UM System President Choi joined Ameren and other St. Louis executives, as well as UMSL faculty at the launch of the Ameren Accelerator on Friday, March 31. This new partnership between the UM System, the University of Missouri-St. Louis, Ameren and Capital Innovators will assess, mentor and invest in energy technology startup companies.
“The Ameren Accelerator is our first corporate initiative through UMSL Accelerate—which is designed to foster entrepreneurs and innovation in and outside the classroom, said UMSL Chancellor Tom George. “We look forward to tapping into our strong contingent of faculty, student and alumni connections to make this program a success for all involved.”
Located in Cortex, St. Louis’ innovation and technology district, the goal of the Ameren Accelerator and the new partnership is to better position the company to meet its customers’ future energy needs and expectations, create new jobs and provide university students opportunities to be more engaged in the energy business. Five to seven companies are expected to be chosen to receive $100,000 in seed capital.
“The Ameren Accelerator will be a transformative public-private partnership to create new technologies and workforce training for the future,” Choi said. “Collaborating with innovative partners such as Ameren and Capital Innovators will enable the faculty, students and staff of the University of Missouri System to directly contribute to economic development in the state. I am proud that UMSL spearheaded this project because these activities are strongly aligned with our mission as a top public research University.”
Proposals might include concepts for making the grid smarter, more resilient and reliable, or for transforming how the public uses and manages energy. Five to seven companies are expected to be chosen to receive $100,000 in seed capital. As part of the program, the selected startup companies will each receive intensive mentoring, technical assistance, facilities and networking connections from the Ameren Accelerator partners. Applications from entrepreneurs and energy companies will be accepted between now and May 12.
Information and requirements may be found at amerenaccelerator.com.
Read the full Ameren press release here.
Reviewed 2017-04-06