UH Accelerator Announces Finalists for Third Cohort

University of Hawaiʻi
Contact:
Vassilis L. Syrmos, (808) 956-5006
Vice President for Research and Innovation
Eric R. Matsunaga, (808) 956-5588
Director, Research and Administrative Operations, Office of the VP for Research and Innovation
Posted: Nov 12, 2015

XLR8UH Cohort 3 Finalists
XLR8UH Cohort 3 Finalists

HONOLULU – The University of Hawai‘i is pleased to announce the selection of seven teams as finalists for the third cohort of its XLR8UH proof of concept center/venture accelerator. The innovative research represented includes potential solutions in the areas of algorithms, desalinization, structures, travel, language and culture. The teams have the potential to receive between $25,000 to $50,000 for completing the program and up to $100,000 in follow on funding.

XLR8UH is a first of its kind proof of concept center/venture accelerator developed by the University of Hawai‘i and Sultan Ventures, a boutique venture firm that manages it.  The proof of concept center educates, mentors and invests in UH research and talent, ranging from students to post docs, faculty and alumni.  It is one of the first public university investment programs in the nation, revolutionizing the way innovation and research is commercialized.

“XLR8UH continues to lay a solid foundation for the expansion of our entrepreneurial ecosystem at UH,” said Vassilis L. Syrmos, UH vice president for research and innovation. “The program is a key component to the successful commercialization of our research and to success of the Hawai‘i Innovation Initiative.” 

The teams are currently in the first phase XLR8UH’s intensive16-week mentorship and investment program, where they will be assessing and developing their business models. Teams selected to advance on to the second phase, will immerse themselves into further business development efforts and in the third phase, they will develop and practice their pitch to investors. Throughout the entire program, the teams will have access to valuable mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and investors.

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