SURGE Accelerator Grows Roster of Energy and Technology Mentors for Its' Spring 2012 Program

HOUSTON, Nov. 30, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- SURGE Accelerator today announced it has further expanded its roster of mentors to more than 80 industry experts.  Tapping into Houston's rich network of energy, technology and investment executives, SURGE has created a unique and invaluable group of mentors to help advise, counsel and nurture the companies accepted into the Accelerator's Spring 2012 Program.

SURGE is now accepting applications from companies with innovative ideas to solve the world's energy problems using software.  Based in Houston - the energy capital of the world - SURGE has developed a rigorous 12-week mentoring program during which 10 finalists will receive a minimum of $30,000, more than $20,000 of in-kind partner services and be taken through a curriculum of topics faced by those trying to enter the efficient energy software market. 

"SURGE is guaranteed to be a life changing experience," said Kirk Coburn, Managing Director and co-founder of SURGE Accelerator.  "Spending three months in Houston with SURGE's mentors will allow these companies to take their ideas further than ever imagined.  We'll be able to make introductions to the people and companies driving the efficient energy agenda and provide hands-on, actionable advice to enable a quick time-to-market for product commercialization.  There's no better place to be than Houston if you want to be successful in the new energy software market."

With a long history in the oil, gas and energy marketplace and home to many of the major energy R&D laboratories, Houston is at the forefront of energy exploration and production technology.  In addition, Houston has the largest deregulated electricity market, largest population of smart meters, and the second largest information technology service economies.  Houston's strength in the energy and technology industry has lead to the creation of the largest pool of energy industry talent in the country as well including drillers, petroleum engineers, geologists, pipeline operators, and professionals who have developed energy-related expertise, such as accountants, attorneys, programmers, and secretaries.

According to Mihai Popovici, CEO & Chairman for Z-Terra, a provider of software solutions that help oil and gas companies visualize 3-D earth structures and reduce the drilling risk associated with oil and gas exploration, "There is a true entrepreneurial spirit and an infectious desire to see new ideas succeed in the Houston community.  I'm honored to be part of SURGE's mentor team as it includes some of the most talented, passionate and successful business people in the market.  Whether this is an entrepreneur's first experience at starting a company or their fifth, SURGE's program will provide the right information, tools and people to help the idea succeed."

Finalists selected for SURGE's program will be announced in late January 2012.  The three- month Houston-based boot camp will kick off in March 2012 during which time finalists will attend more than 40 educational sessions where they will learn about a range of key business topics including legal formation and intellectual property, working with the Energy Giants, working in a regulated industry and landing a pilot.  Each finalist will also be partnered with energy industry experts, experienced investors and energy market leaders who will mentor them through the complexities of developing their go-to-market strategies in today's new energy economy.  At the end of the program, finalists will present to an esteemed audience of industry experts, media and investors at SURGE Day in May 2012.

Entrepreneurs and companies interested in applying for SURGE's Spring 2012 Program can submit their application by visiting http://www.surgeaccelerator.com.

About SURGE Accelerator

SURGE Accelerator is a mentor-driven, seed accelerator solving the world's energy problems using software.  Based in Houston, The Energy Capital of the World, SURGE Accelerator assists companies seeking to innovate and exploit the massive shifts in technology, policy and expertise in the traditional energy industry.  SURGE will accelerate entrepreneurs innovating in three primary segments – Smart Grid Applications, Energy Trading & Risk Management and the Digital Oilfield – by providing them with the seed capital, expert mentorship and industry ecosystem to rise to true market validation.  SURGE Accelerator's Houston and Gulf Coast resources ensure entrepreneurs benefit from access to the largest deregulated electricity market, largest population of smart meters, second largest information technology service economies, and one of the world's best ecosystems to help an entrepreneur grow their company from idea to prototype to market leader.  For more information on SURGE Accelerator and the application process, visit www.surgeaccelerator.com.

Media Contact
Suzanne Tormollen
Atingo Public Relations for SURGE
281-785-1280
[email protected]

Energy Media Contact
Brandy Brazell Obvintsev
Energy People Connect for SURGE
281-222-7277
[email protected]

SOURCE SURGE Accelerator