NextCorps and SecondMuse Open Application Period for Programs that Help Climate Technology Startups Accelerate Hardware Manufacturing – GlobeNewswire

NEW YORK, Aug. 12, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NextCorpsandSecondMuseannounced that they are accepting applications from startups with innovative climate tech hardware prototypes for a spot in their Cohort 3 manufacturing programs:Hardware Scaleup, which NextCorps manages in conjunction withREV: Ithaca Startup Worksin upstate New York, andM-Corps, which SecondMuse manages in New York City. Designed to help support climate tech innovationfrom prototype to productioncompanies are encouraged to attend informational webinars offered through August 31 and submit their application by September 8, 2020.

The Cohort 3 manufacturing programs, which will kick off in October, provide entrepreneurs with a unique blend of support that helps accelerate manufacturing readiness and quickly move prototypes into volume production. This includes access to technical experts and mentors, curated manufacturing tours, funding opportunities, and a supportive community of peers who are on the same journey.

Manufacturing is hard. These programs support climate tech startups to get to market faster by reducing the headaches associated with manufacturing, said Shelby Thompson, senior community manager, SecondMuse. They also help advance New York States clean energy and greenhouse gas reduction goals by making available new technologies that can have a significant impact.

Scaling and commercializing new technologies requires strong collaboration and partnerships, added Mike Riedlinger, managing director, technology commercialization, NextCorps. Our programs are structured to give entrepreneurs access to the connections that can help them successfully move their technologies into volume manufacturing.

Partners in the two programs includeLaunchNY,New Lab,Urban Future Lab,Maiic,CEBIP,Partsimony,Cornell University,REV: Ithaca Startup Works,RIT Golisano Institute for Sustainability,NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership, and many contract manufacturers, industrial organizations, industry leaders, and funders across the state.

Building on SuccessThe announcement comes after the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) renewed its support of NextCorps and SecondMuse earlier this year to advance the scale up of innovation to meet Governor Cuomos nation-leading Climate and Clean Energy goals, as outlined in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). In their already two years of programming, 33 startups have been supported by NextCorps and SecondMuse. Despite disruptions related to COVID-19, companies includingCellec,Ecolectro,Skyven,Southern Tier Technologies,Switched Source, Enertiv,Pvilion,Actasys,Unique Electric Solutions, andTarformcontinue to grow. Collectively these companies have raised an additional $28 million in funding during their time in the program while generating approximately $10 million in sales revenue. The assistance has had dramatic impactson success,demonstrating the value of both manufacturing readiness and access to global and domestic manufacturers in New York State.

The beneficial connections weve made through the program have changed our manufacturing strategy, said Rhonda Staudt, founder, Combined Energies, LLC, a startup participant. Its opened the door to finding a high-quality contract manufacturer that can build our boards, so we dont have to do it ourselves.

Going through the Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) assessment helped us truly understand where we are within our manufacturing processes, as well as the steps we need to take to get to full production run," said JC Jung, cofounder, Tarform Motorcycles.

How to ApplyCohort 3 started accepting applicationson July 27 and the application period will be open through September 8, 2020. The selection criterion focuses on the potential of an existing hardware prototype device that can be scaled up to mass production to meaningfully lower carbon emissions and support clean energy. To help companies assess whether the program is right for them, they can attend virtual information sessions that will be held in August. The sessions cover topics such as: what participants can expect from the program, a list of tools and resources that will be available, and how the programs can help push a company forward. Initial sessions were hosted on August 5 and 11, with additional sessions available on the following dates:

To apply to or learn more about the program, go tohttps://mcorps.paperform.co/.

About NextCorpsNextCorps provides a suite of services, including technology commercialization support for very early-stage opportunities, business incubation for high-growth potential startups, and growth services, for manufacturing companies seeking to improve their top- and bottom-line performance. For more information, visitwww.nextcorps.org. For more information on Hardware Scaleup, go toscaleup.nextcorps.org.

About SecondMuseSecondMuse is an impact and innovation company that builds resilient economies by supporting entrepreneurs and the ecosystems around them. They do this by designing, developing, and implementing a mix of innovation programming and investing capital. From Singapore to San Francisco, SecondMuse programs define inspiring visions, build lasting businesses and unite people across the globe. Over the last decade, theyve designed and implemented programs on 7 continents with 600+ organizations such as NASA, The World Bank, and Nike. To find out more about how SecondMuse is positively shaping the world, visit:www.secondmuse.com.For more information on M-Corps, go tohttps://www.manufacturenewyork.com/.

For media inquiries, contact Shannon Wojcikatshannon@rkgcomms.comor shelby.thompson@secondmuse.com.

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NextCorps and SecondMuse Open Application Period for Programs that Help Climate Technology Startups Accelerate Hardware Manufacturing - GlobeNewswire