Cerahelix Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 22, 2016
Cerahelix, an Orono, Maine nanotechnology company that uses DNA to create its patented high purity ceramic filters, has been selected by Plug and Play Ventures to join their start-up accelerator program in Sunnyvale, California from July 28th to October 26th 2016. Cerahelix, whose new class of filters solve problems that cross cut a large number of industries, is motivated to take advantage of this internationally known, competitive program. Plug and Play provides access to leaders in numerous industries where Cerahelix’s filter makes manufacturing more sustainable, a growing concern for many of these corporations.
Cerahelix CEO Susan MacKay and VP of Business Strategy Jutta Von Dirke traveled to California last week to participate in selection day for the second batch of Plug and Play’s Global Innovation Platform for New Materials and Packaging, one of their nine industry-specific programs. Plug and Play reviews over 100 companies recommended by their corporate partners for each section of their platform. Twenty of those companies are invited to selection day where they make their case with a four-minute pitch and two-minute Q&A in front of the judges. The top companies are invited back to participate in the twelve-week program, giving them access to the resources of this Silicon Valley based venture fund that specializes in connecting startups with partners and investors.
“We are really excited about this opportunity,” said Cerahelix CEO Susan MacKay. “It seems like a long way to go from Maine to California, but it is worth the trip because Plug and Play brings people from all over the world into their tech center. This program gives us access to a wide range of industry leaders; even on selection day we made some great connections. Throughout the three months, Plug and Play will sponsor events with mentors. They will facilitate pilot projects and meetings with corporate partners. They will provide open office hours with investors.”
Plug and Play is the most active investor in Silicon Valley, investing in over 100 companies a year. They review over 4,000 companies every year and connect startups making important advancements in their industries with leaders in those fields through their “industry-specific accelerator programs.” Being in the program also gives companies access to a larger array of investors and mentors; Plug and Play’s network extends from Silicon Valley around the world.
This opportunity comes at a crucial time for Cerahelix, which is now in the pilot testing phase. The company is currently building a pipeline of customers and pilot project partners as they begin to scale up. Plug and Play will give Cerahelix the chance to meet many industry leaders and other potential customers on an international stage. As CEO Susan Mackay said, “This gives us a chance to reach beyond the east coast; their network is global.”
Cerahelix, Inc. was established in 2011 to develop energy saving filtration products based on its patented technology using DNA to create nano-engineered ceramics. Cerahelix filters provide superior filtration performance under a range of harsh and challenging conditions.
If you’d like more information about Cerahelix, or to schedule an interview with Susan MacKay, please call 207/299-3336, or email [email protected]