56 high-impact companies, representing the top startup applicants from around the world, will participate in the nonprofit’s Houston-based program. Two dates set for the public to connect with new cohort online.
June 2, 2020 (Houston, Texas) - MassChallenge, a global network of zero-equity startup accelerators, today announced the 56 early-stage startups invited to join the 2020 MassChallenge Texas in Houston program. These startups have been rigorously vetted by a community of more than 500 expert judges and represent the top 11% of applications from around the world; the selected startups more than double the number of startups accepted to the program's 2019 bootcamp.
“Today’s world is up against new challenges that require creative solutions to help us get back to speed as quickly and as efficiently as possible,” said Jon Nordby, MassChallenge Texas in Houston’s Managing Director. “The incoming cohort is uniquely positioned to make an impact because of their ability to act swiftly and adapt to new market needs. These founders will go on to create the impact and the jobs that will underpin the recovery of our economy for years to come.”
Since March, MassChallenge’s world-class network of investors, serial entrepreneurs, corporate executives, academics, and more have evaluated applications based on each startup’s ability to demonstrate high impact and high potential in their fields, including Aerospace, Cybersecurity, Gaming, Medical Devices, and more. The cohort selected for the Houston program represent:
12 Countries
13 States
5 Industries
34% of startups are healthcare and life sciences
34% of startups are high tech
18% of startups are general, retail and consumer goods
11% are cleantech and energy
3% are social impact
48% of startups in the cohort have a female founder
2020 Focus Areas
To accelerate innovation in emerging industries, MassChallenge Texas has introduced program tracks in SportsTech and Space Commercialization, sectors with a strong uptick in Texas-based activity. Serving as a sub-cohort within MassChallenge’s early-stage programs, these tracks will support promising startups with specialized content and connections, tailored to help them grow within these specific industries.
Sports Tech
Professional and big sports brands are continually faced with new challenges in today’s consumer-facing world. With many new technologies focused on engagement and performance, it can be hard to prioritize the innovations that are right for their business. The Sports Tech track is a pathway to identify new technologies that align brands with their customer’s future by connecting partners with the startups creating leading-edge solutions including, but not limited to, human health, performance and recovery, material science, analytics, and fan experience and engagement.
“Through our collaboration with MassChallenge, Stadia Ventures will introduce startups from the first MassChallenge Sports Tech track to our elite network of mentors and investors in hopes of accelerating the path to market,” said Bill Powell, Managing Director of Stadia Ventures. “We continuously look to support game-changing entrepreneurs and scalable technologies across the areas of human performance, esports & gaming and the fan experience of tomorrow.”
Space Commercialization
As our scientific and strategic knowledge of space rapidly evolves, leaders from the space industry must stay current on the full spectrum of trends and sectors that make up the future of space. The Space Commercialization track connects these leaders with the startups ushering in the next era of space innovation by developing technologies across human health, performance, and recovery, materials science, analytics, advanced manufacturing, robotics, and relevant technologies with an application in space.
To mitigate the public health risks presented by the novel coronavirus, MassChallenge Texas in Houston’s 2020 accelerator will begin virtually and will transition to a hybrid of digital and in-person programming when the organization can ensure the health and safety of its community. Participating startups will engage in an evidence-based curriculum designed to address key challenges across the early-stage lifecycle and will receive unrivaled access to experienced mentors, a global network of experts, top corporate partners, and more – all provided at zero cost and for zero equity.
The public will have two opportunities to connect with the cohort at the MassChallenge Virtual Startup Showcase on July 16 and 17 and the MassChallenge Texas in Houston 2020 Awards at the end of the program. More information and RSVP details will be shared on the MassChallenge website when the accelerator kicks off later this month.
2020 MASSCHALLENGE TEXAS IN HOUSTON COHORT
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Scout, Inc (Virginia, USA) - Extending satellite lifetimes, preventing orbital debris, and keeping space secure through data gathered from inspections in space.
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MassChallenge Texas Founding, Corporate, and Civic Partners
Central Houston, City of Houston, Downtown Redevelopment Authority, Defense Innovation Unit, Department of Defense, Upstream, WeWork, Austin Technology Incubator, BAE Systems, DELL, Reliant an NRG company, Juice Consulting, Stadia Ventures, Texas Foundation for Innovative communities, TMAC, UPS, Winstead, IOwnIt. About MassChallenge
MassChallenge is a global network of zero-equity startup accelerators. Headquartered in the United States with locations in Boston, Israel, Mexico, Rhode Island, Switzerland, and Texas, MassChallenge is committed to strengthening the global innovation ecosystem by supporting high-potential startups across all industries, from anywhere in the world. To date, more than 2,400 MassChallenge alumni have raised more than $6.2B in funding, generated more than $3B in revenue, and created more than 157,000 total jobs. Learn more about MassChallenge at masschallenge.org.
See the full announcement at https://masschallenge.org/announcement/masschallenge-texas-in-houston-announces-first-summer-cohort
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