What’s Your Big Idea? UpTech Seeks Applications for 4th Class

Calling all technology entrepreneurs! UpTech is looking for its fourth class of start-ups.

The Covington-based accelerator for informatics-driven start-ups announced Wednesday morning that it will open online applications starting May 1 for its fourth funding round—UpTech IV. Applications for UpTech IV, which starts in September 2015, are due by June 21, 2015.

UpTech is seeking entrepreneurs who value the power of data and have a tech based solution to solve a real-world problem. 

“Our program is uniquely positioned to assist full-time teams who are seeking an equity investment to grow their scaleable idea,“ said Casey Barach, UpTech co-founder and Director of the ezone, the Northern Kentucky Innovation Network office. “We are looking for both technical professionals and industry experts who have an idea but need help with traditional areas of business such as accounting, marketing and leadership.”  

In its fourth round, UpTech will offer up to $50,000 of investment to each selected company.  In addition to providing funding, UpTech has become known for helping connect entrepreneurs with regional resources and contacts. UpTech helps its startups get market ready by providing each with a business mentor and a dedicated team of professionals with backgrounds in accounting, banking, legal, and sales/marketing partners. Additionally, the companies are housed in UpTech’s Covington offices for the six month program.

“The UpTech advantage is that we offer more,” said Amanda Greenwell, UpTech Program Director. “More time, more money, more one-on-one development, and more all around business support. We believe that by providing more support from the very beginning our startups are better positioned to win.”

UpTech’s support of its portfolio companies continues after graduation through a partnership with the NKY ezone, an office of the Kentucky Innovation Network. UpTech portfolio companies have secured $2.1M in follow-on funding.

During the application period, UpTech will host information sessions at its Covington office, as well as webinars, to explain the program and application particulars in greater depth. These will be held on the following dates and times.

Additional details on accessing the webinars will posted on the UpTech website in the coming weeks atwww.uptechideas.org/blog

Applications must be submitted online at http://uptechideas.org/apply  by 11:59pm on June 21, 2015.  All applicants can expect to receive individual communication from the UpTech program throughout the process with updates on their status.

• Application Period: May 1 – June 21, 2015
• Anticipated Announcement Date: August 2015
• UpTech IV Class Begins: September 8, 2015

-Staff report

Photo via UpTech