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
Make it Red February: Here are 20+ must-see additions to your KC closet (Super Bowl edition)
The haters might have counted the Kansas City Chiefs out of Super Bowl contention after a lackluster regular season, but these shirts from across the spectrum of KC makers are for the fans who relish the role of underdog, villain, road warrior, and, of course, Swiftie. Check out 20-plus new designs to intercept before the…
Taylor Swift’s Super Bowl ring: How a $14 gold loop on the world’s most famous popstar scored big for this KC maker
Emily Bordner couldn’t believe the once-in-a-lifetime response to her Travis Kelce-themed ring’s appearance on the finger of one of the world’s biggest celebrities. “I’m still in shock,” said Bordner, owner of EB and Co., after images of superstar Taylor Swift rocking her jewelry at the AFC Championship Game on Sunday exploded on social media and…
It’s showtime for KC makers as demand for Super Bowl gear hits the jackpot: Go BTS with Charlie Hustle
Even though the Kansas City Chiefs are headed to their fourth Super Bowl appearance in five years, Jordan Betts shared, fans are still snatching up merchandise like it’s the first time. “These aren’t even winning-the-Super Bowl shirts,” said Betts, communications manager for Kansas City-based Charlie Hustle, referencing the apparel brand’s newly debuted “Showtime in Vegas”…
‘You’re not just a fan; it’s your livelihood!’ KC makers’ work featured in Chiefs’ playoffs trailer
The NFL playoffs tease a new season of creativity for Kansas City makers like Johnny and Michele Dawbarn — especially when the Chiefs’ success starts the clock on new opportunities. The couple behind Collective EX, sewKC, and HITIDES Coffee (all within their symbiotic studio space in the East Crossroads) recently helped design several items featured…