Innovation Challenges
SCOUTING BY UPWARD
Upward scouts for top technologies across the globe that directly address business challenges and areas of opportunities faced by U.S. Enterprise Partners.
THE CRITERIA
THE OFFER
CLIENT-FIRST APPROACH
Our approach to innovation begins with identifying business challenges faced by our Fortune-ranked Enterprise Partners. We introduce your startup’s technology to Partners in need of your specific solution. Upon expressed interest in your solution, the Upward journey begins.
NETWORK ACCESS
After the first successful partnership with an Enterprise Partner, Upward continues to foster new relationships between our Network Startups and a vast roster of Enterprise, University, and Community Partners across the U.S.
RELATIONSHIP FACILITATION
Upward fosters the relationship between startups and corporate clients, guiding the process from the initial meeting, to pilots, and beyond. Our experienced team leads post-pilot commercialization agreements, including: extended pilots, joint ventures, and co-development opportunities.
FUNDRAISING SUPPORT
We are committed to assisting Upward Network Startups with fundraising efforts through presentation/pitch support and warm introductions to Venture Partners in different cities across the national innovation network.
WORKSPACE + LIVING SPACE
When coming to a city to launch pilots and other corporate partnerships, startups are provided with inspiring workspace and living accommodations in a prime location for accessing localized pilot locations, clients, and co-development partners.
LOCAL TALENT ACQUISITION
We leverage our network of University and Community Partners to help startups identify and hire top local talent in all areas of expertise, including: business development, marketing, data science, engineering, and more.
THE FINE PRINT
After the scouting & vetting process, how do we move Upward?
Upon receiving our Enterprise Partner's written interest in your solution, Upward will charge your startup an up-front cost of $50,000, which can be paid in cash or as a convertible note*.
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An invaluable opportunity to pilot and/or partner with an Upward Enterprise Partner that has selected your company's solution as a match for their business challenge.
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Pilot support from Upward, including: participation in Partner meetings, use case design, installation, optimization, and pilot review.
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Direct support in navigating commercialization discussions with Partners
- 24/7 access to local co-working space
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Living accommodations for up to 3 months
*Note: The convertible note option will carry 8% interest and 20% discount.
What happens after a successful pilot and/or Enterprise Partnership?
After a successful first corporate relationship, you will be invited to join the Upward Network, granting you access to our network of Enterprise and Venture Partners across the United States.
How does Upward benefit?
All deals finalized as a result of Upward are subject to a reseller fee of 30%, effective for 3 years from the start of commercialization (i.e. post-pilot). This reseller fee includes any and all subsequent deals with the same Enterprise Partner/client.
THE CHALLENGES
PARTNER PROBLEM
Heating ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems maintain thermal comfort and air quality at offices, businesses, and homes. Due to the worldwide surge in consumption, energy conservation has become a critical issue. In the U.S. alone, HVAC systems account for over 30% of the electricity consumed by households.
SCOUTING SOLUTIONS
An Upward Enterprise Partner is looking for advanced technologies that minimize energy consumption and help the environment. Innovation in sensors and data collection, efficient cooling systems, energy storing, and harnessing different renewable energy sources could be a solution for energy efficiency in HVAC.