The pandemic is prompting more accelerator programs to emerge or expand to help entrepreneurs navigate the already challenging startup landscape in an even more challenging time. Some of these efforts aim to help startups pivot quickly as old markets evaporated and new ones emerge. A number of these efforts are happening in high-potential parts of the Midwest ripe for tech expansion.

• Silicon Valley-based pre-seed accelerator Founder Institute is launching a chapter in Nebraska to serve the Omaha and Lincoln areas, reports Digital Journal. The cohort will be online for health and safety precautions.
• Four Indiana entrepreneurs launched NEXT Studios, a venture studio to help other startups get off the ground, reports Inside INdiana Business.

Today’s headlines:

🚄 TRANSPORTATION: The U.S. Department of Transportation announced nearly $5 million in funding for four new university transportation centers to advance transportation innovation. Northwestern University and Ohio State University are two of the recipients.

***SPONSORED LINK: The Rise Up! podcast brings real-time, relevant energy and policy information to Midwest stakeholders through an engaging and entertaining medium. Episode 4: “Credit Where Credit is Due” with special guest Andy Johnson is out now! #RiseUpMidwest***

🏢 WEBINAR: On Tuesday, the Clean Energy Trust will run the first of two webinars focused on healthy and safe building design in the age of COVID.

👩 HONORS: St. Paul, Minnesota-based Ecolab is the only business from the Midwest focused on clean energy and water to make the top 20 on Forbes’ recently released Best Employers for Women 2020 list.

JUUUST OUTSIDE THE MIDWEST:

• • Kentucky-based agtech startup AppHarvest raised $28 million in a Series C funding round, Bloomberg reports. The business plans to open the world’s largest greenhouse this fall and is backed by a hedge fund aiming to boost more sustainable food production in the United States.
  • Denver-based Advanced Energy introduced a new power supply system for the solar photovoltaic manufacturing industry. Its five-output power supply is designed to optimize power delivery and reduce infrastructure costs.

• Do you know other Midwest tech news I should cover in Centered? Send news tips, press releases, and feedback via email to katie@centered.tech or connect on LinkedIn and Twitter @centereddottech.