The Water Council has opened the 2024 application period for BREW 2.0, its highly regarded post-accelerator program for late-stage water technology startups around the world.
The Water Council introduced BREW 2.0 – Business, Research & Entrepreneurship in Water – in 2021 with a focus on water tech companies ready to enter the market or with early sales. The program includes targeted virtual training and a week of in-person training and events in Milwaukee, culminating in an in-person and virtual global pitch event. For the second year, the Milwaukee week will also include a curated investor event in partnership with NVNG Investment Advisors and hosted by Baird.
BREW 2.0 is sponsored by Beckhoff Automation, Xylem and Thales Water Advisors.
“BREW companies are ready to sell their innovative water solutions but need help scaling up as they enter the market,” said Karen Frost, The Water Council vice president of economic development and innovation. “That’s where The Water Council comes in with our global network of experts, customers and investors and a specialized program focused on the needs of scaling companies.”
The 2023 cohort included 10 companies from the U.S., France, Norway, Spain and Slovakia. Their products address areas from digital water management to PFAS destruction to water quality monitoring.
BREW 2.0 alumni have gained valuable knowledge and connections and accomplished impressive milestones and growth. Current and previous BREW participants Cimico, InfoTiles, Aquagga and Aqua Membranes have announced successful investments or fundraisers this year. Aquacycl, a 2023 BREW participant based in California, opened an office in the Netherlands this year and was a finalist for The EarthShot Prize, given by the U.K.’s Prince William and a distinguished committee to companies with the best chance of achieving climate goals.
Since participating in BREW earlier this year, French company Redberry SAS has set up a pilot of its technology at Milwaukee Water Works and talked to other utilities and companies in Milwaukee and across the U.S. that are interested in its technology. The company provides rapid microbial water testing.
“Joining the BREW cohort significantly paved the way for us to enter the U.S. market,” said Reberry CEO Jonathan Macron. “Through this program, we not only established connections with potential partners, customers and investors, but we also gained valuable insights from The Water Council on how to launch a business in the United States.”
The application period is open through Jan. 7 at TheWaterCouncil.com/BREW. Ideal participants have already successfully participated in one or more accelerator programs, are market-ready or in-market with early sales and are ready to grow. Finalists will be interviewed in early 2024, and selected candidates will be notified in March.