The Water Council has announced the application launch of BREW 2.0, its next-generation accelerator programme that provides late-stage water technology innovators access to experts, training and targeted connections to scale and grow.
BREW 2.0 builds on the format and success of the former BREW (Business, Research and Entrepreneurship in Water) programme, launched in 2013. To be held twice a year for up to 10 invited participants, the two-week virtual experience includes professionally-led sales and growth programmes, access to customer connections, a pitch opportunity sponsored by the American Family Insurance Institute for Corporate and Social Impact, and the opportunity to engage in ongoing training opportunities.
“In an often highly-regulated industry that doesn’t attract a large amount of venture capital, the path to market for late-stage water technology startups can be a make-or-break, challenging time,” said Dean Amhaus, president and CEO of The Water Council. “With BREW 2.0, we are able to activate our global and vibrant water tech ecosystem and business resources to give ambitious water technology innovators access to what they need most, potential customers and investors.”
The inaugural BREW 2.0 application window opens today, with virtual sessions to be held from Feb. 1-5 and Feb. 22-26, 2021. Applications are being accepted from market-ready water technology startups through Nov. 29, 2020. Applications will then be reviewed by judges, finalists will be invited for online interviews and winners will be invited to participate in the virtual programme by Dec. 31, 2020.
“As a connector in the water technology space, it’s really rewarding for us to offer programmes like BREW 2.0,” said Karen Frost, vice president of economic development at The Water Council. “Now in a condensed, virtual format, we’ve tailored the programme to enable selected water technology startups from any corner of the world to benefit from this unique opportunity.”
Prior to this round, the BREW portfolio includes 39 startups, of which 82% are doing business today, and has generated $15 million in sales revenue, raised $36 million in capital, generated $42.4 million in additional funding, created 100-plus pilots, with 24 patents issued and 34 patents pending.
