The Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER), a Seattle-based public-private nonprofit aimed at economic growth and environmental sustainability, announced Monday it is now accepting applications for its Congregate accelerator.
The 12-week program, which will begin Nov. 8, is completely virtual and will focus on helping the travel and tourism industries. Health care and tourism experts will work with startups to solve challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic.
As part of its announcement, PNWER said the program will focus on workforce needs, immunity verification, hybrid events, and contactless and remote commerce.
"As we continue to address the challenges of Covid-19 and encourage individuals to get vaccinated, we must also work to develop innovative solutions that will help Washington’s economy safely and fully reopen," Washington state Rep. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick, said in a release. "The Congregate accelerator is an ambitious effort that will bring critical entities together in common purpose to keep us moving in the right direction."
Partners include Microsoft, Amazon, the Washington Technology Industry Association, the Alaska Travel Industry Association, Future Border Coalition and Moonbeam Exchange. Congregate will not take equity from startups.
Applications are open until Oct. 8.
In April, PNWER received a federal grant of more than $744,000, with a local match of $195,000, for the accelerator.
PNWER was founded in 1991. Its founding states were Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Montana and Washington, as well as the Canadian provinces British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and the Yukon and Northwest territories, according to the PNWER's website.
"The Congregate accelerator program offers organizations across the Pacific Northwest funding and partnerships to rapidly develop technology solutions which help our important tourism, performing arts, travel, and hospitality sectors recover from the pandemic,” Michael Schutzler, CEO of WTIA, said in a release. "Our region is known for its fast-moving, innovative companies and entrepreneurs, so I encourage all creative technologists across the Pacific Northwest to help our economy recover for the sake of all who live in this beautiful place."
