What is IgniteX?

IgniteX is a 12-week, primarily virtual, cohort program designed to empower start-ups offering scalable solutions for critical human infrastructure. Program participants partner with Black & Veatch experts to co-develop, pilot, and market their new technology. Participants receive mentorship, access to our vast industry network, product testing opportunities, pitch development coaching, and investor introductions. Participants receive up to $35,000 in non-dilutive grant funding and in-kind services and potential equity investment funding of $50,000 - $1000,000.

Why is Black & Veatch’s IgniteX program unique?

Black & Veatch is a global Engineering, Procurement, Construction (EPC), and Consulting company with a track record of bringing innovative technologies to market. As a long-term advisor and investor in game-changing technologies, we uniquely offer the following:

• Practical experience and know-how from over 100 years of experience in advancing tens of thousands of ideas from concept to successful implementation

• Reduced development time, cost, and risk to deploy and scale innovative ideas

• Due diligence expertise and improved confidence for your potential financiers or customers

• Market insights regarding how your technology will compete in the industry from a cost, performance, and risk standpoint

• Project development experience and access to our Diode Ventures business entity to further inform how your ideas will scale in the market

• A global reach with professionals, suppliers, clients, and projects throughout the world

• Networking and support for future opportunities

What do IgniteX program participants receive from Black & Veatch?

Black & Veatch has the experience, flexibility, and culture of innovation necessary to tailor support to the specific needs and technology of your start-up. We continue to work with most IgniteX participants long after the 12-week program. Examples of how Black & Veatch supports program participants includes (but is not limited to) the following:

• Engineering and design support

• Co-submittals for grant applications

• Contracting services

• EPC partnership services

• Procurement/supply chain support

• Technology piloting opportunities on our project or client sites

• Early adopter purchases of your software, equipment, or services from

• Joint marketing and development

• Introductions to clients, suppliers, and investors

• Direct financial investments

What does the IgniteX program timeline look like?

Recruitment and Application

• Application via short online form

Selection

• Black & Veatch experts review applications and select start-up participants, usually five to eight

• Selection criteria includes fit between start-up needs/Black & Veatch capabilities, business/team considerations, level of technology development, and other considerations such as diversity, equity, and inclusion

• Program is most impactful for start-ups that have completed technology validation and are ready for pilot or full-scale deployment

Core Program (12 weeks)

• Primarily a virtual program, with some in-person meetings

• Program participants are partnered with Black & Veatch champion experts to support, co-develop, pilot, and/or market their new technology

• Participants receive mentorship, access to our vast industry network, product testing opportunities, pitch development coaching, and investor introductions

“Demo Day” Showcase Event (2 days)

• In-person event to showcase participants’ innovative ideas

• Open to public to attend in person or to watch online recording

• Lead-up activities to showcase event including pitch practice, networking, and working sessions with BV experts

Post-Program (ongoing)

• Post-accelerator engagement plan developed to ensure participants get level and type of support they need to successfully scale the technology and strengthen our relationship. This may include project support, joint business development, government grants, etc.

• Access to awards sponsorship including the Edison Awards

What stage of development should companies be in to participate in the IgniteX program?

The IgniteX program is designed to support companies that have reached at least the prototype stage of development and are looking to focus on scaling their technology and deploying it in the real world. However, companies in the testing and validation stage, as well as those in the demonstration stage, may also greatly benefit from participating in the program. Our goal is to provide support to companies at various stages of development as they work towards bringing their technology to market.

How long does it take to apply?

We use a simple our application to collect the bare minimum of information, most of which you should already have on-hand (e.g., standard pitch deck). We do have a couple of questions that are specific to Black & Veatch to explore how we might work together. The application should take about an hour to complete.

How much funding is Black & Veatch providing to companies selected as part of IgniteX?

There are multiple types of support provided by Black & Veatch to participating start-ups:

• Up to $35,000 in non-dilutive grant funding to cover travel expenses for program participation and in-kind professional services from Black & Veatch

• Potential $50,000 - $100,000 in equity investment funding if desired by start-up (see next question)

• All participants will receive other program benefits including (but not limited to) marketing, public relations, mentorship, networking, education, and participation in the showcase event

• Additionally, Black & Veatch may provide co-marketing and sales development support including go-to-market planning, joint marketing, customer identification and introductions, joint business development (including grant support), and proposals for services

How does Black & Veatch structure equity investments as part of IgniteX?

We are very flexible. We recognize our equity investments are relatively small ($50,000 to $100,000), so we generally follow other investors’ leads in structuring the transaction. We can provide quick funding between rounds as part of a SAFE agreement or convertible debt. Alternatively, we can participate in a formal funding round. We can provide either cash or in-kind services in exchange for equity. Occasionally we participate in follow-on investments.

Where is the program based? Do I need to be there in person?

Black & Veatch is headquartered in the Kansas City area. We plan for a couple of events you will be required to attend in-person in Kansas City or another suitable location. The remaining programming will be virtual.

I think Black & Veatch would be interested in my start-up; however, I don’t think the IgniteX program is the right fit for my company at this time. I would still like to talk to Black & Veatch. How can I get in touch?

Feel free to contact us at ignitex@bv.com with more information about your company, and we will get you in touch with the right people.

I have another question not addressed here. Who can I reach out to?

Please feel free to email us at ignitex@bv.com.