Hartford business development center to focus on elder care, smart buildings

Nov. 27--Upward, Hartford's downtown business development center, is turning its attention to spurring startup companies and innovation in the fast-growing fields of smart buildings and caring for the aged.

A $3.9 million investment over two years from Connecticut Innovations, the state's venture capital firm, will contribute to establishing labs that will invest in companies and support efforts to recruit businesses and pay for other operating expenses.

Smart-building and aged-care startups selected for the program will work for six months in labs established as part of the project. The companies will pilot their products with partners in commercial and residential properties and senior care programs and work with corporations to test their pilot programs.

Every six months, Upward will bring five startups each in those fields, for a total of 40 companies over the two years. Upward will rely on a mix of private backing and funding from Connecticut Innovations.

Businesses that care for the aged are tracking a rapidly growing population. Partners in the project would include home health care providers and assisted living centers.

"The world is begging for it now," said Shana Schlossberg, founder and chief executive officer of Upward.

Smart buildings, which are connected to the internet to provide remotely operated thermostats, appliances, security systems and other equipment in homes and commercial buildings, also are increasing in demand as digital technology continues to advance.

Schlossberg said Upward will work with residential and commercial properties as partners.

Details on the Connecticut Innovations contract, which is expected to be executed in a week or two, were not available Monday, a spokeswoman said.

Upward Hartford, operating in 34,000 square feet in the Stilts Building at Church Street, was founded in 2017 to establish a network of business owners, investors, entrepreneurs and others to spur economic activity.

Schlossberg said she sees Upward as a downtown center to provide working space to entrepreneurs and business innovators in fields as diverse as insurance and technology.

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