Idle Smart earns $125K in national clean energy program
December 1, 2016 | Bobby Burch
Idle Smart recently was dubbed a top clean-energy firm and won some substantial investment capital for its technology.
Based in Kansas City, Kan., the company was voted by its peers as the top firm in the Energy: US 2016 program, nabbing $125,000 for its smart thermostat device for fleet vehicles, such as semi-trucks. The company’s device only kicks the truck on when necessary to maintain the temperature of the cabin, recharge batteries or create engine warmth, thus saving fuel and mitigating environmental impact.
To win the program, nine startups ranked each other in a peer-selection process and named Idle Smart as the top firm. The Autonomous Tractor Corporation won second prize and $100,000.
Village Capital, the New Belgium Family Foundation and Sustainable America awarded Idle Smart the funds. As part of the program, Idle Smart also received mentoring from industry experts and potential investors.
Founded by CEO Jeff Lynch in 2012, Idle Smart is based in the Kansas City Startup Village and owns a patent on its smart thermostat tech. In July, Startland News named the company as one of its top under-the-radar startups in Kansas City.
2016 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
KU Health System pilots KC health startup in rural Kansas
Kansas City-based software startup Redivus Health landed a partnership with the University of Kansas Health system, which will put its technology in the hands of many rural Kansans. Launched in 2012, Redivus Health was founded by a group of physicians wanting to create better solutions for critical care situations. In 2015, the firm created a…
Sprint Accelerator welcomes seven startups to KC, launches 2017 program
The Sprint Accelerator announced Monday the seven startups from around the country that it welcomed into its fourth annual program, which also launched Monday. For the 2017 cohort, the Sprint Accelerator is focused on solidifying corporate partnerships. Fueled by Dairy Farmers of America and Virgin Mobile, the 90-day program will welcome startups from two tracks…
Chicago-based coworking firm coming to Kansas City
A Chicago-based coworking company announced it’s opening an office in Kansas City. Level Office, which already has 15 locations in the nation, will be located on the 9th floor of 1301 Oak St. The 44,860-square-foot building will offer private offices as well as a communal lounge area. Amenities include on-site administrative support, Google Fiber, beer…
UMKC’s Bloch School announces new Dean
University of Missouri-Kansas City announced last week the appointment of a new Dean for the Henry W. Bloch School of Management. Brian Klaas, Ph.D., is currently senior associate Dean for research and academics and director of the Riegel & Emory Human Resource Center at the Darla Moore School of Business, University of South Carolina. UMKC…