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May 12 deadline nears for Ameren Accelerator applicationsST. LOUIS, May 8, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The May 12 application deadline is approaching for Ameren Corporation's Ameren Accelerator, an innovative public-private partnership with the University of Missouri System, UMSL Accelerate and Capital Innovators, that will assess, mentor and invest in energy technology startup companies. The unique partnership, one of the first of its kind in the United States, also is the St. Louis region's first to focus on energy technologies. Leveraging the expertise of all of the partners, the goals of this program are to better position Ameren to meet its customers' future energy needs and expectations, create new jobs through these startup companies and provide university students opportunities to be more engaged in the energy business. "To bring even more value to our customers and the communities we serve, Ameren is combining our vast energy expertise with the skills and proficiency of other energy innovators," said Warner Baxter, chairman, president and CEO of Ameren Corporation. "As one of the leaders in our industry, we are working with our Ameren Accelerator partners to identify, accelerate and implement innovations for the grid of the future. It's one of the ways we are leading today to transform tomorrow." Five to seven startup companies are expected to be selected for the program, and each will receive $100,000 in seed capital to participate in the Ameren Accelerator program, which will be located in Cortex, St. Louis' innovation and technology district. In addition to the seed capital, the selected startup companies will each receive intensive mentoring, technical assistance, facilities and networking connections from the Ameren Accelerator partners valued at nearly $1 million. Through May 12, applications will be accepted from interested entrepreneurs and energy technology companies focusing on products, services or applications in the following fields: Internet of Things (IoT); blockchain; atificial intelligence; augmented reality; virtual reality; big data; machine learning; deep learning; natural language processing; cyber security; information technology infrastructure; connected devices; sensor tech; autonomous systems; and drones. Information and requirements may be found at amerenaccelerator.com. In July, the selected startup companies will receive seed funding and hands-on support throughout the 12-week program. Senior-level executives from a variety of companies will provide mentorship. Subject matter experts in the areas of energy, sales, marketing, pricing, technical development, operations, talent development and finance also will provide guidance. Based out of the CIC @4240 Building in Cortex, participants will be able to network with like-minded individuals focused on innovative thinking and collaboration. CIC is one of the most cutting-edge high-tech facilities in the country and a prime destination for business creativity. At the conclusion of the program, participants will showcase their efforts to the mentoring teams and potential third-party investors during the Ameren Accelerator Demo Day in October. Ameren may select the most promising projects for ongoing mentoring and engagement beyond the accelerator program. To apply or to learn more about Ameren Accelerator, visit amerenaccelerator.com. About Ameren Corporation About the University of Missouri System About the University of Missouri-St. Louis and UMSL Accelerate About Capital Innovators
To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/may-12-deadline-nears-for-ameren-accelerator-applications-300453177.html SOURCE Ameren Corporation |