SURGE Accelerator Announces Last Call for 2012 Program Applications with January 9th Deadline

HOUSTON, Jan. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- With just a few days left, SURGE Accelerator today announced the application deadline for its 2012 Program is closing on Monday, January 9th.  Entrepreneurs, start-up founders and later-stage companies can submit their plans to solve the world's energy problems by visiting www.surgeaccelerator.com today! 

Since announcing the call for applications in November, SURGE has already received over 400 prospects from across the world including Greece, India, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Slovakia, UK, and the United States.  Application ideas have spanned a variety of market areas including smart grid, energy trading, digital oilfield, energy efficiency and regulatory compliance.

According to Kirk Coburn, Managing Director and co-founder of SURGE Accelerator, "The response from the energy, technology and investment communities worldwide has been overwhelming.  In just 60 days we were able to exceed our original application goals.  And, interestingly the applications have spanned many geographies and a variety of energy efficient technologies.  Furthermore, not only have they been from first-time entrepreneurs but also from later-stage companies that need some help accelerating their products to commercialization.  There are some amazing ideas from some amazing people and we can't wait to announce the Top 10 later this month!"

Based in Houston, the Energy Capital of the World, SURGE has created a one-of-a-kind accelerator program for the Energy industry.  Beginning in March, the 10 finalists will participate in SURGE's 12-week mentoring program and receive a minimum of $30,000 in cash and more than $20,000 of in-kind partner services.  In addition, with access to over 90 SURGE mentors, finalists will be provided advice and counsel essential to creating their business plans and bringing their products to market.

According to Brett Perlman, President of Vector Advisors, "There's a need in the energy industry to reduce the country's reliance on fossil fuels and improve energy efficiency.  While great strides have been taken in many areas of the industry, there's still a lot that can be done.  By bridging the expertise from today's leading energy and technology influencers with key development and investment strategies, SURGE is a winning bet for any entrepreneur or later-stage company.  And, the location couldn't be better!  Houston is the ideal place to bring an energy software idea, product or service to market."

In addition to the in-kind partner services and money received, finalists of the SURGE Program will also be given the opportunity to 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.  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.

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]

SOURCE SURGE Accelerator