URBAN-X, the technology startup platform powered by MINI, has announced its fifteenth cohort of startups, all focused on addressing some of the most pressing climate challenges facing our world today. This four-month program, known for its support of innovative solutions, identifies and nurtures pre-seed and seed-stage companies working towards creating resilient communities and achieving net-zero goals.
URBAN-X’s track record speaks for itself. Past cohorts have fostered startups that are revolutionizing transportation, energy production, and waste management. Think e-bike battery swapping solutions for delivery workers, cutting-edge landfill waste diversion methods, space-based solar power, and ridesharing initiatives that are changing the way we move.
The Cohort 15 program, headquartered at Newlab in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, provides startups with a unique opportunity to access a wealth of resources. Founders receive hands-on guidance from URBAN-X experts, benefitting from tailored mentorship programs that address their specific needs. This includes assistance with customer development, go-to-market strategy, product development, engineering, funding, and communications. The impact is undeniable: 116 companies have successfully completed the program, going on to secure significant funding rounds, acquire valuable customer leads, and launch impactful products. Notable alumni include Dollaride, itselectric, and Lectrium.
“I’m excited for the next cohort of innovative startups,” says Mike Peyton, president of MINI Business Innovations LLC, and vice president of MINI of the Americas. “We place a tremendous amount of emphasis on empowering founders and early-stage companies by tailoring the program to each start-up’s needs to maximize impact. We’re excited to see the progress that will be made by this cohort’s participants.”
The six companies selected from a pool of over 100 applicants for Cohort 15 are:
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OneSix Energy:
This startup is pioneering a new process for green hydrogen generation using methane as both the feedstock and energy source.*
Arbon:
Arbon is developing a humidity-swing carbon capture technology that uses water for both capture and regeneration, significantly reducing energy consumption compared to traditional methods.*
vsNew:
This company is introducing an integrated hardware and software platform to enable car dealers to generate accurate battery health reports for electric vehicles (EVs).*
Expand Power Technologies:
This company is developing a revolutionary solid-state transformer module that dramatically reduces transformer size and mass, contributing to a more efficient, reliable, and resilient power grid.*
Encode Energy:
Encode Energy is bringing data-driven models and tools to simplify the underwriting of EV fleet deals for lenders and other stakeholders in fleet financing.*
Wild Energy:
Wild Energy is creating a self-propelled electric trailer platform designed to significantly boost EV towing range and increase gas vehicle miles per gallon when towing.“The climate crisis is a decades-long problem affecting many aspects of our daily lives,” says Johan Schwind, managing director of URBAN-X. “At URBAN-X by MINI, we believe that there are innovative solutions that are poised to address these challenges. This time, our cohort program specifically focuses on mobility and energy transition solutions that impact local communities and contribute to a more resilient future for all.”
URBAN-X at New York Climate Week
Beyond the launch of Cohort 15, URBAN-X is making a significant presence at New York Climate Week.
On Tuesday, September 24th, URBAN-X will join BMW Group to co-host Breakfast with URBAN-X from 10 am to 11:30 am EDT at the Moonlight Studios. This event will showcase BMW Group’s commitment to the URBAN-X initiative, highlight their work with climate tech startups, and demonstrate their dedication to facilitating collaborations between startups and various stakeholders to drive progress in addressing climate challenges. The event will feature a panel discussion with the CEOs of five URBAN-X portfolio companies.
On Friday, September 27th from 10 am to 12 pm EDT, the URBAN-X Future Mobility Startup Challenge will take place at Newlab in the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Presented by BMW Group and URBAN-X, in partnership with Newlab, this event will spotlight early-stage mobility solutions that are reimagining how mobility in cities can function more efficiently and sustainably. The day will involve startups pitching their innovative mobility solutions, audience voting, and the awarding of cash prizes to the winning startups. The pitch competition is open to pre-Series A climate tech startups working in mobility or transportation. Interested founders/startups can apply to participate here, and the general public can attend via the registration link.
