California’s Northern San Joaquin Valley is poised to become a hub for innovation in the circular bioeconomy, with the launch of the BEAM Circular Accelerator. The program, in partnership with accelerator network gener8tor and early-stage venture firm HawkTower, aims to support startups advancing sustainability in the bioeconomy.
The BEAM Circular Accelerator will provide funding and resources to five innovative startups each year, focusing on biomanufacturing and bio-enabled climate solutions. The program will offer participants access to expertise, manufacturing capacity, and agricultural resources in the Northern San Joaquin Valley. The region is home to a growing ecosystem of public and private partners dedicated to supporting bioindustry scale-up.
The program will provide $30,000 in non-dilutive funding and up to $100,000 in venture funding to each selected startup. The three-month program will also offer participants strategic mentorship, lab and office space, and access to gener8tor’s global network of mentors and investors.
The BEAM Circular Accelerator aims to engage founders who reflect the diverse communities impacted by environmental challenges. The program’s focus on diversity and inclusion is intended to drive positive change in the region and beyond.
“We believe that this program will play a critical role in fostering sustainable solutions that drive positive change,” said Karen Warner, CEO of BEAM Circular. “We’re excited to partner with gener8tor and HawkTower to support the next wave of game-changing bioeconomy innovators.”
The program’s partners are committed to supporting startups that address pressing environmental challenges in the bioeconomy sector. The accelerator will provide participants with direct access to a distinguished group of mentors, including leaders from the University of California and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
Applications for the BEAM Circular Accelerator are open until November 17th, 2024, with the program set to commence in February 2025.
