UpRamp seeks late-stage startups for its telecom accelerator

LOUISVILLE — UpRamp, an organization that connects emerging tech startups and is backed by the nonprofit innovation lab CableLabs, is seeking companies to join its accelerator.

The Fiterator is designed for later-stage companies — UpRamp is calling it “grad school for startups” — in the cable, broadband and wireless industry.

The accelerator is a three-month program. The first half focuses on learning about the industry, matching with mentors and validating the company’s solution. Later, the focus is on testing, negotiating and closing deals. UpRamp went on to say that the Fiterator goes beyond just mentorship and networking to provide direct access to UpRamp’s partner organizations’ end users, experienced mentors and investors.

SPONSORED CONTENT

How dispatchable resources enable the clean energy transition

Platte River must prepare for the retirement of 431 megawatts (MW) of dispatchable, coal-fired generation by the end of the decade and address more frequent extreme weather events that can bring dark calms (periods when there is no sun or wind).

“Our ultimate goal is to connect startups and emerging tech companies to this powerful eco-system, in order to foster innovation and help the smaller companies flourish,” Lisa Schwab, program director at UpRamp, said in a statement. “Based on the success we saw with Fiterator’s last cohort, we have no doubt the companies selected will go on to seriously impact this industry.”

The first four Fiterator teams have 18 engagements with cable and broadband operators, the group said.

The four to six startups selected will join the program in Louisville biweekly from August to November. One session will be held in New York City and another in Sunnyvale, Calif.

To be considered, companies must have more than $1.5 million in financing or sustainable revenue and a working product or service in the telecom industry.

Applications close May 5.