WERCBench Labs: Launches fourth year of accelerator

Contact: Joshua Morby
414.791.9120
jmorby@m-werc.org

Immersive program seeks builders, makers, and entrepreneurs

MILWAUKEE – The Midwest Energy Research Consortium (M-WERC) launched the application page today for year four of WERCBench Labs, a business start-up initiative, thanks in large part to funding provided by the State of Wisconsin through WEDC.

This year’s program, once again led by Jacquin Davidson, is seeking 5-10 start-up businesses in need of acceleration and support from the Energy, Power, and Controls sector. The WERCBench Labs entrepreneurial immersive technology program provides a unique opportunity for start-ups to interact directly with highly experienced and technical professionals.

Participants will have access to a prototyping and lab space to support equipment development and testing, on-site small-scale production equipment, as well as access to the Milwaukee School of Engineering “Rapid Prototyping Center.”

They will also have access to several of the leading companies in the world on Energy, Power, and Controls technology enabled by the M-WERC’s regional cluster of business and academic institutions.This collaboration provides unparalleled opportunities for start-ups and entrepreneurs in the energy industry.

M-WERC will once again run the technology immersive program through the lean start-up curriculum and put participants on an aggressive customer discovery, business model canvas exploration, investor readiness training, during the rigorous 16-week sequence. The program will run from September 2018 -March 2019 with a Demo Day presentation at the end.  

A full application package is also available with background information and reference information by sending an e-mail to WERCBench@m-werc.org. Included in the package is information on M-WERC technology focus areas that have been identified as priority areas for teams to be selected this year. M-WERC is seeking teams focused in the following areas:

  • Energy Efficiency
  • Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution
  • Distributed Generation
  • Microgrids
  • Energy Storage
  • Power Conversion
  • Controls and Automation
  • Energy – Water Nexus (EWN) Cross-Cutting Technologies

Applications are due midnight CT on Tuesday, July 17, 2018. Applications must be submitted through the following link:  https://www.f6s.com/wercbenchlabs-yearfour/