Business Research Entrepreneurship in Wisconsin
MILWAUKEE, WI, Feb. 26, 2015 – The BREW, a first-of-its-kind place-based global seed accelerator for water technology startups led by The Water Council, is launching Round III of the program. The application process opens March 1 at 8:00 am (CST) and accepts applications from around the world through March 31 at 11:59 pm (CST). Up to eight winners will be selected by June 23, 2015, to participate in Round III beginning in September.
The BREW was created by The Water Council 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.
The BREW accelerator program debuted in 2013 and is managed by The Water Council. 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 hydro-power. This year we strongly encourage startups with agriculture water solutions to apply. During the twelve month accelerator program, winning entrepreneurs receive:
• A suite in the Global Water Center for 12 months
• Business model and operations training through The Water Council 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 The Water Council
• Access to investment capital funding sources
• Access to Pilot Program funding
• One year membership to The Water Council providing access to the water technology network
The focus of The BREW is to unleash unique water technology startups, expand Milwaukee’s Global Water Hub by accelerating results, inspire action to create further opportunity in the water industry, and disrupt the status quo.
The Water Council and a separate panel of global expert judges 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, 2015 at The Pfister in Milwaukee. Batch II graduates include: Cadens LLC, Hydro-Lite, Pellucid Water, pHinding Solutions, WatrHub, and Wellntel.
“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.”
“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,” said Dean Amhaus, president and CEO of The Water Council. “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.”
March 1 8:00 am (CST) – March 31 at 11:59 pm (CST) at www.thebrew-mke.com
About The Water Council
The Water Council, the only organization of its kind in the United States, 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 dollar market and accounts for four 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, most importantly, some of the nation’s brightest and most energetic 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 or contact us by phone at 414.988.8750.
About Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), formed in 2011 as a public-private entity, leads economic development efforts for the state and nurtures business growth and job creation by advancing Wisconsin’s business climate. In addition to Wisconsin’s strong legacy industries of agriculture and manufacturing, recent growth has occurred in water technology, renewable energy, bio-sciences, health care, and food processing. In 2012 Wisconsin was ranked No. 20 in Chief Executive Magazine’s “Best States for Business” and No. 17 as a top state for business by CNBC. WEDC partners with 650 economic development organizations throughout Wisconsin to serve businesses looking to start, grow or relocate. WEDC has four focus areas: business and industry development, economic and community development, entrepreneurship and innovation, and international business development. Visit www.inwisconsin.com or follow WEDC on Twitter @InWisconsin to learn more.
###