Integrated partnership connects cleantech entrepreneurs with global technology pioneer, enables a one-of-a-kind startup accelerator program and supports the incubator’s expansion
Somerville, Mass. – February 4, 2016 – Royal DSM, a global science-based company active in health, nutrition and materials, has signed on as a strategic partner and Terawatt Sponsor of Greentown Labs, the United States’ largest cleantech incubator. Both organizations are committed to helping solve the world’s greatest energy and environmental challenges and by joining forces they are one step closer to accomplishing that mission.
Through this three-year partnership, DSM will become a fully-immersed and critical member of the Greentown Labs ecosystem. Key elements of the partnership include:
- Greentown Launch – DSM and Greentown Labs will co-develop, fund and implement a Greentown Launch prototype-to-pilot accelerator program within Greentown Labs, starting with a focus on reducing the levelized cost of solar energy in 2016. This signature startup accelerator program will be customized for DSM based on a topic of high relevance and importance to its business growth. Selected startups will advance their business and technology development through expert input from DSM professionals. This program will be formally announced in mid-February.
- Community Membership – DSM will locate and embed several science and innovation experts at Greentown Labs to facilitate opportunities for engagement, collaboration and partnership with startup companies. These onsite professionals will participate in the Greentown Launch program, host ongoing office hours and participate in roundtable discussions about best practices.
“At DSM we believe in creating a more sustainable world. From energy and materials to health and nutrition, the time is now for all parties—big, small, startup or corporate—to work together to solve the challenges we face as a human race,” said Pieter Wolters, Vice President, DSM Innovation Center, based in Cambridge, MA. “Greentown Labs is the United States’ largest hub for cleantech innovation and we’re confident our partnership will not only be a benefit for both of our organizations, but for the world’s sustainable future.”
Greentown Labs supports cleantech and energy-focused startups with the resources they need to thrive. Located in Somerville, MA, Greentown Labs operates a 40,000 sq. ft. facility that includes prototyping lab space, and electronics lab, a machine shop and a 3D printer, as well as up to $130,000 in services and resources including design software, human resources, legal, accounting and marketing. With more than 45 onsite member companies and a global community of cleantech and energy entrepreneurs, Greentown Labs provides the education, mentorship and guidance to help entrepreneurs rapidly grow their networks and companies.
“This breakthrough partnership with DSM will open new doors—literally and figuratively—for both Greentown Labs and its member companies,” said Emily Reichert, CEO, Greentown Labs. “Our startups will have access to the breadth of resources, knowledge and expertise DSM has to offer which will create opportunities for collaboration and partnership between cutting-edge energy startups and an established corporation with a track record of innovation. Additionally, we’re excited to kick-off a Greentown Launch program in partnership with DSM that will allow us to support and accelerate the growth of new startups.”
In early 2017 Greentown Labs will open its Global Center for Cleantech Energy Innovation which will combine the essential elements required to successfully scale early-stage cleantech companies. Not only will the expansion of Greentown Labs establish the incubator as the largest hardware-focused cleantech incubator in the world, it will serve as a platform to develop similar communities around the globe.
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About DSM – Bright Science. Brighter Living.™
Royal DSM is a global, science-based company active in health, nutrition and materials. By connecting its unique competences in life sciences and materials sciences, DSM is driving economic prosperity, environmental progress and social advances to create sustainable value for all stakeholders simultaneously. DSM delivers innovative solutions that nourish, protect and improve performance in global markets such as food and dietary supplements, personal care, feed, medical devices, automotive, paints, electrical and electronics, life protection, alternative energy and bio-based materials. DSM and its associated companies deliver annual net sales of about €10 billion with approximately 25,000 employees. The company is listed on NYSE Euronext. More information can be found at www.dsm.com.
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About Greentown Labs
Greentown Labs is a community of bold, passionate entrepreneurs creating game-changing energy technologies that transform the way we live, work, and play. Located in Somerville, MA, Greentown Labs is the largest cleantech incubator in the Northeast, operating a 40,000 sq. ft. facility that enables entrepreneurs to solve today’s biggest energy and environmental problems. Greentown Labs hosts a constant stream of events and programs for the cleantech community and tours more than 5,000 visitors from around the world each year. Its mission is to enable a vibrant community of entrepreneurs to realize their visions by providing access to the space, resources, and funding needed to thrive. For more information about Greentown Labs, visit www.greentownlabs.com, Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn.