Awards and Accolades
We have many reasons to be thankful these days. First, EPIcenter has earned recognition from some valued community partners. The North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce awarded EPIcenter the Technology and Security Business of the Year. It was an honor to accept the award along with EPIcenter Director of Development and Partnerships Jill Vassar during a dinner at the McNay Museum. EPIcenter’s table was sponsored by OCI Solar Power and I was graciously introduced by Tim Heinle, OCI’s Vice President of Business Development.
Also, we were delighted to have been included in Toyota’s Celebration of 15 years. EPIcenter was honored with a $15,000 donation as part of Toyota’s philanthropic outreach at Toyota’s anniversary celebration. I was proud to accept the donation alongside Board of Directors member Jenna Saucedo-Herrera and Advisory Council member TJ Mayes. United States Senator John Cornyn, San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Judge Nelson Wolff, other City of San Antonio officials and the Toyota leadership team also attended the event.
Global Lecture Series (GLS)
The second event in EPIcenter’s Global Lecture Series will be Monday, December 3 at Trinity University. Our first GLS generated a packed house, and we’re moving to a bigger venue to accommodate growing demand.
We’re proud to welcome Tanuj Deora, Chief Strategy Officer of the Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA), for a Fireside Chat with CPS Energy COO and EPIcenter Board Chair Cris Eugster. Tanuj is a thought leader and “power sector philosopher” who leads SEPA’s research, advisory, communications, and programs teams. The title of their chat is, “How the Grid is Changing and Why You Should Care.” This informal discussion will include commentary on the energy sector’s stewarding of the grid and how customers will be more empowered in the future. The event will include time for some Q&A, as well.
The free event includes light bites and libations, but you must register soon to secure your spot.
New Energy Incubator and Accelerator Update
EPIcenter’s New Energy Incubator and Accelerator supports and grows emerging new energy businesses and is an added ingredient in our local start-up ecosystem. This crucial program is growing with each new cohort of businesses and mentors who are working toward making energy cleaner and more efficient.
We’re excited to see our second cohort of companies moving ahead. Vesta Systems, a San Antonio company co-owned by Blair Labatt III and Sean Berg, will be a full suite provider of scalable energy storage solutions. They’re targeting a variety of applications in the energy sector, improving safety and capacity and supporting the growing trend toward renewable energy production. Drones of Prey, an Austin-based counter-drones security firm, is led by CEO Michael Cohen, COO Kevin Lenau and CTO William Barrett Simms. Together, they’re creating a security software platform to identify, track and capture incoming drones.
The third cohort of New Energy Incubator and Accelerator companies is in the confirmation process, and the deadline for applications for the fourth cohort is January 6, 2019. Learn more about our program and see if you’re ready to bring a commercially viable idea to market. Interested in becoming a mentor for our start-ups or subject matter expert? Check out the website to learn more.
