Fayetteville’s WattGlass chosen for Danish accelerator program
by September 21, 2020 10:00 am 908 views
Fayetteville technology startup WattGlass is one of eight companies worldwide chosen to showcase its cutting edge ideas as part of a global Danish accelerator program called Urbantech.
Urbantech’s program brings together companies that can accelerate tech-based solutions for the development of sustainable cities. It pairs startups with established Danish companies that can implement their technology to launch products.
“Being selected for the program is a huge opportunity for our company to not only learn how to be a stronger startup through the mentoring process, but to also work side-by-side with our corporate partner to utilize our technology to increase the impact of their next generation of products,” said WattGlass CEO Corey Thompson.
WattGlass, founded to commercialize technology developed at the University of Arkansas, makes anti-fog and anti-reflection coatings for glass and other transparent materials using a proprietary nanoparticle coating.
Thompson said WattGlass’ corporate partner is Velux, a leader in skylights and roof windows.
“We are excited about exploring opportunities for our anti-reflective and anti-soiling coatings to add value to their product lines,” he said. “By the end of the program, we are expecting to complete a pilot demonstration and be well on our way to seeing the launch of the first Velux products with WattGlass coatings.”
The inaugural Urbantech cohort launched in 2019. The program runs for three years, and each year a cohort is invited into a 12-week accelerator. BLOXHUB, a co-working space in Copenhagen, Denmark, will be the venue for all physical events. Due to COVID-19, large parts of the program in 2020 will be held virtually.
Rainmaking, a startup studio based in Denmark, facilitates the program. It started Aug. 27 and concludes with a demo day on Nov. 26.
Thompson said the company’s domestic shipments are up nearly 500% over the past year, and the company has entered into long-term supply agreements with partners in Europe and Asia. WattGlass has nine employees and plans to hire six more in the next six months.