Techstars Founder Catalyst WaterTech & Sustainability

About the Program

This part-time experience is ideal for innovators ready to validate their ideas, understand their customers, and refine solutions that will shape the future of water, energy, and cleantech. Founders will dive into customer discovery, product development, go-to-market strategy, and fundraising fundamentals — guided by the Techstars Founder Catalyst team, knowledgeable speakers, and experienced mentors and subject-matter experts.

In partnership with TCEDA and the University of Alabama, the program connects founders to Tuscaloosa’s innovation ecosystem, which includes entities such as the Alabama Water Institute, USGS Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility, and the NOAA National Water Center.

Funded by the Innovate Alabama Tax credit program.

Note: No equity is taken in Founder Catalyst programs.

FAQs

What is the Techstars Founder Catalyst WaterTech & Sustainability Program?

This Founder Catalyst Program is a 10-week, primarily virtual pre-accelerator program focusing on water technology, clean tech, energy innovation, and related industry. The selected companies will gain access to a curriculum designed to help propel their businesses forward, and networking opportunities with speakers, mentors, and fellow founders, providing a valuable community of supporters who are excited to help them succeed.

Why should founders participate in this program?

Founders will gain access to entrepreneurial resources designed to help prepare them for the next big step with their early-stage company. These resources include live, virtual, expert instruction, access to experienced speakers and mentors, pitch coaching, and peer group interaction. Founders receive access to an exclusive pool of both industry and business generalist mentors and can book 1:1 meetings with these experts in addition to the program team. Founders will have the ability to grow their network and build lasting relationships while focusing on the fundamentals of their startup.

Who is eligible for this program?

1. Companies with a water tech, energy, clean tech, or related sustainability focus.

2. Companies that have raised less than $500k.

3. For-profit companies.

4. Companies that have not participated in previous Techstars Founder Catalyst Programs or Techstars Accelerators.

5. US-based founders.

What does a typical week look like in the program?

During the program, participants will have curriculum sessions twice a week, which will consist of masterclasses or pitch practices. Founders will meet once weekly with their peer group. Founders will meet with our program Entrepreneur in Residence every other week. We recommend that founders schedule 2-4 mentor meetings each week (meetings with the EIR, program pitch coach, or the Techstars program team are included in this number). Some masterclasses may include preparation work, and, from time to time, additional workshops may be offered. The typical time commitment for program elements is 8-12 hours per week.

Where will the program be based?

This program will be delivered to companies in a primarily virtual hybrid format. Most sessions will occur online, with two likely in-person elements taking place in the Tuscaloosa, AL area.

How many startups will be selected?

Up to 25 will be selected.

Will co-founders be allowed to participate in programming?

We expect consistent involvement and participation in the program from company CEOs. However, we welcome co-founders and other team members to participate as helpful for companies. Team dynamic is important, so we are always happy to include co-founders and team members when helpful.

When do Masterclasses and networking events take place? Is there an attendance requirement?

Masterclasses will generally take place on both Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the duration of the program. Selected founders are expected to attend weekly masterclasses on both days in addition to submitting a full pitch for the Pitch Day Showcase to be considered a graduate of the program. Founders must attend a minimum percentage of masterclasses (usually 75% of classes dependant on the number of masterclasses per program). Founders are also expected to attend peer group sessions and pitch practices. Founders will schedule mentor meetings at their mutual convenience of themselves and program mentors. 

How will you choose which startups to accept?

We will evaluate applications based on meeting basic eligibility requirements, the quality of the team, traction to date, the market opportunity, and the idea itself. We also consider other factors such as the impact this program will have on the team, the quality of any pitch deck or videos submitted, and the overall quality of the narratives submitted in the application form. 

Do you have to be located in the Greater Tuscaloosa area or affiliated with The University of Alabama to apply?

No, Applicants must meet eligibility requirements listed above, but do not need to be located in Alabama or have a direct university connection. Founders will be expected to attend minimal in-person event elements in the Tuscaloosa, AL area, barring any extenuating circumstances.

Is the program industry-specific?

Yes, the program is industry-specific. We are excited to help founders build their businesses across a range of water tech, energy, clean tech, climate tech, and sustainability subject matters.

At what stage should a company be to apply?

Companies should be past the idea stage. Companies should have completed at least a minimum of customer discovery, have some form of initial traction, and be building in a market that is large enough for a high-growth, high-scale company. They don't need to have raised funding or achieved any specific level of sales, though those are great indicators of traction. We are looking for companies that have raised less than $500K.

Who is running the program?

The program is led by a Techstars program team with support from our partners, the University of Alabama and TCEDA. Throughout the program, participants may gain access to other leadership from Techstars, subject matter experts, and stakeholders from both the University of Alabama and Techstars' networks.

Does the program cost anything? Will there be any requirement to exchange equity?

There is no cost to participate in the Techstars Founder Catalyst program. However, founders will be responsible for their own travel and accommodation costs to attend in-person events. The Founder Catalyst program is distinct from the Techstars Accelerator and involves no direct investment or equity exchange. These programs are run free of charge to selected participants.

What is the time commitment?

Founders' estimated commitment is approximately 8-12 hours per week for 10 weeks. This varies depending on how many mentor meetings founders book each week. Example: 2-4 mentor meetings/week is common. Founders will also spend 3 hours in weekly masterclasses or pitch practices, an hour meeting with our Entrepreneur in Residence bi-weekly, an hour meeting with their peer group, and some preparation and execution time. Founders can participate if they are still in school or working another job, but will need to commit to being able to attend regular curriculum sessions.

How does someone apply / who / how can they contact for more details?

Interested individuals will be able to apply via the Techstars application link. Be sure to select a Founder Catalyst Application versus an Accelerator Application. Founders can request additional information or send questions to saralila.cordero@techstarsassociates.com or hunter.stepanovich@techstarsassociates.com.

The Partners

The Team