Canadian cleantech firm, RainStick, is one of 11 early-stage entrepreneurs chosen for a global accelerator program that advances water-efficient technologies. As part of the Imagine H2O Accelerator 2023 cohort, the Kelowna-based company gains access to a worldwide network of business development advisors and potential investors for its circulating shower, which captures, cleans and reuses water up to six times before it is released down the drain.

Since 2009, the accelerator program has shepherded more than 140 companies, helping them collectively raise more than USD $850 million to support early-stage development. Hundreds of start-ups applied for the latest round of the program, which is open to companies that have been incorporated for no more than seven years, earn less than USD $5 million in annual revenue and have garnered less than USD $10 million in equity investment.

“Having our team be among some of the world’s top game-changers when it comes to water innovation is an incredible accomplishment,” says Alisha McFetridge, RainStick’s co-founder. “We look forward to working with Imagine H2O and their network to drive RainStick forward as an everyday solution in residential water conservation.”

Imagine H2O also sponsors the Urban Water Challenge, which provides support and pilot funding to showcase water-efficient technology in a real city setting, and an Asia-specific accelerator. The 10 other members of this year’s H2O Accelerator cohort are based in the United States, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Chile and Norway.

“As the leading innovation program for water startups, we, at Imagine H2O, not only recognize the hallmarks of successful solutions in water, but also the defining traits of the leaders who bring them to light,” a statement from the mentor asserts. “These entrepreneurs are helping solve critical water issues by increasing efficiency, expanding equity, tackling climate change and improving health.”