The InNEVation Center at the University of Nevada, Reno will hosting InNEVator 2017, a six-week program – boot camp for startups in the Internet of Things. Between six to eight participating startups will work directly with experts to accelerate development of prototyping, creative thinking, commercialization, seed-funding, planning and operations, customer engagement and other aspects of business. Mentorship and funding are also being offered. Breadware – a hardware and software service – and WaterShed Growth Ventures – an investor and consultancy organization – will host the event.
“We want to infuse our community with creative talent,” Jim Sacherman, director of The InNEVation Center, said. “InNEVator 2017 will bring more ideas and more technology to the area, and will integrate the individuals behind these young companies with the community, the boot camp sponsors, investors and the university. The overall goal is to create more viable, fund-able startups, as we also spur creativity, ideation and economic opportunity in our community.”
Each applicant selected for the five week program will receive pre-seed funding to cover expenses for housing, meals and development costs. Local companies will receive $10,000 and non-local companies will receive $20,000.
The InNEVation Center is a 65,000-square-foot collaborative work space and community event venue, donated to the community by Switch Founder and CEO Rob Roy. It offers a collaborative environment for the entire northern Nevada community where university students, faculty members and researchers engage with entrepreneurs, investors, commercialization experts and community leaders.
