New accelerator and pre-accelerator programs continue to enter the tech scene in Alabama.
Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority and University of Alabama are partnering with Techstars to bring a hydrologic innovation-focused accelerator, along with a pre-accelerator, to Tuscaloosa.
Techstars WaterTech and Sustainability, an accelerator program for early-stage startups, and Founder Catalyst WaterTech and Sustainability, a pre-accelerator program for idea-stage startups, will recruit founders building water technology companies. The programs merge the business and technology know-how of TCEDA with UA’s water-related research capabilities and Techstars’ accelerator model.
The partnership is a collective effort to ignite the water technology sector while also highlighting business and innovation opportunities that exist in Tuscaloosa.
TCEDA was awarded a grant from Innovate Alabama to spearhead and establish the Techstars WaterTech and Sustainability accelerator.
"This collaboration not only positions Tuscaloosa as a hub for hydrologic innovation but also underscores the tremendous business opportunities that exist within our vibrant community," said Justice Smyth, executive director of TCEDA. "We are enthusiastic about the prospect of nurturing a new generation of entrepreneurs who will play a pivotal role in addressing the critical challenges related to water use and management.”
University of Alabama is home to an academic and federal water research enterprise, to include the Alabama Water Institute, which administers the Cooperative Institute for Research to Operations in Hydrology; the university’s College of Engineering and College of Arts and Sciences; the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Water Center and the soon-to-be-opened U.S. Geological Survey Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility.
“The University of Alabama is proud to be at the epicenter of cutting-edge water research. Our talented faculty, staff and students are helping address critical water-related challenges through the programs and facilities housed on UA’s campus,” said Dan Blakley, associate vice president for economic and business engagement at UA, adding that the goal is to develop the Tuscaloosa community as a hub for the water economy.
Both Techstars WaterTech and Sustainability and Founder Catalyst WaterTech and Sustainability will welcome founders who are focused on progressing the future of hydrological innovation, which includes water resources prediction and observing systems, drinking water systems, wastewater systems, water utility management, urban water management, treatment technologies and digital water solutions.
“Water is the most essential resource — one that affects every single person’s livelihood — and yet, it’s also among the most challenged resources on Earth,” said Techstars Chief Accelerator Investment Officer Shirley Romig. “We believe that entrepreneurs play an instrumental role in addressing the critical challenges related to water use and management."
Applications for the Founder Catalyst pre-accelerator program are being accepted through March 3. The 10-week, non-equity-based program will provide idea-stage to early-stage founders access to startup education, mentorship, community building and access to Techstars’ global network of entrepreneurs, mentors and corporate partners.
Techstars WaterTech and Sustainability, a 13-week, equity-based accelerator program for early-stage startups will launch in September. Founders who are selected will receive hands-on mentorship, curated entrepreneurial content and programming, up to $120,000 in funding and access to Techstars’ global network of mentors, investors, alumni and corporates.
