The mission of the EPIcenter Energy Incubator and Accelerator (EEIA) is to become the hub of thought-leading innovation, commercially viable technologies and infrastructure services relating to the delivery of energy innovation. The term "energy innovation" supports both the development of alternatives to and enhancements of existing sources of energy, including improved energy efficiency, lower and/or less volatile costs, more favorable environmental impacts, and/or the ability to extend the life of an energy source.
Technology incubators are becoming increasingly common, but rare are those centered exclusively on energy innovation. The EPIcenter Energy Incubator and Accelerator provides a variety of services for emerging businesses focused on the advancement of energy innovation and technology. EPIcenter has partnered with Geekdom and occupies space on the seventh floor of the Rand Building in downtown San Antonio. Membership in Geekdom is not required to join the EEIA, but is strongly encouraged. Check out the many benefits of a Geekdom membership here.
Interested in applying to the EPIcenter Energy Incubator and Accelerator? We are currently accepting applications for our programs. Before starting the application, take a moment to review our expectations below:
An "incubator" initially provides entrepreneurs and innovators with an honest and experienced-based assessment of whether an idea is a science project, a viable product or service, or the basis for a business. If it is a viable product/service or a potential business, then an incubator provides a proven model of coaching and mentoring through the maturation process towards commercialization. The goals of business incubators are to create jobs and foster the entrepreneurial climate in the community, attract or retain businesses to the local region and build or accelerate local new industry growth.
High failure rates for new businesses require incubators to assist their clients with development of a roadmap that offers a reasonable chance for success. The EPIcenter Energy Incubator and Accelerator (EEIA), like other successful small business incubator programs, employs a proven model to help coaches, mentors, and clients with a structured, disciplined approach to create their roadmap, and help the clients hold themselves accountable for reaching their established milestones. The International Business Innovation Association has data that clearly shows that this approach does increase the chances for reaching sustainability.
Entrepreneurs and innovators are considered to be in a pre-incubation stage, and ready for EPIcenter's Flip the Switch program, if they still need to successfully prove their concept, are still building their core team, and/or are still formulating their business opportunity. While there may be a strong idea, more guidance and support will be needed to develop the innovation.
An Accelerator is a program that assists early stage companies that are ready for an expedited path to market and commercialization.
Yes. During the application and interview process, your stage of development will be determined by our experienced reviewers. Next steps, whether with EPIcenter or not, will be recommended.
Yes, EPIcenter does have the capacity and resources to accept those in need of an Accelerator on a case-by-case basis. During the application and interview process, your stage of development will be determined by our experienced reviewers. Next steps, whether with EPIcenter or not, will be recommended.
With your input, EPIcenter will match you with a team that includes qualified and experienced coaches, mentors and subject matter experts to provide feedback and consultation through the critical stages of maturation. Your current needs will be assessed and they will work with you to map a course of action. They will identify and facilitate your access to resources in each area required. Refining your business plan, strengthening your pitch deck, sourcing legal advice, a maker space, data, etc. are examples of ways they can help. While EPIcenter does not currently offer physical working spaces, it will in the near future. For now, we can recommend various co-working spaces, as needed. EPIcenter will also work with you to identify potential funding sources, introduce you, as well as prepare you for your pitch. Please note, however, EPIcenter is not a funding source.
See the matrix below for additional information on services offered.
Yes. Click here to apply!
Please see table below for program-specific financial requirements:
Additional information regarding financial requirements will be discussed during the interview process.
Click here to learn more about the EPIcenter Energy Incubator and Accelerator Mentor program.
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Contact Jill Vassar, Director of Development and Partnerships, at (210)904-2682 or jhvassar@epicenterus.org.
If you have any questions please contact:
