Cox Enterprises, a global venture firm, and gener8tor, a startup accelerator, have announced the launch of the Cox Cleantech Accelerator, a new initiative aimed at supporting early-stage startups focused on climate change solutions. This partnership will help drive environmental and economic impact in Georgia and the Southeast.
The Cox Cleantech Accelerator is a 12-week programme offering $100,000 in investment to five startups per cohort, twice a year. Participating startups will benefit from personalised coaching, mentorship from Cox business leaders, and support in areas such as product development, customer acquisition, and fundraising.
“Cox Enterprises is committed to fostering sustainable solutions that address the pressing challenges of climate change. By partnering with gener8tor, we’re investing in the next generation of cleantech innovators who will shape a more resilient future,” said Morgan Phillips Cox Enterprises Atlanta Ventures lead.
Ryan Jeffery, senior managing director of sustainability at gener8tor, said, “Our newest flagship sustainability program aims to cultivate a platform that supports diverse founders working on our most pressing climate challenges across energy, food and land use, transportation, industry, and the built environment.”
Miguel Granier will lead the accelerator as managing director. Granier brings a wealth of experience in venture investing and ecosystem building, having founded Invested Development, supported the launch of Greentown Labs, and worked with the Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC) at Georgia Tech.
The accelerator will work with the Georgia Cleantech Innovation Hub to position Atlanta as a leading hub for cleantech innovation. “The Georgia Cleantech Innovation Hub is thrilled to partner with Cox and gener8tor to establish the first cleantech-focused startup accelerator in Georgia. This initiative aligns with our mission to grow a community of startups, innovators, and entrepreneurs at the forefront of the growth industries that will shape an inclusive cleantech economy for decades to come,” said Andy Marshall, executive director of the Georgia Cleantech Innovation Hub.
Applications for the Cox Cleantech Accelerator are open until November 17, 2024, with the programme starting in February 2025. Startups working on renewable energy, food and land use, sustainable transportation, waste reduction, and other cleantech areas can apply for the programme.