Are you working on a ground-breaking energy innovation that can shape the future of the energy sector and power a cleaner and brighter New Zealand? If yes, then Orion Energy Accelerator Program!
Sponsoring Agency: Orion Group
Type of Fund: Accelerator, Incubation, Mentorship and/or Training
Deadline Available: Available
Deadline Date (mm/dd/yyyy): 05/12/2021
Size of the Fund: Less than USD $50,000
Are you working on a ground-breaking energy innovation that can shape the future of the energy sector and power a cleaner and brighter New Zealand? If yes, then Orion Energy Accelerator Program!
Orion Energy Accelerator is designed to identify and support startups in the energy sector that will generate effective solutions to real problems in the industry. They are looking for ground-breaking innovations that can shape the future of the energy sector and power a cleaner and brighter future.
Powered by Orion Group and Ministry of Awesome in association with Ara Ake, the Orion Energy Accelerator is looking for ground-breaking innovations that can shape the future of energy sector and power a cleaner and brighter New Zealand.
Why Enter?
• Accelerate: Up to 11 startups will join an accelerator programme, where you will work on validating your idea and progress towards commercial readiness. Orion Energy Accelerator will push your ambition, challenge your thinking and keep you accountable. You will also get to work alongside some of the brightest talent in the New Zealand energy sector.
• Transform the future: If your ambition is to shape the future of our energy sector, then this programme is for you. The accelerator works with bold founders and innovators who are willing to challenge the status quo and define the future of energy. This is your launchpad to showcase your innovation and maximise your impact.
• Reap the rewards: All startups in the programme will have the opportunities to present at the Demo Night where two teams will receive the Orion Startup Grants worth a combined $25,000. Suitable startups will have the chance to work with Orion as a customer/partner, and/or receive potential equity investment from Orion.
Key Themes
Orion Energy Accelerator is looking for innovations in the following areas:
• Future of Energy
• E mobility and EV charging
• Energy storage
• Smart home and commercial construction
• Smart customer engagement
• Smart grids
• Energy affordability
Criteria
• This is challenge to the New Zealand innovation ecosystem, those working in the energy sector, and anyone interested in solving global energy problems to think big, aim high, and showcase your innovation.
• Whether you are a student, researcher, scientist, founder, engineer or just someone with a great idea, they want to hear from you. Orion Energy Accelerator is looking for forward-thinking innovators and creators to be a part of this programme.
The applicants will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
• A talented, capable and passionate founding team
• The solution can be commercialised in the next two years
• Development will clearly benefit from the support provided by Orion and Ministry of Awesome
• The technology development is in an area of strategic value to Orion which has been outlined in the themes
• Evidence of the solution’s viability or traction in market
• A sound business case!
Other Criteria
• Strong internal technical capability
• A technology solution is being developed
• The ability to commit at least 1 full-time employee during the course of the accelerator programme (32 to 40 hours per week)
• The team must fully own or have significant ownership in the underlying IP
• They prefer a startup team of at least two members
More information at: https://www.orionaccelerator.nz/
