New Startups Unleashed: Will Pittsburgh Become the Next Silicon Valley? Shocking Stats Inside!

PITTSFIELD — In a vibrant push towards innovation, six start-ups are seizing the moment in the Berkshires, with ambitious projects ranging from self-charging phone cases to autonomous weed-killing robots. These early-stage technology firms have been welcomed into the Berkshire Innovation Center's (BIC) Stage 2 Accelerator Program, a 35-week initiative aimed at supporting entrepreneurs with working prototypes who are primed for scaling their innovations.

Launched in 2023, this program aims to bolster start-ups with technical expertise and access to advanced resources. According to BIC Executive Director Ben Sosne, the focus of this initiative is not on "chasing unicorns," but rather on empowering "smart, mission-driven founders" to take their next crucial steps in business development. Past success stories, like Noble Carbon, which created smart circuit breaker technology for real-time energy monitoring, have found a home at BIC and serve as a testament to the program's potential.

This year's cohort includes companies tackling challenges in energy, agriculture, behavioral health, and artificial intelligence:

Innovative Startups Making Waves

DIEL TECHNOLOGIES

Led by a team of four recent UMass Amherst graduates, Diel Technologies is pioneering a phone case that generates energy through the user's movements. Co-founder Benjamin Hyjek explained, “We found a way to convert movement into energy. It's an axial flux motor made out of the printed circuit board that we can put into different devices.” The team aims to leverage BIC's labs to expedite their prototyping and connect with mentors to advance their business.

GLOBE GROWN

Drawing inspiration from her farming background, Marie-Pascale Ruberandinda, founder and CEO of Globe Grown, is working on an autonomous system that utilizes lasers to target weeds in crops like cotton, soybeans, and corn. Her technology not only aims to eliminate weeds effectively but also provides farmers with crucial data on soil health. “In Tennessee and Texas, I didn't have access to farmland right away…this is going to be wonderful for us to actually interact with farmers,” Ruberandinda noted.

TASK MIND

Task Mind is a new AI-driven platform designed to optimize sales team efficiency by providing real-time insights and tools for effective outreach. Co-founder Tyler Norcross shared his hopes that the platform can enhance workflows for high-ticket B2B sales. With its software-only approach, Task Mind differentiates itself from the other hardware-based ventures in the program, excited about the networking opportunities BIC offers.

ENSŌ

Focusing on behavioral health, ENSŌ is developing an AI-powered behavior management system to provide emotional support during critical moments of vulnerability. CEO Hessan Sedaghat explained, “Our solution combines proven, science-backed interventions… to provide real-time emotional and behavioral support.” Initially targeting substance use disorders, the platform has potential applications for various compulsive behaviors and loneliness. Joining BIC is seen as pivotal for refining their hardware and preparing for large-scale deployment.

ELIMENTRA TECHNOLOGIES

Elimentra Technologies is tackling the pressing issue of waste by developing technology that captures carbon from discarded materials, transforming it into useful products. Co-founder Benjamin Lamb emphasized the dual benefit: “If you can take waste and turn it into a valuable product, that's a win-win.” The team hopes to expand their network and collaborate with other startups during their time at BIC.

HKG ENERGY

HKG Energy has introduced a groundbreaking material known as Terra Silicon, designed to tackle the cost and performance challenges of traditional battery materials. Claims indicate an energy density exceeding 400 Wh/kg, with the ability to charge in under 15 minutes. The company is now engaged in talks with major automakers about early pilot projects, highlighting its potential for large-scale production.

The BIC’s Stage 2 Accelerator Program is more than just a launchpad for these start-ups; it represents a nurturing community where emerging companies can thrive. As these six innovative firms begin their journey, they embody the spirit of entrepreneurship and technological advancement that the Berkshires are eager to cultivate.