Accelerator News | Two new accelerators debut
One is in the Twin Cities of Minnesota, the other is located in Oklahoma.
Plug and Play Minneapolis:
A global accelerator program is starting a new chapter in the Twin Cities.
According to a report in Twin Cities Business, the Sunnyvale, CA-based accelerator and investor group Plug and Play announced the nine start-ups that will take part in its first Minneapolis cohort. The accelerator joins more than 60 other Plug and Play sites around the world. The organization’s existing programs cover more than two dozen industry verticals, including aerospace, medtech, and health.
The new Minneapolis program is catered to start-ups working on sustainability specifically – a relatively newer offering for Plug and Play, says Robert Grey, Director of Plug and Play’s Sustainable Future programs. Matt Lewis, Vice President of Partnership Strategy with the Greater MSP Partnership, says that landing Plug and Play will be a boon for the wider start-up ecosystem in the Twin Cities.
Catalyst Accelerator
The Catalyst Accelerator, powered by the Air Force Research Laboratory Space Vehicles Directorate, has announced the selection of six small businesses with innovative tech solutions for the Oklahoma Government Business Boot Camp.
The program empowers technology companies to accelerate their involvement in the national defense ecosystem by providing connections, mentorship, and business development in a collaborative setting for a lasting national impact.
Hosted in collaboration with the Oklahoma Cyber Innovation Institute (OCII) at The University of Tulsa, OCII scales up research and development infrastructure and facilities to collaborate with Oklahoma businesses on cyber security, use-inspired problem-solving, technology experimentation, and producing novel technologies for commercialization.
Xylem Partnerships Accelerator:
Xylem, a Washington, DC-based global water technology company, has announced the 13 start-ups selected for the 2025 Partnerships Accelerator. Each of the companies is addressing critical challenges facing water-stressed communities and water-intensive businesses, and their technologies offer new ways to detect contamination, optimize aging systems, reduce energy use, and, critically, keep water flowing.
According to a report in VCWire.Tech, the accelerator is supported by a network of innovation partners, including venture capital firms Burnt Island Ventures and The Westly Group.
Now in its fourth year, the Xylem Partnerships Accelerator, operated by Xylem Innovation Labs, has supported more than 60 start-ups from 15 countries. The program has resulted in 11 commercial partnerships and continues to serve as a launchpad for high-impact technologies in the water sector. In 2024, Xylem expanded its corporate venture strategy, committing $50 million to support emerging companies that solve critical challenges such as water scarcity and water quality.
Like what you've read?
Forward to a friend!