The Dominion Energy Innovation Center (DEIC) recently announced that online applications are open for the 2021 DEIC Accelerate program that will run from mid-May through September.
Founded in 2009, DEIC supports great ideas across a wide spectrum of industry sectors in addition to its focus on building the alternative, renewable energy sector in Central Virginia.
Last year the program saw seven Virginia companies work with Dominion Energy and other partners on their business development. This year a longer program timeframe will give startups more time to work with corporate mentors as well as acceptance of applications from outside of Virginia. DEIC anticipates selecting five to eight companies for the 2021 group, with a focus on startups offering innovative solutions for an evolving energy grid. The goal is for the selected companies to make rapid gains in customer acquisition, particularly with large scale customers including utilities and government agencies.
By encouraging the growth of energy and sustainability startups in Virginia, the program could contribute to the lowering of greenhouse gas emissions and improved air quality. Transportation-related startup companies are encouraged to apply to put their solutions to work.
“Energy technology innovations often require more patience and resources than other startups because the grid is such critical infrastructure. Connecting companies with potential partners like Dominion Energy, Hanover County and Virginia Community Capital is one of the best ways we can help these young companies move along their path towards success,” said Adam Sledd, DEIC’s Director.
The program will run for 18 weeks between May 17 and September 17 and will involve weekly meetings with mentors, funders and potential customers. More than a dozen Virginia companies are on board as program partners, offering a wealth of assistance including digital marketing, financial planning, fundraising and product development.
To learn more about the program, please visit http://www.dominnovation.com/deicaccelerate. The application process will remain open through March 17, 2021.
Located in Ashland, Virginia, DEIC is an affiliated innovation center of Activation Capital that supports early-stage advanced technology companies by providing them with the collaborative space, guidance and resources needed to accelerate their growth. Founding partners of this program include Dominion Energy, Activation Capital, the Town of Ashland and Hanover County.
DEIC’s main programs include the annual Center Street Pitch Competition co-hosted with Randolph-Macon College, the DEIC Accelerate program for energy-focused startups, and the DEIC Greentech Network, a virtual incubator providing opportunities for startups around the United States. DEIC has partnerships with several other leading entrepreneurial resource organizations, including the Virginia Capital Region SBDC, the Virginia Accelerator Network, the American Made Challenge Connector Program and the Wells Fargo-NREL IN2 Incubator program.