R/GA announces second wave of startups selected for Accelerator Program

The accelerator will lead the companies through a programme that taps into R/GA’s knowledge in business and brand consulting, product and services innovation, and marketing and communications.

The programme is built on Techstars’ methodology and also provides access to mentors from R/GA’s global network of clients.

“This year we had an unprecedented number of applications that has demonstrated the broad adoption of IoT technology across numerous industry verticals,” said Stephen Plumlee, global chief operating officer, R/GA.

“We are excited to kick off this second class with Techstars because our partnership has already proven that it can enable startups to build a brand, not just a product, which helps grow their businesses and increase their chances for success.”

At the end of the program, all 10 companies will present to investors, media, select R/GA clients, and industry leaders, at an invite-only Demo Day in NYC, in February 2015. Each accepted team is eligible to receive up to $120,000 in funding from R/GA and Techstars.

This year’s R/GA Accelerator companies are:

1. Astro – A New York City-based company that has created a series of automated devices that change the way consumers interact with their homes.
2. Bitfinder – Based in Seoul, Korea and San Francisco, Bitfinder’s portable device and software platform detect airborne and environmental irritants.
3. Chargifi – London-based startup that provides wireless and location-based charging stations with a platform for content or advertising.
4. Diagenetix – The Honolulu startup has built a low-cost, portable diagnostics tool that allows food producers, processors, and buyers to test for pathogens.
5. Freedom Audio – Reflecting its Florida roots, this company develops durable and waterproof wireless audio products Latch – Based in Washington, DC, this startup has developed a connected, keyless entry security platform using beacons to manage building access.
6. LISNR – With its supersonic beacon platform, this Cincinnati company can activate second-screen experiences from any source with a speaker.
7. Latch – Based in Washington, DC, this start-up has developed a connected, keyless entry security platform using beacons to manage building access.
8. One Million Metrics – A New York City-based company that creates connected devices for the workplace – including connected warehouse and office building tracking systems.
9. Pinoccio – A Reno, NV startup that has developed an IoT kit to build wireless, web-enabled projects that are mesh-networked, open source and Arduino compatible.
10. SkySpecs – Hailing from Ann Arbor, this startup offers a hardware-enabled software system to avoid drone collisions.