Ameren and their executives; their knowledge and their connections, as well as the brain power that exists in the university system; there would be no reason not to get on board with this and grow your company here,” Sindecuse said.
The program will take applications through May 12th from entrepreneurs and energy technology companies. Those chosen to participate will receive their seed funding in July and begin the 12-week program, that will include mentorship from senior-level executives from a variety of companies.
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