In June, Microsoft announced a new startup accelerator focused on companies building gadgets, devices and software for the connected home and Internet of Things.
Now, we’re getting a closer look at the 10 companies Microsoft has picked to participate in the program, which begins this fall in Redmond.
“We share the belief that over time the home automation trend will fundamentally change how we interact with and manage our homes – making them more efficient, communicative and ultimately safer,” writes Steven Guggenheimer, Corporate Vice President and Chief Evangelist, Microsoft Developer Experience and Evangelism, in a blog post.
Microsoft doesn’t take an equity stake in the companies that move through their accelerators, but getting companies started on products like Windows and Azure could provide the company with a toehold in the future of home automation.
Microsoft received more than 400 applications for the accelerator, and here are the 10 that made the cut.
—Chai Energy delivers real-time energy understanding – from the whole house to individual appliances.
Contact: www.ChaiEnergy.com | @ChaiEnergy | info@chaienergy.com
—Heatworks Heatworks is the world’s first fully electronic, connected, water heater that conserves water and energy in any application. Contact: www.myheatworks.com | @HW_MODEL_1 | info@isitechnology.com
—Neura creates intuitive and intelligent experiences between users and their connected environments. Devices gain contextual awareness and adaptive learning capabilities required for today’s developing physical internet.
Contact: www.theneura.com/IoT | @TheNeura | hello@theneura.com
—Novi Security is a portable smart-security system to seamlessly track activities across the home. Contact: www.novisecurity.com | @NoviSecurity | support@novisecurity.com
—Reemo is a wrist-worn, gesture control wearable, interoperable interface for both conventional appliances and more recent connected homes. Point, sync and gesture control. Contact: www.getreemo.com | @Playtabase | info@playtabase.com
—Plum is Wi-Fi enabled light-pads, smart plugs and outlets that let the users control lights and electronics from a wall switch or from anywhere in the world using a smart phone. Contact: www.plumlife.com | @GetPlum | info@plumlife.com
Red Balloon Security is ubiquitous host-based defense for embedded devices. Contact: www.redballoonsecurity.com | @RBSecurity | a@redballoonsecurity.com
Scanalytics is the centerpiece for understanding consumer behavior in the offline world. Contact: www.scanalyticsinc.com | @ScanalyticsInc | info@scanalyticsinc.com
Sentri’s HD camera and built-in sensors track the home’s vital stats and trends, allowing users to track temperature, humidity, air quality, weather and more. Contact: www.sentri.me | @Sentri4u | hello@sentri.me
Wallflowr is connected home technology that helps consumers prevent and significantly reduce risks related to accidental fires caused by ranges, stoves and ovens. Contact: www.wallflowr.com | @wallflowrinc | info@wallflowr.com
