Why participate in the ClimateAccelerator program? | Interview with Imants Martinsons

New acceleration program is OPEN!
Baltics & Slovakia #ClimAccelerator is looking for climate-positive startups! If you work for a startup involved in the fight against climate change, we have what you need to take your venture to the next level.

Read an interview with Imants Martinsons, who has previously participated in the program. Find out his experience and thoughts on the benefits of participating in ClimAccelerator program.

Hello, Imant! Tell us about yourself and your membership in ClimateAccelerator. What and at what stage of readiness was your idea when applying to ClimateAccelerator?

Our team had the chance to be part of the ClimateAccelerator with Artusystem – a technology to increase diesel engine efficiency by introducing a diesel-LPG-water fuel mixture instead of diesel into the engine. It’s a transition technology to cut cost and emission in the range of 50% for diesel engines (existing). Within the accelerator we also first started to understand who will be our customer for the technology, for the potential product and who will be the user. We refined our value proposition, got some first financial training and of course received some funding to help us get on our way! At that point of time we had first prototype level, and we thought we have made it – but we later only learned how tricky it can be to develop a novel technology and how many improvements we might need to actually test it with first customers.

Were there any benefits from participating in the ClimateAccelerator program? Did you manage to attract investors?

When we did the accelerator, there was no C19 on the horizon yet and we had fantastic matchmaking events, both with potential investors as well as participants from all the EIT Climate-KIC countries. Some connections are still active to this day and we help each other and keep everyone informed.

Why should START-UP companies take the opportunity and participate in ClimateAccelerator?

All start-ups that are contributing one way or another to reducing emissions should participate – there is so much need for carbonation in every sector right now. Especially, if you’re new to the game and want to kick-start your start-up with the help of excellent mentors, then this is your chance.